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Alex Grinch Calls UCF Defense ‘Embarrassing’ After Baylor Loss

UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch takes responsibility for coverage breakdowns after Baylor's 41-9 win as the Knights prepare for Kansas.

UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch is searching for answers after the Knights’ 41-9 loss to Baylor, with another Big 12 matchup against Kansas approaching.

In a Wednesday report from On3’s UCF Sports, Grinch described the defensive performance as “embarrassing” and took responsibility for coverage breakdowns. The report’s publicly available summary also identifies injuries and communication problems as concerns heading into Saturday’s game.

The numbers illustrate the challenge. Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway threw for 319 yards and four touchdowns as the Bears amassed 503 yards of total offense in Orlando. UCF fell to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Big 12 play.

The Knights now face a short turnaround in preparation for Kansas. Cleaning up communication in the secondary and limiting explosive passing plays will be central to their response.

Grinch’s comments add a coaching perspective to the defensive concerns UCF players have already raised this week. Whether the Knights can translate that accountability into improved execution will become clear on Saturday.

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