The Mids undefeated start came to an end in Memphis as Navy just made too many mistakes to overcome a scrappy Tigers side. Now Navy gets to take on nationally ranked UCF in the first ever meeting between the two schools.
Here are the three keys to this one:
Slow down the UCF offense
The Knights are scoring an average of 51 points this season in what has been a remarkable turnaround from their 6-7 record in 2017. Head coach Scott Frost has put together a high scoring offense that has only been held below 51 points twice so far this season (Memphis and Maryland.) The Knights also beat the same Memphis team that just defeated Navy back in late September by as score of 40-13. This is a team that can score points and scores points fast.
The key to their offense is dynamic quarterback McKenzie Milton. Milton has passed for just a shade under 1,500 yards and he has 15 touchdowns so far this fall. He also ranks second on the UCF team with 198 rushing yards. The key for Navy here will be to stop the explosive plays. It is hard to see the Mids completely shutting down the Knights, but if they are able to play that bend but don’t break style and hold UCF to short gains and field goals then that will be considered a win.
Hit 60 run plays for the game
There is a chance that the Mids will have to score early and often to keep up with UCF in this one. The Knights have never played Navy before, so they have never faced this particular version of the triple-option attack. Head coach Scott Frost is well versed in flexbone techniques as a former Nebraska quarterback, to the point that Frost actually played the position for the scout team in the lead up to this game. The Navy attack, however, if different to the one Frost used to be in charge of.
One way or another, the Mids figure to have plenty of time on offense. UCF is a quick strike team, so whether they score or turn the ball over, Zach Abey will be seeing plenty of the field. Navy runs for just under 400 yards per game and if the Mids can hit 60 plays on the ground it will mean that the offense is rolling properly and not going three-and-out or settling for field goals.
Stop committing turnovers
Winning the turnover battle in this one would be nice, but for now, we will just accept Navy not turning the ball over as a way to get closer to winning the game. Navy had a horror show against Memphis, turning the ball over five times. This is an absurd number for a coach in Ken Niumatalolo who preaches winning games by not making mistakes. Abey had some serious fumble problems – after weeks of looking like he was past that stage – and as a result, the Navy offense took too long to get on track.
If Navy commits five turnovers against the Knights, the Mids will get blown out by 20 points. This is not an offense you can give extra possessions to and hope to stick around in the game. Ball security has to be a priority this Saturday, even if it means missing out on a big play because of a more conservative approach.
