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UCF vs. Kansas football preview: 3 things to know about each team

By Joshua Schulman

Sep 16, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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LAWRENCE, KANSAS – SEPTEMBER 1: Safety Marvin Grant #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates a tackle against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – SEPTEMBER 1: Safety Marvin Grant #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates a tackle against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

2. Kansas football has a much improved defense

While the team allowed a season-high 40 points against Texas, there is reason for optimism with the Kansas football defense. They are giving up 26.2 points per game, a colossal step up from last season’s abysmal 35.5.

Preseason All-Big 12 Defensive First Team selection Cobee Bryant and Minnesota transfer Austin Booker are the primary reasons for their improvements. The secondary still has some holes, Brian Borland’s unit is a progressing work in process.

A year ago, UCF would have been expected to come into Lawrence firing on all cylinders offensively. However, KU should be able to make defensive stops, especially if Timmy McClain remains the starter.

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