UCF DC Alex Grinch Game Planning for Star TCU WR Return
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The UCF Knights' secondary will face an interesting challenge in Saturday's game against TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver Jordan Dwyer.
Dwyer is expected to make his season debut after TCU upgraded him to probable in the recent injury report. He suffered an apparent foot injury last December, according to Rotowire, that sidelined him for the Alamo Bowl against USC.
His recovery took about nine months, as he gradually worked his way back. Dwyer actively participated in fall camp, according to Steven Johnson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, but he missed all three non-conference games.
The senior finished second behind Eric McAllister in yards (730), touchdowns (seven) and receptions (54) last season. Ed Smalls leads the receiving corps this season, so his return strengthens the passing attack.
UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch called him a dynamic playmaker during Tuesday's media availability. He highlighted the difficulties of game planning against him when TCU changed parts of its scheme to compensate for his absence.
"How are they going to use him, where are they going to line him up, and those things aren't available to us," Grinch said. "And so, it'll be a wait-and-see."
The Knights' pass defense has always been their strength, and still is this season. They regressed in yards allowed per game (189.3) but have bumped up turnover generation, tying Baylor for second with four interceptions.
Demari Henderson has two interceptions, both against Georgia State, which won him the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week award; Jayden Williams has one interception returned for a touchdown, and linebacker Tackett Curtis recorded his first career interception last Saturday.
TCU quarterback Jaden Craig is UCF's toughest challenge in the Big 12 home opener. He has thrown for 903 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception this season.
The senior threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in back-to-back games against Grambling State and Arkansas State.
Grinch said Craig is impressive to watch, with a 70.7% completion rate and "puts it on the money" when throwing deep.
UCF's defense has been tested early, thanks to Georgia State's 24-point first half. Quarterback Cameran Brown threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns.
Grinch motivated his players with a halftime message, and the defense flipped a switch in the second half, showing resilience. The Knights held the Panthers to two field goals en route to their comeback 44-30 victory.
They will need that same resilience to limit the Dwyer-Craig connection throughout the game. UCF aims to win its first-ever Big 12 home opener and start conference play strong for the first time since 2024, when it beat TCU at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
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