Despite a showing filled with penalties and mistakes, both the defensive line and the defensive backs put on strong performances for the Wave, forcing five turnovers and 12 tackles for loss, including seven sacks.
"I thought [the defenders] were dominant all day," head coach Curtis Johnson said. "Defensively, the one thing we can do is we can stop guys. We recruited a lot of good corners and linebackers who can run. Our team is built on speed. The one thing we’ve got to do is that we have got to keep the pressure on."
The Wave shifted the momentum in their favor in the second quarter when sophomore cornerback Parry Nickerson saved what looked like a sure touchdown play by UCF freshman wide receiver Chris Johnson.