American Athletic Conference: Post-spring 2017 power rankings

Last year UCF rebounded from a winless season in 2015. Now entering Scott Frost’s second season at the helm, the Knights look ready to take another step in the American race this fall.

The spring game saw starting quarterback McKenzie Milton throwing efficiently all throughout the first half. Turnovers were a bit of the issue for the rest of the offense, though, which could be read one of two ways.

First, many of these mistakes were the result of muffed punts and flubbed snaps. And the fact that Milton looked efficient makes it easier to write off the offensive mistakes as the result of younger players getting reps. It can also be seen as a sign that last year’s solid defense could be even more formidable in 2017.

It might be too much to expect UCF to return to the Fiesta Bowl this season, and they’ll have to go through their state rival to challenge for a spot in the American championship game. But Frost has a team that should show Oregon-like speed this season, and another bowl appearance is well within reach for the Knights.