But that's precisely what Central Florida coach Scott Frost has done in practice this week, preparing his team to take on Navy Saturday afternoon in Annapolis, Md., in a crucial American Athletic Conference game. The Knights (5-0, 3-0) are ranked 20th in the nation, something that has happened just twice before, and possess one of the most explosive offenses in the country. UCF leads the nation at 50.4 points per game, ranks fifth in total offense and is one of just three teams averaging over eight yards per play.
With only six seasons of nine wins or more since ascending to the FBS level in 1996, UCF is making a name for itself and venturing into uncharted territory. The Knights will be facing a unique attack in Navy's triple option, which is why Frost -- an option quarterback in his playing days at Nebraska -- was under center in practice.
The zero in the loss column makes UCF a target, and Frost knows that Navy (5-1, 3-1) will be ready to go, especially after losing its first game of the season last week against Memphis. UCF has never opened the season with six straight victories.
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| UCF's McKenzie Milton has been one of the best QBs in the country (Reinhold Matay/USAToday) |
"You see teams around the country have letdowns once in a while," Frost said. "You saw a few last week. Our guys came out ready to play Saturday and I think that's a good sign. We know the challenge we have ahead of us right now. This is one of the best teams in the league and we're playing them on the road. Our guys will be locked in ready to play. We'll see if that's good enough to win. Really, the games you're supposed to win are the ones you worry about it a little bit. This is just another opportunity for us to attack and try to beat a good team in the league."
UCF ranks in the top 10 in passing offense, fueled by the stellar play of sophomore McKenzie Milton. A lightly regarded recruit from Hawaii, Milton has thrown 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions this season, and his 11.6 yards per attempt ranks second in the country. Milton, who started 10 games as a freshman, is not afraid to take shots downfield. Most go to Tre'Quan Smith, who averages 21.5 yards per catch on 20 grabs, with seven touchdowns. Jordin Akins is no slouch on the other side, averaging 19.4 yards per catch with three scores.
The Knights aren't one-dimensional offensively, either, ranking 22nd in rushing, averaging 5.8 yards per rush and scoring 16 touchdowns.
“We recognize this will be a tough challenge because we know how good Memphis is and this team beat Memphis,” Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo told reporters Monday. “We’re going to have our hands full stopping them and we’re going to have our hands full moving the ball. They’re undefeated for a reason.”
UCF is also top 30 in total defense, including allowing just 3.7 yards per rush and four touchdowns.
The Knights will be tested by Navy's relentless option attack, led by quarterback Zach Abey. The Middies lead the country in rushing yards per game, average nearly 6.2 yards per carry and have 23 touchdowns. Abey is second nationally in rushing, averaging 169.3 yards per game with 12 touchdowns. Slotback Malcolm Perry has the nation's highest yards per carry, 11.5, with three touchdowns, and Chris High and Darryl Bonner are both valuable runners, as well.
Navy is 10th nationally in third down conversions, and Frost knows that keeping the Middies from rolling up first downs will be paramount in any victory.
"Their third downs are different than most people's third downs," Frost explained. "They get a lot of third-and-shorts because you don't see a lot of negative plays from them. First and second downs are vital to make sure you're in the type of third down to where you can get a stop. They go for it on fourth down more than anybody, including us. A lot of times you have to play four downs against them. Our defense is excited. This is a different brand a football, a challenge they haven't seen in a while."
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| Navy QB Zach Abey is second in the nation in rushing (USAToday) |
Navy will need to be sound on defense, something that has eluded the Middies for much of the season. Navy has allowed 21 or more points in all but one game this year, and is 87th against the pass.
That could spell trouble for Navy, as could hanging on to the football. The Middies have turned the ball over six times in the last three games, including three fumbles against Memphis. It was the most turnovers by a Navy team since 2002 when it had six against Boston College in 2002.
“We’re not going to beat anybody with five turnovers. I mean, you lose five drives,” Niumatalolo said after the game. “I can’t remember the last time we had five turnovers. I’m surprised we were still in the game.”
This will be UCF first glimpse of the triple option this season, though not intentionally. A mid-September game against Georgia Tech was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma, and the Yellow Jackets have one of the most potent option attacks anywhere.
Not seeing it has made having a good week of practice more important this week, and the players enjoyed seeing their coach running around with the football.
"It's kind of exciting to see him running around," UCF senior linebacker Shaquem Griffin said after Monday morning's practice. "You're not going to get a better look than having Coach Frost in there. He knows what we will see from Navy."
For his part, Frost was more than happy to assume scout team quarterback duties.
"I love option football," Frost said. "I lived it. I feel like option quarterbacks now are kind of like giant pandas. They only exist in zoos and military academies now."
While practice has been a lot of fun this week, UCF knows that Navy is going to be in a lather because of last weekend's loss. The Knights won't be able to take plays off.
"It's their homecoming. It's at their place. I'm kind of excited to see it," Frost said. "I have a lot of respect for what the Naval Academy is, what they stand for and how their kids play. They beat people because they play harder and they're smarter. I want our guys to play harder than them and be smarter. That's a challenge for us. We're going to have to prepare for it this week.
"I'm anxious to see it. I'm excited to go up there and see the pageantry of the academy. I know it's their homecoming so it's going to be more special. We're not going to treat it any different than any other game. We'll have the ability to go with a silent count if we need to. Other than that, most of our communication is non-verbal anyway. I'm looking forward to seeing that place and what it looks like. We're excited to play a football game."
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