UCF Football: 3 reasons the Knights should be ranked in top 10

2. Defense is quick and athletic

Many college football fans praise the defenses of Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson. However, the UCF defense is rarely recognized. Across the board, the Knight’s defensive players are smaller than most big-name defenses. However, where they lack in size, they make up for in speed and athleticism.

The speed was apparent in this week’s game against Pittsburgh. UCF forced many 3rd and long plays while making the Pitt quarterback, Kenny Pickett, scramble outside of the pocket despite the sizable offensive lineman for Pittsburgh. Additionally, UCFs speed is why they can compete with Power 5 teams like they did against Auburn in last year’s Peach Bowl.

Since Pitt knew that the UCF offense was going to attempt to score quickly throughout the game, the Panthers were hoping to win the time possession battle, which they did. However, the Pitt offense was scoreless through three quarters. The Panthers finally scored their first points with 4 minutes and 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

The College Football Playoff selection committee should not worry about the UCF defense when decision time comes.