UCF football: 3 takeaways from tough loss at Kansas State

3. UCF defense must improve

UCF’s offense scored a garbage-time touchdown, so their final score should be realistically viewed more as a 24-point night than a 31-point night. Still, 24 should be enough to, at least, be within striking distance of Kansas State.

So, why wasn’t UCF in striking distance late in this game? It’s simple, they gave up far too many big plays.

For example, Wildcat running back DJ Giddens had a run of 36 yards and a reception of 24 yards. Will Howard had a 31-yard run that was a dagger of a fourth-quarter touchdown. Ben Sinnott registered a 22-yard reception.

In so many key moments, Kansas State was able to gain chunks of yards that proved back-breaking for the Knights.

Giddens didn’t just have a couple of big plays either. He racked up 207 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with 86 yards through the air. He had UCF’s number all night long.

If UCF is going to get exploited like that by Kansas State, who knows just how bad things will go against more explosive offenses.

Sure, the Big 12 has a reputation for its lack of defense, but UCF won’t survive the Power Five with the complete lack of defense they displayed at times on Saturday night.