ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – Following a 52-40 win over Temple last Thursday, the UCF football team will play the second of three straight home games this Saturday against Navy. The No. 11/11 Knights and the Midshipmen are set for a noon kickoff on ESPN2 and FM 96.9/AM 740 The Game.
GAME INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Nov. 10
Time: Noon
TV: ESPN2
Radio: FM 96.9/AM 740 The Game
Live Stats: http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=225178
UCF vs. CINCINNATI GAME TIME
t was announced on Monday that UCF’s previously scheduled game vs. Cincinnat will be under the six-day window by tv partners. It should announced by Sunday what time and on what network the game will be played.
NAVY GAME – NOTES TO KNOW
- After starting 2018 with eight straight wins, the Knights enter their ninth game of the season still holding the nation’s longest winning streak at 21 games, which is a UCF and American Athletic Conference record. The Knights are one of just four undefeated teams in all of FBS (Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame).
- The Knights have started 8-0 under Heupel following a 52-40 win over Temple. After leading the nation in scoring last season (48.2ppg), UCF is currently sixth in the nation in scoring offense (45.4ppg) and third in the nation in total offense (548.8ypg).
- In the third quarter has been when the Knights' defense has come to play most, holding five of their eight opponents in 2018 scoreless in the third. Moreover, UCF's opponents are averaging just 2.0 points per third quarter this season.
- The UCF defense has gotten it done with turnovers again in 2018. Last season, the Knights finished second in the nation with a +1.31 turnover margin and with 20 turnovers gained through eight games this season, UCF currently ranks second in all of FBS with a margin of +1.75.
- Quarterback McKenzie Milton was running the offense last Thursday against Temple after missing the ECU game. The Kapolei, Hawaii, native threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns.
- The Knights tallied 11 explosive plays (20 yards or more) vs. Temple last week. UCF has tallied 75 explosive plays (9.4 per game) for the season.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL GAME NOTES – UCF vs. NAVY
FROM THE PRESSER
Going up against Navy provides one a unique challenge for the Knights. The Midshipmen are one of a few programs that runs a triple-option offense. Head Coach Josh Heupel spoke about how discipline will be essential for UCF’s success.
“They force you to be disciplined in everything that you do,” Heupel said. “They force you to be disciplined with your eyes. They force your to be assignment sound with their triple option. They can shorten the ball game on you, so we have to play from ahead. Whenever you play the triple option, it’s tough to simulate the speed and the cut blocks. Your kids have to be ready to handle that on gameday.”
Another challenge will be the earliest kickoff of the season for the Knights, but Heupel was far from worried. He expects another great crowd at Spectrum Stadium on Saturday.
“I like a noon kickoff, as long as we have 45,000 strong in here,” Heupel added. “I thought our student body was absolutely fantastic the other night. Every time we walk in that stadium, the Knightmare has been created a great atmosphere. You saw some of the false starts last week. They had a big impact on those. That’s really indicative of our crowd. We’re looking forward to another packed house at noon on Saturday ready to roll.”
PURCHASE 2018 TICKETS Tickets are going fast for the remaining games on the 2018 schedule. Fans can purchase theirs today and learn about all of their options by calling (407) 823-1000 or visiting us online at ucfknights.com/fbtix.