Conference: American Athletic
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
Williams inherited a UCF defense that ranked 123rd in the country in 2020 (also 121st in passing yards allowed and 92nd in scoring defense), lost three DBs picked in 2021 NFL Draft, then lost his best defensive player (DT Kalia Davis) to a season-ending injury in 5th game of 2021. Despite that, his defense rebounded from allowing 56 points on the road at #2 Cincinnati to help win 3 straight games while allowing 7, 7 (on a TD in final 30 seconds of 49-7 win) and then 10 in those contests–and that marked best 3-game stretch in terms of points allowed since 2014 and only 3rd time in UCF history Knights allowed 10 or fewer in 3 straight games. The 14-10 comeback win over Tulane marked 1st time UCF won a regular-season game with 14 or fewer points in 30 years.
Coach's Past Performance
This is Williams’ 1st season as full defensive coordinator. At Auburn in 2019-20 he was co-defensive coordinator and coached linebackers the three previous seasons. His Auburn teams ranked 17th or better in scoring defense nationally in 4 of his last 5 seasons with Tigers. In those 5 years, Auburn allowed only 54 rushing TDs, ranking 5th nationally. Auburn’s defense in 2019 ranked 8th in red-zone and 3rd-down defense, in 2018 ranked 14th in scoring defense (19.2) and in 2017 rated 14th in total defense and 12th in scoring defense (18.5).
Team Record and Standings
UCF is 6-3 overall, 4-2 for 3rd place in American Athletic Conference
Team/Unit Stats
UCF stands 42nd in total defense (352.6), 22nd in turnovers gained (16), 15th in team passing efficiency defense (115.29), 59th in scoring defense (24.1)
Individual Player Stats
UCF team leaders: Bryson Armstrong 77 tackles (5th in AAC), Tatum Bethune 66 (6th in AAC); Big Kat Bryant 9 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 7 QB hurries; Dyllon Lester 2 Ints.; Davonte Brown 7 PBU; Cam Goode 3 forced fumbles (3rd nation) Quadric Bullard 3 fumble recoveries (1st in nation)
