BYU Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over UCF in Boca Raton Bowl

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Dec 22, 2020; Boca Raton, Florida, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Isaiah Herron (11) tackles UCF Knights running back Greg McCrae (30) during the first half at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2. BYU’s defense stole the show

Facing one of the best offenses in all of college football is a daunting task, even for a defense that allows just over 300 yards per game and is one of the best non-Power Five units in the nation.

However, BYU’s defense stole the show on Tuesday night.

When two offensive juggernauts meet, you usually have a shootout, but BYU’s defense kept Dillon Gabriel and the Knights’ offense in check. That doesn’t often happen, but that just goes to show just how good the Cougars are. Not many defenses can drop eight guys and rush three and make Gabriel look as bad as he did.

Gabriel was running for his life all game and the pocket was collapsing often as the young quarterback had to throw on the run. His accuracy obviously suffered.

BYU held UCF to 411 yards and 23 points which may not seem that impressive, but the Knights averaged nearly 600 yards and 44 points per game this season — and a lot of that production came in garbage time on Tuesday night.

What a defensive showing for the Cougars.

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