Defense's struggles affect offense

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It's not that UCF Coach George O'Leary doesn't want to open up the Golden Knights' offense some. It's that the Knights' shortcomings on defense continue to be a hindrance.

UCF's opponents have converted on 50 of 95 third-down attempts this season, keeping the defense on its heels and forcing the Knights to alter their game plan on offense to catch up.

The Knights had a great opportunity early in the fourth quarter against Rice though they trailed 27-22. But the defense failed to get a stop and the Owls scored, putting the Knights in a two-touchdown hole.

UCF defensive coordinator Lance Thompson said he isn't deaf to the fact supporters are disappointed in what they have seen this season."I'm not disagreeing with them," Thompson said. "I feel the pain. . . . But the fans can't do anything about it. The only ones that can do anything about [it] are the players and the coaches. That's what's on us and we understand that."
Kyle Hightower: Sentinel Staff Writer