UCF was known for its bend-but-don't-break defense after its tenacious performances last season.
And for at least two quarters, the Knights showed flashes of that Saturday, backing South Carolina into a 14-8 halftime deficit. But unlike last season, there's been more breaking than bending during four disappointing nonconference losses.
Players are looking to shed their poor second-half habits as they prepare to travel to New Orleans this weekend for their first American Athletic Conference game of the season. UCF's game at Tulane kicks off at noon Saturday and will be broadcast on ESPNews.
"On defense, we just have to figure out how to just put them away and as a team put them away," said senior defensive end Thomas Niles.