The Houston defense stepped up against UCF, playing its best game of the season when it needed it most. After a rough first half, the offense finally clicked, and Houston pulled away for the win.
“Physicality. I thought it jumped out on the tape the entire day. Even in some rough moments,” defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong told me after Wednesday’s practice.
The defense had a few down moments early. On the first drive, poor tackling let a 49-yard play put UCF in the red zone. Later in the drive, an offsides penalty on third down gave UCF another, and they scored. Wednesday, Armstrong took the blame.
“I didn’t call a good call on (third down). I zeroed, and they ran a screen. Good job by them, bad job by me,” Armstrong said.
Outside of four explosive plays that totaled 143 yards, UCF averaged 3.44 yards per play. Houston held them to 5/17 on conversion downs, including two fourth-down stops. They also got to the quarterback twice, their first multiple-sack game since Oregon State.
UCF scored on its first 3rd-quarter drive, pushing the score to 17-0. Although a 37-yard run set them up at the two-yard line, Kentrell Webb’s effort to get downfield to make the tackle was big. If nothing else, it showed the team still wasn’t giving in. Armstrong called him the “unsung hero of the day.”
The offense finally got on the board, and that seemed to energize the team. But Latreveon McCutchin tipped a pass and then picked it off, which really turned things around. “The momentum really shifted for the entire team, [on] the pick,” Armstrong said.
Throughout the game, McCutchin showcased his versatility and athleticism. He showed he can cover a running back downfield or a tight end in the flats. He’s maintained his speed and fluidity even after putting on 55 pounds since arriving on campus.
Late in the game, Houston utilized McCutchin’s athleticism to spy the quarterback. Armstrong had done it sparingly in the first four games, but it was a weapon against UCF. The concept allows the defense to rush three and drop seven in coverage. Leaving McCutchin to shadow the passer and almost bait him into running.
I asked McCutchin about this responsibility after the game and how it suits him. “I like to rely on my will; I feel like I’m a pretty fast guy. My guys on the edge and my inside guys work together to flush the quarterback out and let me finish it up. I love it. I love that role.”
McCutchin’s interception came on this same type of play call. The quarterback stayed in the pocket, so he patiently read his eyes and got between him and the intended receiver. This let him deflect the pass and grab the game-changing interception.
According to PFF, last season McCutchin recorded 11 quarterback pressures on 145 pass-rush snaps. This season, he has 13 pressures on 98 pass-rush snaps. His pass-rush efficiency and ability to cover have made a big impact.
“Tre Tre has a lot of ability. And if Tre Tre can consistently prepare the right way and get in the right mental framework to go play well every week, he can be a real impact player in this conference,” Armstrong told me. “If he doesn’t, he’ll be average as grits.
“I commend him. He works really hard. He cares. Coach Ross does a good job with him. And I’m excited to see his continued development throughout the year.”
Armstrong was happy to see his unit finally break through after being so close all year. Houston’s defense will look to continue their improving play in Manhattan against Kansas State.
