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Florida football senior defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp had reason to celebrate after UF's 24-13 win over UCF on Saturday night at The Swamp.

Not only did Sapp contribute to a defense that sacked UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson five times and held UCF to 108 yards rushing at 2.7 yards per carry, but he also did so on his 22nd birthday.

“Tonight we got it rolling,” Sapp said. “We got going on defense.”

It remains to be seen how much the Florida Gators (3-2, 1-1 SEC) can continue to progress defensively against the teeth of their SEC schedule. Five of UF's next six opponents are ranked in the top 12 of the USA LBM Coaches' Poll, although one of those opponents, No. 4 Tennessee, lost 19-14 at Arkansas on Saturday night.

But the open week seemed to help the development of UF's younger defensive players, who excelled in different ways against the Knights. Second-year linebacker Grayson Howard recorded his first career sack, while second-year safety Bryce Thornton came through with his first career interception to seal the game in the fourth quarter. True freshman edge rusher LJ McCray and true freshman defensive tackle D'Antre Robinson each had half a sack and sophomore safety Jordan Castell recorded a team-high six tackles.

“These guys continue to improve,” Napier said. “They are very talented. There's so much to learn, you know, not only is there a physical component, but you also have to get bigger and stronger, you have to get in condition.”

“You have to learn the fundamentals and the technique, but there is also a lot of mentality in this game and I think these guys are starting to make sense. You have gained some experience. You start to acquire reps. It adds up and then.” Suddenly they come out and make the most of their opportunity.

Fourth down stops after Florida football's defensive momentum increased in the first half

Florida got two defensive stops on fourth down in the first half, dynamic plays that helped the Gators build a 24-3 halftime lead.

The first came when UCF decided to try the ball on fourth-and-1 from its own 43. Jefferson attempted to sneak up the middle but was stopped to no avail by defensive linemen Jack Pyburn and Caleb Banks.

“It was huge,” Sapp said. “We understood that they would try. We understood exactly what they were going to do. Obviously they’re one of the best rushing teams in the country.”

The second score came late in the first half when UCF was able to extend its drive due to a questionable roughing-the-punter penalty. Napier was upset by the call and received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty after barking at the officials.

“You probably have to show a little more composure and composure,” Napier said. “But I was here to compete tonight, right?”

UCF advanced to the UF 34-yard line, but on a fourth-and-9 play, Florida defenders George Gumbs Jr. and Justus Boone combined to sack Jefferson, resulting in a loss of nine yards.

“We fought for Coach Nape,” Sapp said. “We understand he was frustrated, and when he's frustrated, we get frustrated too and think, 'Well, we need to step up,' and we all had to step up as a group.”

Kevin Brockway is the Florida beat writer for The Gainesville Sun. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on X @KevinBrockwayG1

On By John Fenwick

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