A short-handed UCF defense stepped up in a big way, shutting down Houston and preserving a 44-21 road win Saturday.
The Knights (4-2, 3-2 AAC) forced two turnovers and held the Cougars (2-2, 1-1 AAC) to a season-low in points while handing them their first conference loss.
The UCF defense entered the game ranked next-to-last in the league in total defense, allowing 33 points and 482 yards per game.
UCF was without four starters on defense, with defensive tackle Kenny Turnier, defensive end Randy Charlton, linebacker Erik Mitchell and defensive back Antwan Collier all missing the trip.