UCF defense regroups, shows strength

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HUNTINGTON — A quick warning: Overlook that part where Central Florida was roughed up for 116 points in two weeks by East Carolina and South Florida.

UCF’s defense has the full attention of Marshall coach Mark Snyder, that once-upon-a-time part-time assistant in Orlando. And viewing the Knights’ two games since losing 52-38 to ECU and 64-12 to USF, it probably should.

On Oct. 20, the Knights (5-3 overall, 3-1 Conference USA) stuck a cork in that high-powered Tulsa offense, holding the Golden Hurricane to nine points in the final three periods of a 44-23 victory. The Knights picked off four Paul Smith passes.

Last weekend, UCF forced four more turnovers and left Southern Mississippi with a 34-17 victory. A week after holding Tulsa under 400 total yards, the Knights nearly held Southern Miss under 300.

By Conference USA standards, those are “Monsters of the Midway” stats. Marshall will try to score on that unit at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Orlando.

Doug Smock: WV Gazette