UCF

[Knight_Light]

I'd like to think our rival is U of L...we're 2-2 with them, with neither team able to beat the other on the road, and they were our conference USA opponents.  Plus we gave them the biggest butt-whooping they've had in years.

Fans are an important ingredient in building a rivalry and based on this year's game few USF fans cared enough about the game to make the trip to Louisville.    

Winner, Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Throw in the fact that AFTER an actual crowd of over 40,000 plus showed up to see USF/UCF play at RJS in '05...the following week USF hosted a Top 10 UL Team...but an actual crowd of less than 30,000 showed up.

So...who is your rival?

A team in Louisville...where only a few dozen USF fans went to their road game??? Or one where a few THOUSAND USF fans went to a road game....plus a heck of a lot more casual fans in Tampa decided to show up to watch USF play UCF...vs USF play Top 10 UL.

PS. Apologize in advance for posting some actual facts into this mostly emotional conversation.

USF in the future could have numerous rivals...just like UF...who has rivlaries with FSU, Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, and now of course South Carolina.

Plus with USF having to schedule FIVE non-conf games per year...there is plenty of room on their schedule to have SEVERAL non-conf rivalry games...just like when FSU had both Miami and UF on their "non-conf" schedule every year.

[Guest r_to_the_izzo]

LOL. UCF will not be our rivals. When all is said and done it will be 4-0 and the games will no longer be annual. For now we got two more years that will be fun, because we get to kick the sh1t outa the gnats 2 more times.

You don't think UL fans dont like us? Hauling you say you went to the game... every one we talked to had a hint of fear in their voice. Everyone there knew USF and were praying for revenge. If the games continue to be played close, you will see the fans travel to that game.

We flat out don't have a rival right now. And whats the big deal of having a rival anyways? Either way were going to go out and paly our schedule and win some games.

[HaulingBull Sucks]

Why don't we wait until we finish our 4 game home and home series with Miami, before we declare who our rival is.  They may not percieve us as their rival now.  But, when we beat them in 09, and again in 12 or 13, and the series gets extended, they will start percieving us as rivals.  Plus as we start to win BE titles, and go to BCS bowls within the next few years, that will help the rivalry.  Don't settle for UCF when a potential OOC rivalry with UM, and in conf. with UL are right there for the taking.  It will just take some time to develop.    Some people think too shortsighted, and think we have to settle for UCF but it doesn't have to be that way.

Is there a regulation/statute that states that a team can only have 1 rival in conference and 1 out of conference rival?

Forget rivalries, we have beaten UCF both times we have played so why not continue playing them...it put more people in the stands at the RJ, and gives USF fans a road game to travel to that's about an hour away...and we all know that USF needs to learn to travel well.

[TheBullies]

I'd like to think our rival is U of L...we're 2-2 with them, with neither team able to beat the other on the road, and they were our conference USA opponents.  Plus we gave them the biggest butt-whooping they've had in years.

Fans are an important ingredient in building a rivalry and based on this year's game few USF fans cared enough about the game to make the trip to Louisville.    

Winner, Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Throw in the fact that AFTER an actual crowd of over 40,000 plus showed up to see USF/UCF play at RJS in '05...the following week USF hosted a Top 10 UL Team...but an actual crowd of less than 30,000 showed up.

So...who is your rival?

A team in Louisville...where only a few dozen USF fans went to their road game??? Or one where a few THOUSAND USF fans went to a road game....plus a heck of a lot more casual fans in Tampa decided to show up to watch USF play UCF...vs USF play Top 10 UL.

PS. Apologize in advance for posting some actual facts into this mostly emotional conversation.

USF in the future could have numerous rivals...just like UF...who has rivlaries with FSU, Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, and now of course South Carolina.

Plus with USF having to schedule FIVE non-conf games per year...there is plenty of room on their schedule to have SEVERAL non-conf rivalry games...just like when FSU had both Miami and UF on their "non-conf" schedule every year.

I think if UL was as close as Orlando we would've had tons of fans traveling to watch us play. Where I'm going with this is you could put FIU, or hell, a high school team, no wait that's the same as UCF... I got off track... You could put ANY team in Orlando and you'd still get tons of Bull fans driving over. Translation: we still don't care about you UCF and I don't see that changing.

[bulls96go]

ecu 4-,0 ucf 2-0 and counting

[Triple B]

 

I'd like to think our rival is U of L...we're 2-2 with them, with neither team able to beat the other on the road, and they were our conference USA opponents.  Plus we gave them the biggest butt-whooping they've had in years.

Fans are an important ingredient in building a rivalry and based on this year's game few USF fans cared enough about the game to make the trip to Louisville.    

Winner, Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Throw in the fact that AFTER an actual crowd of over 40,000 plus showed up to see USF/UCF play at RJS in '05...the following week USF hosted a Top 10 UL Team...but an actual crowd of less than 30,000 showed up.

[highlight]So...who is your rival?[/highlight]

Based on your criteria, FAMU is ....

Plus with USF having to schedule FIVE non-conf games per year...[highlight]there is plenty of room on their schedule to have SEVERAL non-conf rivalry games[/highlight]...just like when FSU had both Miami and UF on their "non-conf" schedule every year.

Actually, I agree with this... and it looks like one of them may be FIU. They've played us the toughest of any state school outside of UM.

Maybe you guys can heat up a rivalry with FAU...

[E.T.]

INSIDE SLANT

Central Florida said goodbye to the Citrus Bowl, 21 seniors and a disappointing season with a 31-22 victory over Alabama-Birmingham in its final game

The Golden Knights played some of their best football of the season on the way to 483 total yards and a 24-6 third-quarter lead. Then they proceeded to play like the team that struggled throughout most of a 4-8 season, allowing Alabama-Birmingham to cut the lead to 24-22 with 6:27 left to play before scoring a late touchdown to secure the win.

"We have a knack for keeping it interesting as far as the game," third-year UCF coach George O'Leary said. "I think the kids' character was tested when you jump out in a big lead like that and you let them chip away with field goals. ...

"Normally, a lot of teams have a tendency to pack it. This team has not and that is a credit to the team and the character of the team and that is usually led by your senior class. I am happy for the kids. Hopefully, we can head into the off-season with a good taste in our mouths."

That taste won't nearly be as sweet as it was last year when UCF rebounded from a 0-11 record in 2004 and finished 8-4, winning the C-USA Eastern Division and playing in the program's first-ever bowl game.

The Golden Knights made a habit of making big plays and winning close games in 2005 but fell short on both counts in 2006, losing four C-USA games by a total of 30 points.

The UCF defense also made strides down the stretch after a poor start but it wasn't enough to change O'Leary's mind about staff changes.

After UCF finished the season ranked 106th nationally in total defense (398.1 yards per game), 82nd in rush defense (149.3 yards per game), 111th in pass defense (248.8 yards per game) and 99th in scoring defense (28.8 points per game), O'Leary demoted Lance Thompson from defensive coordinator to defensive assistant. Two others assistants weren't so fortunate. Defensive line coach Peter McCarty and secondary coach Miles Aldridge relieved of their duties.

"After my evaluation ... I did what I had to do and what I thought was necessary to (move) this thing in the right direction," O'Leary said. "I just felt there was a need for change, and a lot of times change is good."

In addition to hiring two new assistants, the Knights must replace 21 seniors, led by record-setting receiver Mike Walker, center Cedric Gagne-Marcoux and defensive end Chris Welsh.

The bitter taste from the 2006 season should improve with the realization that several young players emerged as key contributors down the stretch and the move to a new on-campus stadium for home games.

"It is kind of emotional," Walker said. "I have been here for four years, and there have been a lot of ups and downs. There are many memories. I went down with an injury (in 2005) and have never been so loved in my life. I wish I could start a tradition in the new stadium, but I have done my four years here and my time is up."

NOTES, QUOTES

GAME OF THE YEAR: UCF 23, Marshall 22 When UCF bounced back from a three-game losing streak and won at Marshall on a 22-yard field goal by Michael Torres with 6.7 seconds left in the game, it looked like UCF had turned a corner in its season. Unfortunately for the Golden Knights, they went on to lose their next four games.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: WR Mike Walker With seven receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns, Walker finished the season ranked second in the nation with 90 receptions and 7.5 receptions per game. He also finished fifth nationally with 98.7 receiving yards per game. His 90 catches are a UCF single-season record. Walker concludes his UCF career with 184 receptions, fourth on UCF's career list, despite spending the 2004 season as a defensive back when injuries in the secondary forced him to move to safety.

FAST FORWARD: The Golden Knights made a habit of making big plays and winning close games in 2005 because of their leadership. For whatever reason those qualities weren't as evident through most of the 2006 season and the Golden Knights must find new leaders after losing 21 seniors. TB Kevin Smith and four of five offensive line starters return. The defensive front seven gained some valuable experience in 2006, but UCF must improve at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back and throughout the kicking game to get back to where it was in 2005.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "That's really what everybody has been saying all week: that we want to end the season with a good taste in our mouths. Going into the offseason with a win, it's going to help recruiting some, and it's going to do a lot of things as far as impressions and what people think about the season. It just feels good to be where we are at right now and to end on a win." UCF QB Kyle Israel.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007: WR Rocky Ross Ross came on late in the season and proved himself as a capable receiver. With leading receiver Mike Walker moving on, Ross has the opportunity to emerge as UCF's go-to receiver in 2007.

TB Kevin Smith Injuries prevented Smith from matching his freshman totals but he's still rushed for 2,166 yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons at UCF.

FS Jason Venson Venson got off to a slow start as a sophomore after an impressive freshman season but he finished strong, with a game-high 12 total tackles in the final game of the season and 63 total tackles.

CB Joe Burnett Burnett didn't match his strong freshman season as a playmaking cornerback or dangerous punt returner, due in part to injuries and the fact that opponents often tried to stay from him.

PRO PROSPECTS: WR Mike Walker Walker has ranked among the nation's top receivers all season, despite inconsistent play at quarterback. He brings size (6-2 200 pounds) and sure hands to the position and will most likely be a possession-type receiver at the next level.

QB Steven Moffett He has some tools in terms of athletic ability but his stock has dropped considerably during his senior season because of his inconsistent decision-making and execution.

C Cedric Gagne-Marcoux Entered his senior season as a solid, smart, experienced center but missed significant playing time with injuries and didn't play as well as he did as a junior.

ROSTER REPORT: In addition to Gagne-Marcoux, CB-PR Joe Burnett (high ankle sprain) and TB Kevin Smith (shoulder) both missed significant playing time this season with injuries, depriving the Golden Knights of three of their most important players. Burnett and Smith should both be back in time for spring practice.

[___ Eats It]

INSIDE SLANT

Central Florida said goodbye to the Citrus Bowl, 21 seniors and a disappointing season with a 31-22 victory over Alabama-Birmingham in its final game

The Golden Knights played some of their best football of the season on the way to 483 total yards and a 24-6 third-quarter lead. Then they proceeded to play like the team that struggled throughout most of a 4-8 season, allowing Alabama-Birmingham to cut the lead to 24-22 with 6:27 left to play before scoring a late touchdown to secure the win.

"We have a knack for keeping it interesting as far as the game," third-year UCF coach George O'Leary said. "I think the kids' character was tested when you jump out in a big lead like that and you let them chip away with field goals. ...

"Normally, a lot of teams have a tendency to pack it. This team has not and that is a credit to the team and the character of the team and that is usually led by your senior class. I am happy for the kids. Hopefully, we can head into the off-season with a good taste in our mouths."

That taste won't nearly be as sweet as it was last year when UCF rebounded from a 0-11 record in 2004 and finished 8-4, winning the C-USA Eastern Division and playing in the program's first-ever bowl game.

The Golden Knights made a habit of making big plays and winning close games in 2005 but fell short on both counts in 2006, losing four C-USA games by a total of 30 points.

The UCF defense also made strides down the stretch after a poor start but it wasn't enough to change O'Leary's mind about staff changes.

After UCF finished the season ranked 106th nationally in total defense (398.1 yards per game), 82nd in rush defense (149.3 yards per game), 111th in pass defense (248.8 yards per game) and 99th in scoring defense (28.8 points per game), O'Leary demoted Lance Thompson from defensive coordinator to defensive assistant. Two others assistants weren't so fortunate. Defensive line coach Peter McCarty and secondary coach Miles Aldridge relieved of their duties.

"After my evaluation ... I did what I had to do and what I thought was necessary to (move) this thing in the right direction," O'Leary said. "I just felt there was a need for change, and a lot of times change is good."

In addition to hiring two new assistants, the Knights must replace 21 seniors, led by record-setting receiver Mike Walker, center Cedric Gagne-Marcoux and defensive end Chris Welsh.

The bitter taste from the 2006 season should improve with the realization that several young players emerged as key contributors down the stretch and the move to a new on-campus stadium for home games.

"It is kind of emotional," Walker said. "I have been here for four years, and there have been a lot of ups and downs. There are many memories. I went down with an injury (in 2005) and have never been so loved in my life. I wish I could start a tradition in the new stadium, but I have done my four years here and my time is up."

NOTES, QUOTES

GAME OF THE YEAR: UCF 23, Marshall 22 When UCF bounced back from a three-game losing streak and won at Marshall on a 22-yard field goal by Michael Torres with 6.7 seconds left in the game, it looked like UCF had turned a corner in its season. Unfortunately for the Golden Knights, they went on to lose their next four games.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: WR Mike Walker With seven receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns, Walker finished the season ranked second in the nation with 90 receptions and 7.5 receptions per game. He also finished fifth nationally with 98.7 receiving yards per game. His 90 catches are a UCF single-season record. Walker concludes his UCF career with 184 receptions, fourth on UCF's career list, despite spending the 2004 season as a defensive back when injuries in the secondary forced him to move to safety.

FAST FORWARD: The Golden Knights made a habit of making big plays and winning close games in 2005 because of their leadership. For whatever reason those qualities weren't as evident through most of the 2006 season and the Golden Knights must find new leaders after losing 21 seniors. TB Kevin Smith and four of five offensive line starters return. The defensive front seven gained some valuable experience in 2006, but UCF must improve at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back and throughout the kicking game to get back to where it was in 2005.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "That's really what everybody has been saying all week: that we want to end the season with a good taste in our mouths. Going into the offseason with a win, it's going to help recruiting some, and it's going to do a lot of things as far as impressions and what people think about the season. It just feels good to be where we are at right now and to end on a win." UCF QB Kyle Israel.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007: WR Rocky Ross Ross came on late in the season and proved himself as a capable receiver. With leading receiver Mike Walker moving on, Ross has the opportunity to emerge as UCF's go-to receiver in 2007.

TB Kevin Smith Injuries prevented Smith from matching his freshman totals but he's still rushed for 2,166 yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons at UCF.

FS Jason Venson Venson got off to a slow start as a sophomore after an impressive freshman season but he finished strong, with a game-high 12 total tackles in the final game of the season and 63 total tackles.

CB Joe Burnett Burnett didn't match his strong freshman season as a playmaking cornerback or dangerous punt returner, due in part to injuries and the fact that opponents often tried to stay from him.

PRO PROSPECTS: WR Mike Walker Walker has ranked among the nation's top receivers all season, despite inconsistent play at quarterback. He brings size (6-2 200 pounds) and sure hands to the position and will most likely be a possession-type receiver at the next level.

QB Steven Moffett He has some tools in terms of athletic ability but his stock has dropped considerably during his senior season because of his inconsistent decision-making and execution.

C Cedric Gagne-Marcoux Entered his senior season as a solid, smart, experienced center but missed significant playing time with injuries and didn't play as well as he did as a junior.

ROSTER REPORT: In addition to Gagne-Marcoux, CB-PR Joe Burnett (high ankle sprain) and TB Kevin Smith (shoulder) both missed significant playing time this season with injuries, depriving the Golden Knights of three of their most important players. Burnett and Smith should both be back in time for spring practice.

There's so much CRAP in this article, I can't even begin to mention it all, but... A WIN OVER CRAPPY UAB WILL HELP RECRUITING?  Hey, Israel, are you majoring in smoking crack?

[BullsFanInTX]

Question, whey aren't the knights and o'leary hounding FAU/FIU for an annual rivalry game.  I am sure they would accomodate.  Hmmmmm.....something to think about.  Is it because they have more to gain by playing us, while we have nothing to gain by playing the knights.  Just like they would have nothing to gain by playing FIU every year.  

YOU CAN NOT BE FORCED INTO BEING RIVALS, no matter how much oleary tries to force it.  If one team does not percieve it as a rivalry, it is not a rivalry.  Both teams have to want the rivalry.  I will be glad when this series is over so we can move on from this topic.

Oh, and as someone posted, I agree that Rutgers could become a great rivalry.

[chicky9914]

All I know is that they pretty much hate us up there from ruining their season last year.  I know this first hand.  Made 6-dozen cookies for the bf and his team after they beat WVU...all his teammates were scared to eat them in fear they were "poisoned by a malicious south florida bull"...Sorry but I'd go for a rivalry with U of L any day over UCF