The UCF defense is a formidable group that outranks all in-state rivals in Total Defense and in the Top 20 nationally. Additionally, Through the first 3 games of the 2022 season, the Knights rank in the Top 20 nationally in multiple key categories including Blocked Kicks, Passing Yards Allowed, Red Zone Defense, Passing Efficiency Defense, Kick Off Return Defense, and 3rd Down Conversion Percentage Defense.

Here are the categories that the Knights’ Defense rank in the Top 20 nationally and how they compare to their in-state rivals:

4th(tied) – Blocked Kicks with 2 blocks – FSU 4th(tied), Miami & FIU 18th(tied)

7th – Passing Yards Allowed with 34/81 completions for 121.7 yds/game – FSU 25th(tied), UF 27th, Miami 47th

10th – Red Zone Defense in 10 attempts giving up just 3 TD & 3 FG – Miami 15th(tied), UF 38th, FIU 39th(tied)

11th – Team Passing Efficiency Defense with 34/81 completions & 1 INT – UF 27th

11th – Kick Off Return Defense 13.5 yds/return – FSU 14th, FAU 23rd

19th(tied) – 3rd Down Conversion Percentage Defense 11/43 .256% – FSU 42nd

19th – Total Defense allowing 271.3 yds/game – Miami 24th, FSU 47th

Photo credit: Sean Russell & Cameron Robertson/FAAZ Sports