Written by Zach Bartkus
ORLANDO, FLA. – Spectrum Stadium would be the site for the matchup between the Navy Midshipmen and the UCF Knights. Navy came into this game with a record of 2-7 (1-4 AAC) and UCF came in at 8-0 (5-0 AAC).
There was a bit of a “slow start” for UCF’s offense this game and that was only considered a three and out on the first drive of the game. Their second drive was a different story, as the Knights marched down the field and Greg McCrae finished the drive off with and 11-yard touchdown run. That would be McCrae’s fourth rushing touchdown of the season.
The Midshipmen couldn’t seem to get much going on the offensive side of the ball in the first half. Their first three drives would result in a punt, then a fumble and an unfortunate turnover on downs. For UCF, it would be the opposite, after McCrae’s first touchdown run, Taj McGowan would get one of his own rushing touchdowns on the next drive. Following the two consecutive rushing touchdowns, UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton would hit wideout Dredrick Snelson for a 34-yard touchdown pass to make the score 21-3. Along with throwing his 20th touchdown pass of the season, Milton would break fromer UCF quarterback Daunte Culpepper’s single-season quarterback rushing yard record (1,020) with his 62 rushing yards this game, bringing his total to 1,054 on the season. He would also finish the game with 200 passing yards.
The Midshipmen didn’t get their air game going as their game plan was to keep the ball on the ground, with the run the option. Navy quarterback, Zach Abey only attempted 1 pass and it fell incomplete. Navy had a slew of 7 total rushers through the game totaling 374 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The “slow start” wouldn’t prove to be much of a problem for UCF as they beat Navy 35-24 at Spectrum Stadium. Dredrick Snelson led the Knights with 72 yards receiving and two receiving touchdowns in five attempts thrown his way. Greg McCrae gathered another 100+ yard rushing game with 101 yards and a touchdown. Taj McGowan and Otis Anderson also ran the ball in for a touchdown each.
UCF welcomes the challenge of Cincinnati next week on Saturday, November 17, in another American Conference game at Spectrum Stadium. With a UCF win next week, they would clinch a spot in the AAC Championship game.
