The UCF Knights (2-1) will look to rebound from their Sept. 17 loss at Louisville as they open American Athletic Conference play at Navy (0-3) to take on the Midshipmen on Saturday.
Here is a preview of the Knights’ conference-opening matchup.
A new man under center for the Knights
The UCF offense, which ranks third in the nation with its average of 553.3 yards per game, will be led by freshman quarterback Mikey Keene, who will be making his first-career collegiate start on Saturday.
Keene, who was a three-star recruit at Chandler High School, located in Arizona, has made just one appearance for the Knights this season. He steps in after Knights’ junior starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel broke his clavicle on the final play of the loss against the Louisville Cardinals.
In the Knights’ Sept. 11 win vs. Bethune-Cookman, Keene completed four-of-seven pass attempts, throwing for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Keene has momentum on his side, as the freshman quarterback is currently on a 23-game winning streak in games he has started under center, going back to his high school days.
UCF head coach Gus Malzahn had some optimistic words to say regarding his freshman QB this week.
“He’s won championships. UCF is in good hands,” Malzahn told 96.9 “The Game.”
Where do the Knights have the advantage going into Saturday’s game?
UCF’s biggest weakness this season has been their ability to defend the pass. The Knights are allowing 276 passing yards per contest, which is among the bottom-17 of all NCAA D1 defenses.
Fortunately for the Knights, they will be facing an opponent who doesn’t utilize their pass game much.
Navy has only thrown for 191 total yards through its three games this season, ranking last in the nation. The team’s 63.7 passing yards per game also has them at last-place.
UCF’s strong offensive unit is another feature the Knights could use to their advantage in Saturday’s conference opener.
The Knights have seen much success in both the run and the pass game through their three games. UCF is averaging 252.3 rushing yards per game, which is No. 12 in the nation.
The Knights also average 301 passing yards per contest, ranking No. 21.
Senior running back Isaiah Bowser has been the primary reason for the success of the Knights ground game, leading the team with 268 total rushing yards on the young season. Bowser has also rushed for five touchdowns on the year, ranking among the nation’s top-21 rushers.
UCF junior running back Trillion Coles has also played a significant role in the Knights’ run game. The junior back has rushed for 129 yards on 18 total attempts, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Coles’ 6.8 YPC is the nation’s 32nd-most.
What Midshipmen strengths could pose as a potential threat to the Knights?
A solid ground game
Navy sophomore quarterback Xavier Arline has proven to be a rushing threat against opposing defenses.
Through three games, the sophomore QB has recorded a team-high 171 rushing yards. Arline also leads the team with his 109 passing yards.
Navy’s second-leading rusher, senior fullback James Harris II, also has the potential to serve as a rushing threat to the Knights on Saturday. Harris has rushed for 144 yards on 30 total attempts, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
The game is set to kickoff at 3:30 p.m. with the Knights being favored by 16.5 points, according to ESPN.
