{"id":431,"date":"2026-05-12T15:36:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T15:36:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=431"},"modified":"2026-05-12T15:36:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T15:36:51","slug":"ucf-remains-focused-on-forcing-turnovers-thats-not-negotiable-we-gotta-get-that-ball-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orlandorelocationreport.com\/?p=431","title":{"rendered":"UCF remains focused on forcing turnovers: \u2018That\u2019s not negotiable. We gotta get that ball out\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

When Alex Grinch stepped into the role of defensive coordinator at UCF last year, he quickly emphasized to his players the critical need to generate turnovers.<\/p>\n

Read more Pictures: Lake Eola swans through the years<\/a><\/p>\n

The Knights, however, struggled to create turnovers last season, finishing 12th in the Big 12 with only 14 takeaways. That, in turn, led the team to lose the turnover battle in eight of its 12 games, finishing 5-7.<\/p>\n

As a new season begins, Grinch\u2019s message about the importance of creating turnovers remains unchanged.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s something that wins and loses football games,\u201d said Grinch. \u201cUnfortunately, we found out the latter of the two, which is why we lost more games last year than we won, because we didn\u2019t get enough takeaways.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we play okay defensively and still find a way to get a win, but not get takeaways? We tried that and it didn\u2019t work. So, the message for our guys is and it\u2019s not a suggestion and it\u2019s not extra credit, it\u2019s something that is a rally cry in spring ball.\u201d<\/p>\n

The message is clear and it\u2019s been echoed throughout the defensive roster.<\/p>\n

New defensive backs coach David Overstreet II has also been stressing the importance of taking the ball away. It\u2019s something he believes should be on every player\u2019s mind when they step onto the football field.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most important thing in the field of that ball. Nothing matters without that football,\u201d said Overstreet. \u201cThey (opposing team) can\u2019t score if they ain\u2019t got the ball. When you watch tape, you say, \u2018You see this guy running by you right here? You tagged off. You really could punch the ball right here.\u2019<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s constantly telling the guys where they can get the ball and how they can get the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

UCF softball headed to Tallahassee after earning spot in NCAA Tournament<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n