UCF has faced its share of adversity after 10 players opted out before the start of the season due to concerns about COVID-19. Now the team must finish out the season without four veteran defensive starters.
The Knights are moving forward without defensive tackle Kenny Turnier, defensive end Randy Charlton, linebacker Eric Mitchell and defensive back Antwan Collier, who were removed from the team following a traffic stop and dispute with campus police on Oct. 29.
Two days after the four defensive starters were removed from the lineup, UCF delivered one of its most impressive defensive performances of the season, holding Houston without an offensive score for nearly 40 minutes during a 44-21 road win.