College Football 2018: Biggest question facing every Top 25 team in spring practice

Can Josh Heupel keep the Knights atop the G5?

It’s not often a new head coach inherits a team that was undefeated the year before, but new UCF head coach Josh Heupel is one of the lucky few. Heupel, who helped turn Missouri into one of the best passing offenses in the country, inherits a lot of speed and talent from the departed Scott Frost.

The headliner is McKenzie Milton, who emerged as a potential Heisman candidate in 2017, and should be counted among the favorites this year. Milton threw for 4,037 yards and 37 touchdowns with just nine interceptions as a sophomore. He completed 67.1 percent of his passes and averaged an eye-popping 10.22 yards per attempt while also racking up 613 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

The rushing attack should be in good hands as every player who received 20 or more carries returns. Adrian Killins, Jr. and Milton lead the way, but keep an eye on the versatile Otis Anderson, who averaged 7.1 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns on 70 attempts, but also caught 30 passes for 351 yards and three scores. Anderson might have a bigger role in the passing game in 2018 as the Knights look to replace deep threat Tre’Quan Smith, who left school early for the NFL Draft. The defense must also replace some playmakers, including NFL Combine star and all-around inspirational linebacker Shaquem Griffin.

UCF had an outstanding 2017 season, and with Milton back and Heupel’s track record for offensive firepower, there’s a great chance the Knights make a run at a second straight undefeated season, even with a tougher non-conference slate that includes a trip to North Carolina and home dates with FAU and Pitt.