UCF Football: 3 bold predictions for matchup with Texas Tech

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Nov 11, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Rashod Owens (10) is tackled by UCF Knights defensive back Brandon Adams (31) during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Defense rides its momentum from last week.

The story of last week’s victory over Oklahoma State was unquestionably the play of the defense. Addison Williams’ unit has struggled in 2023, but they stepped up to the plate in big fashion against the Cowboys.

They turned Mike Gundy’s offense over four times, intercepting Alan Bowman on three occasions and recovering an Ollie Gordon fumble as well. They also stopped Oklahoma State on a fourth-down attempt.

When it was all said and done, 24 of the Knights’ 45 points came off turnovers.

It was the kind of performance that imbues a unit with confidence. During that five-game losing streak, it started to feel like they could do no right. They’ve now been reminded they can do a lot of right.

It’s unlikely the defense will hold Texas Tech to 3 points like they did against Oklahoma State, but they don’t need to. They just need to play with that same energy and intensity. If they force even half the turnovers they did in that game, they’ll put UCF’s offense in position to win this game.

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