UCF Football: 3 takeaways from interdivisional road win at Navy

2. The Navy offense continues to be Zach Abey‘s one-man show

Navy’s triple-option offense always requires strong play from the quarterback position. This year, Zach Abey has been solid in the role. He had Navy in position to pull off the monumental upset, at least until a blow in the third quarter knocked Abey out of the game. He was taken to the locker room with what looked like a head injury, and it ended any hope of the upset bid.

Once he left the field it changed the entire complexion of the Navy offense. Before leaving the game, Abey had amassed 126 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries to lead all Midshipmen rushers. He added 115 passing yards, with a touchdown and an interception, as he completed two of his four attempts in the air.

Even given the fact that Abey was forced to leave the game, he still accounted for more than half of Navy’s rushing yards and 60 percent of their total offense. Backup quarterback Garrett Lewis was far less dynamic running the Midshipmen offense, as he completed only three of his nine passing attempts and threw a costly interception.

Navy probably has little shot of winning the American Athletic Conference after this home loss regardless of who starts at quarterback. But if Abey is forced to miss any amount of time, the Midshipmen will also struggle to win the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy this year.