/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69941842/BCU_2021_177.0.jpg)
The UCF Knights (2-1) open conference play for 2021 against the Navy Midshipmen in Annapolis. After a bye week following their heartbreaking loss at Louisville, the Knights are looking to freshman QB Mikey Keene to run the show in place of the injured Dillon Gabriel.
Let’s get ready:
Game Day Guide
When: 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, Maryland
Line: UCF -16 (84% of the money), Over/under 52.5 (OddsShark)
How to Watch
TV: CBS Sports Network
Stream: CBS Sports Network
Crew: Chick Hernandez, Randy Cross
Series
All-time: UCF leads 2-0.
Last Meeting: 2018 - UCF 35, Navy 24
Keys to the Game
When UCF Has the Ball
This is going to be about getting Mikey Keene some material game experience and work on creating chemistry with his skilled position players against a defense that doesn't play for UCF. Expect a low pressure, simple offensive strategy that might become slightly more complicated as the game wears on. UCF's running backs are going to need to play a big role in keeping Keene as more of a game manager in his first ever collegiate start.
UCF’s Key Players to Watch
- #11 QB Mikey Keene — Making first career start, 4/7, 55 yards, 1 TD in 2021
- #25 RB Johnny Richardson — 134 yards, 8.9 ypc in 2021
Navy’s Key Players to Watch
- #54 LB Diego Fagot - 28 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
- #7 S Kevin Brennan - 12 tackles, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery
When Navy Has the Ball
Navy runs the triple option, so they're all about the run. They do pass from time to time and historically, UCF has been burned by selling too much against the run. Still, expect a lot of quarterback runs off-tackle with pitches to the trailing backs.
Navy’s Key Players to Watch
- #7 QB Xavier Airline - Team’s leading rusher. 51 attempts, 171 yards, 2 touchdowns. Passing - 5/14, 109 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- #37 FB James Harris - 30 attempts, 144 yards, 0 touchdowns
UCF’s Key Players to Watch
- #22 DL Kalia Davis — 13 tackles, 3 tackles for loss in 2021
- #11 LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste — 17 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 QB hurry in 2021
Podcast
Listen to our latest podcast as we preview the game:
Predictions
Get our takes on today’s game in this week’s Roundtable:
Who ya got?
Alright #UCF fans - We're back to action today after a much-needed bye week.
— BIG 12 BANNERET (@UCF_Banneret) October 2, 2021
Who ya got? #ChargeOn #BeatNavy
Follow Along!
Follow our Twitter List and interact here:
Black & Gold Banneret has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.