CFN Prediction

[BULLfreak]

South Florida (2-0) at UCF (1-1), 2:30 EST, CSTV, Saturday, September 16th

Why to watch: Fine, so this game means absolutely nothing to folks outside the Sunshine State, but to a pair of fledgling programs wrestling to become the next big thing behind the state’s Big 3, it has the potential to develop into a pretty nasty rivalry.  South Florida has lived dangerously this season needing rallies to beat McNeese State and Florida International, and it doesn’t appear to have seized the momentum from last year’s inaugural bowl berth. At least not yet. UCF has been on the winning and losing end of one-sided games, but it should be in for a tight battle. Last weekend the Knights learned firsthand just how far it has to go to compare to the elite losing 42-0 to Florida after beating up Villanova 35-16. For both schools, a win here would be a huge boost before league play begins.

Why South Florida might win: UCF’s problems on offense are likely to continue against South Florida’s No. 10 defense. The Bulls are allowing just 53 yards a game on the ground, a tough assignment for a Knight offense that’s having an awful time creating space for RB Kevin Smith averaging 63 rushing yards per outing.  South Florida is one of just five schools yet to allow a sack meaning QB Matt Grothe will have time to work.

UCF might win: South Florida may be 2-0, but it’s been horrible in both games needing a miracle, late-game fumble last week to beat Florida International, a three-touchdown underdog.  Now that it’s venturing out on the road to face a better opponent, can it afford to win ugly? The Bulls’ sloppy coverage team is just the unit Joe Burnett can break a game-changing punt return on.

Who to watch: Grothe really has been a revelation for a USF program that’s been desperate for a quality quarterback ever since Marquel Blackwell graduated.  Yeah, he’s making freshman mistakes, but he also leads the Bulls in rushing, and more important, has been the steady-handed catalyst of both come-from-behind wins.

What will happen: Neither team looks right these days, but UCF’s play is particularly troubling.  The Knights are showing their youth having looked lost at times on the defensive side of the ball.  Grothe will get his third win of the season, but thanks to more solid play from the defense, won’t need to perform any magic this weekend.

CFN Prediction: South Florida 24 ... UCF 16 ... Line: UCF -2.5http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=359&p=2&c=568287

[Guest]

Sounds like a decent analysis to me.

[puc86]

That first line reminded me as to why I have no interest in this game becoming a yearly series.

[Guest]

That first line reminded me as to why I have no interest in this game becoming a yearly series.

South Florida (2-0) at UCF (1-1), 2:30 EST, CSTV, Saturday, September 16th

??? ;-)  : ;D

[puc86]

Fine, so this game means absolutely nothing to folks outside the Sunshine State, but to a pair of fledgling programs wrestling to become the next big thing behind the state’s Big 3, it has the potential to develop into a pretty nasty rivalry Yippee, let's all get excited about the "Bore on I-4"  so we can be the best of the fledgling programs trying to compete as an also ran against the Big 3.  I know I am pumped about trying to start a rivalry game that means nothing to most people in the nation and will connect us to the "fledgling" programs in our state. :

[Kyle]

As if the nation cares about all rivalries. I know for one I dont give a **** about WVU playing Marshall, Auburn playing Alabama, or Louisville playing Kentucky. But I'm sure their respective fans do.

[smazza]

i will take the w but it shouldnt be that close

[BullsFanInTX]

As if the nation cares about all rivalries. I know for one I dont give a **** about WVU playing Marshall, Auburn playing Alabama, or Louisville playing Kentucky. But I'm sure their respective fans do.

I wish people would quite equating this with wvu marshall and saying wvu marshall is a rivalry.  First off wvu didn't want the series to begin with for the same reasons we don't.  Plus it is a 5-2 arrangement, not an equal home and home.  So it isn't a true series.  WVU will have 5 out of the 7 home games if they win one game the next 2 years.  That isn't a true rivalry.  If we offered ucf a 5-2 and they accepted it, I would think about it, but not a 1-1 series.

[bulls96go]

we will win because

A. matt and offense continue to mature

B. defense secondary clamps down

C. special teams gets their collective s&*t together

D. and we stop the stupid penalties

E. all of the above

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Matt]

prediction sounds close.  if UCF still had brandon marshall id be worried.  obviously we will be able to shut their running game down.