UCF Knights defense continue to prove that they are one of the top defenses in the nation.  For the third consecutive week, the 5-1 Knights hold the top spot in Red Zone Defense. They are also currently ranked in the Top 25 in 6 other categories and in the Top 45 in 5 more.

Here are the categories that the Knights defense rank in the Top 50 nationally and how they compare to other top programs as well as their in-state rivals.

1st in Red Zone Defense – In 21 attempts, UCF has only allowed 11 scores 52.4% 3 rushing TD’s, 2 passing TD; 6 FG’s.; UGA 10th 70.0%, USF 25th, UM 32nd

5th(tied & idle) in Block Kicks – 3 blocked kicks.  FSU 13th(tied)

6th(tied & idle) in Blocked Punts – In 32 punt attempts, UCF has 2 blocks & both have been returned for TD’s.

8th(12th previously) in Scoring Defense – UCF has allowed 9 TD’s 8 field goals totaling 86 points for an average of 14.3 points/game. UGA 9.14 avg, Clemson 26th, UM 28th, FSU 45th

9th(18th previously) in Team Passing Efficiency Defense – 112/211 1,276yds 4 TD 2 INT 108.24 passing efficiency; UGA 5th 100.22

13th(7th previously) in 3rd Down Conversion Percentage Defense- 26/89 29.2%.  Alabama #2 at 25.2%, FAU 39th &  UM 46th

14th(Tied & 20th previously) in 4th Down Conversion Percentage Defense – 5/17 29.4%.  Cincinnati 1st 9.1%, Alabama 16th 30.0%, UF 25th

26th(41st previously) in Total Defense- 408 plays for 2,021 yards, 4.95 yds/play, 336.8 yds/game.; UGA 3rd 247.1 yds/game, FSU 25th; Miami 36th

26th in Time of Possession – 193 min total & 32 avg.  UGA 3rd 248 total 53 avg, UM 22nd

30th(tied & 25th previously) in 1st Downs Defense – 34 Rush, 62 Pass, 17 Penalty, Total 113.  Miami 11th, Alabama & Clemson unranked

35th(tied & 22nd previously) in Team Tackles For Loss – 39 for 123 total yards for 6.5 yds/game.  Cincinnati 1st 9.7/game, Miami 16th(tied), USF 28th(tied)

41st(unranked previously) in Rushing Defense – 197/745 yds, 3.78 yds/rush, 5 TD 124.3 yds/game.  UM 14th 98.2 yds/game

44th(45th previously) in Passing Yards Allowed- 112/211, 1,276 yards, 6.05 yds/attempt, 11.39 yds/completion. FSU 13th 10.29 yds/completion

Photo credit: Cameron Robertson