UCF Football: McKenzie Milton efficiently leads Knights past Navy

2. Playing triple option teams is always challenging

UCF took a two-touchdown lead in the first quarter and kept pace with Navy for the remainder of the contest. The Knights led 21-3 at halftime but were unable to grow that margin; from the second quarter on, the Knights and the Midshipmen traded scores.

Once Navy settled in and started to wear down the UCF defense the game turned into the type of slugfest where power running squads like the Midshipmen excel. Quarterback Zach Abey attempted one pass, it was incomplete, as his team grinding for each and every yard, dominating the time of possession and limiting UCF’s chances down the stretch.

There was never much doubt as to the winner of this one thanks to the fast start by UCF, but the strain of playing the game was unavoidable. Navy’s defense couldn’t solve the UCF offense, but the UCF defense didn’t have much more success.

The 247 Talent Composite ranks UCF as the 56th most talented team in the nation. Navy is 120th. The disparity in talent showed at times, but the way Navy plays the game ensured the Knights would have to work for every yard. They still won, but it was exhausting.