UCF Football: Report card from big Week 3 win over Stanford

Defense

Defensive Line: B

UCF’s defensive line was quiet yet incredibly effective in Week 3. They were able to force six quarterback hurries on Costello and frustrated them all evening, despite not getting any sacks. The defensive line was able to take advantage to injuries to the Stanford offensive line. A solid performance again, with the only knock being the success Stanford found on the ground in the second half.

Linebackers: A

Eric Mitchell, Eriq Gilyard and Nate Evans were all over the ball, especially in the underneath routes on short passes. Gilyard finished with seven tackles while Evans had two tackles for loss, doing a great job of filling the gaps and getting in the backfield.

This is one of the strongest line backer units UCF has ever had. All three linebackers are athletic and contribute in pass and rush defense. This is a really complete unit.

Defensive Backs: A

The strongest unit of the defense was at it again in Week 3. They held KJ Costello, a future NFL quarterback, to just 199 yards on less than 50 percent passing, and one interception.

The best safety duo in the conference, Reggie Grant and Antwan Collier, led the team in tackles. Aaron Robinson got the interception and nearly took it all the way back for a touchdown. Tay Gowan was again sensational on defense and the unit dominated from the onset.

This unit will win the Knights a lot of games this season.