Navy Key: Execute all elements of the triple-option
The Midshipmen need to stop being so one-dimensional and start giving defenses a heavy dose of all phases of the offense. Quarterback Zach Abey has literally carried the offense, rushing for 1,016 yards and 12 touchdowns on a whopping 183 carries. Consider that Navy?s next four ball-carriers ? fullback Chris High along with slotbacks Malcolm Perry, Darryl Bonner and Josh Brown ? have combined for 1,030 yards and seven scores on 149 carries. Central Florida has an outstanding front seven anchored by a huge defensive line. It will be tough for Abey to run between the tackles the way he is accustomed. The Mids must show some diversity and distribute the ball better to the fullbacks and slots.
Central Florida Key: Don?t allow time-consuming drives.
Navy?s strategy against any opponent with a high-powered offense is to possess the ball. The Midshipmen want to mount multiple drives that last for five or six minutes, making talented quarterback McKenzie Milton and mates watch from the sideline. Central Florida needs to win on third and fourth down, preventing Navy from moving the chains and chewing up the clock. It would be huge if the Knights could force a few turnovers to short-circuit possessions. UCF ranks fourth nationally in turnover margin, forcing 12 and losing four.
Injury Report: Navy ? Backup inside linebacker Taylor Heflin (head) and defensive end Anthony Villalobos (ankle) are probable; starting fullback Chris High (undisclosed) is questionable; backup slotback Josh Brown (leg), starting inside linebacker Hudson Sullivan (foot) and backup safety Khaylan Williams (leg) are doubtful; backup fullback Josh Walker (knee) is out. Central Florida ? Starting offensive tackle Taylor Hudanick (knee) is questionable.
The Midshipmen need to stop being so one-dimensional and start giving defenses a heavy dose of all phases of the offense. Quarterback Zach Abey has literally carried the offense, rushing for 1,016 yards and 12 touchdowns on a whopping 183 carries. Consider that Navy?s next four ball-carriers ? fullback Chris High along with slotbacks Malcolm Perry, Darryl Bonner and Josh Brown ? have combined for 1,030 yards and seven scores on 149 carries. Central Florida has an outstanding front seven anchored by a huge defensive line. It will be tough for Abey to run between the tackles the way he is accustomed. The Mids must show some diversity and distribute the ball better to the fullbacks and slots.
Central Florida Key: Don?t allow time-consuming drives.
Navy?s strategy against any opponent with a high-powered offense is to possess the ball. The Midshipmen want to mount multiple drives that last for five or six minutes, making talented quarterback McKenzie Milton and mates watch from the sideline. Central Florida needs to win on third and fourth down, preventing Navy from moving the chains and chewing up the clock. It would be huge if the Knights could force a few turnovers to short-circuit possessions. UCF ranks fourth nationally in turnover margin, forcing 12 and losing four.
Injury Report: Navy ? Backup inside linebacker Taylor Heflin (head) and defensive end Anthony Villalobos (ankle) are probable; starting fullback Chris High (undisclosed) is questionable; backup slotback Josh Brown (leg), starting inside linebacker Hudson Sullivan (foot) and backup safety Khaylan Williams (leg) are doubtful; backup fullback Josh Walker (knee) is out. Central Florida ? Starting offensive tackle Taylor Hudanick (knee) is questionable.
