No. 20 UCF Gets Up Close Look At Navy's Option

There aren't too many places where the head coach would be running the scout team offense to prepare his team for an upcoming game.

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.

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."

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."

Memphis Welcomes Unbeaten Middies To Liberty Bowl

It isn't often that the American Athletic Conference gets publicity this late into the season, but Saturday's showdown between No. 25 Navy and Memphis isn't your average Group of Five contest.

Navy comes in on a high after knocking off Air Force 48-45, getting a touchdown pass with 15 seconds left to stay unbeaten. QB Zach Abey, the nation's second leading rusher at 174 yards per game, found Tyler Carmona from 16 yards out to clinch the contest.

Navy QB Zach Abey is one of the nation's most dangerous runners (Navy Times)

Memphis, meanwhile, has its own smile after putting up 70 points on an overmatched UConn squad. Tigers quarterback Riley Ferguson threw seven touchdown passes in the game, and helped Memphis set a school record for total offense with 711 yards.

Navy has won the last two meetings, scoring 87 points in those contests. Memphis coach Mike Norvell knows that his defense will have to play better than its ranking of 123rd if it is to have a chance for victory.

“Navy has some great playmakers. It’s a very impressive offensive unit,” Norvell said. “You have to defend the entire field against Navy. It all starts with trying to stop the dive. Then you have to deal with the quarterback keep and the slotback pitch while being accountable to all the play-action.”

Not to be outdone, Navy coach Ken Niumatololo rubbed his eyes in disbelief after seeing Memphis put up the 70 on UConn. He knows first hand about Ferguson, who threw for 333 yards in last year's game.

“Riley Ferguson is a tremendous talent. We’ve seen him in-person,” Niumatalolo said. "He has a cannon for an arm and can really whip the football around.”

The stakes are high, especially for Navy (5-0, 3-0). A victory would put the Middies at 4-0 in league play and all but eliminate Memphis (4-1, 1-1) from contention in the West Division. Houston is the only other unbeaten on that side, and won't play Navy until Nov. 24th. A Memphis victory could throw the division into turmoil, and Navy knows that it needs to be ready to defend a passing offense that can exploit all areas of the field.

“Obviously, Memphis has a really good offense. They do whatever they need to do,” Niumatalolo said. “They are really, really good at throwing the football, and also run the ball real well. It’s going to be a tough challenge. Maybe we can petition to have 13 players out there on defense.”

Navy has rushed for 400 yards in three straight games, and knows that the best way to keep Memphis from scoring is to control the clock. No team has rushed for 400 yards in four straight games since 2000, so Memphis definitely has a challenge ahead.

"Obviously, Navy, their offensive presentation is something that you don't see very often," Norvell said. "We spend a lot of time in the offseason looking at it, trying to evaluate what best fits our personnel, what's the best way to be able to contain what they do. It's always going to be a challenge.

"The thing that makes it so difficult with them, you're so concerned with what you're doing in your presentation, but also to simulate the look that they have is as hard as anything. When you look at your scout teams and your practice squads, that's definitely very difficult to do, especially how fast and efficient they are. And they've got great playmakers. A quarterback, a receiver, a slot back, a fullback, all guys that can really make you pay. This is a team that is definitely difficult to prepare for. Our guys are excited about doing our best in getting prepared for them."

Navy leads the nation in rushing at 414.2 yards per game, and is 12th in total offense at over 500 yards per contest. Abey isn't the only dangerous runner for the Middies, as Chris High and Malcolm Perry have over 700 yards and four touchdowns between them. Memphis ranks 94th defensively against the run, so will need to do something to counteract the Middies powerful ground attack.

Memphis needs a strong showing from Riley Ferguson (Charlotte Observer)

Memphis prefers to take the air route, ranking 15th in passing and 11th in total offense. Anthony Miller and  Phil Mayhue have combined for 299 career catches, and Miller has 35 grabs and seven touchdowns this season.

Both teams have big play offenses -- ranking in the top 20 in explosive plays of 20-plus and 30-plus yards -- so the scoreboard operator could be very busy.

Both coaches believe their teams are in the proper frame of mind heading into the game, which kicks off at 3:45 p.m. Saturday in Memphis.

“There is definitely no time to celebrate. Memphis was the preseason favorite for a reason and is definitely living up to that billing,” Niumatalolo said. “Both teams recognize this is a critical game for the conference, especially the West side. We have to go through Memphis. It’s always tough to play on the road and this will be a real battle.”

Norvell agrees, saying, "I think there's an excitement for the opportunity. They've competed for the divisional championship, and then the conference championship last year. We know this is one of the best teams in our league. They've proven it, they're top 25, they're undefeated.

"They're doing an exceptional job again this year. So to say  that for our team to look at it as anything more than just another opportunity, it's a great opportunity because it's against a great football team."

Navy is attempting to go 6-0 for the first time since 1979.