Is USF-UCF a rivalry game? Leavitt: 'Absolutely'

Speaking on the Big East's weekly media teleconference Monday, USF coach Jim Leavitt was asked if he considers this week's a game at Central Florida, the last in a four-game series, a rivalry game.

"We do," Leavitt said. "The two schools are not very far apart, and it's always been a very big game for us. Absolutely."

Asked in a follow-up question by the Orlando Sentinel if he could explain then why USF isn't interested in continuing the series with UCF, Leavitt dodged the question.

"We've talked about that a lot," Leavitt said. "I'm focused on playing them this Saturday."

Leavitt called UCF "awfully good" no less than four times, but wouldn't make the Knights out to be any more or any less than any other team situated as his team's next opponent.

"We take each game and that's it," Leavitt said. "For us, this is the biggest game there is, because it's the one we play this Saturday."

UCF coach George O'Leary is up at 2:30 p.m. today, and we'll check back to see if he has anything more to say than Leavitt ...

Comments

[USFbull]

I don’t know why people say that USF and UCF is rivalry, for what I understand rivals are teams that go back in forth in games, UCF has never beaten USF, USF had DESTROYED UCF, so I don’t understand why UCF students make such a big deal, as far as I am concern this is just another game and probably another blow out win

[Still a rivalry]

Notre Dame beat Navy for 43 years, until last year and that is still considered a rivalry. The Boston beat the Lakers eight times before the Lakers won - still a rivalry. The rivalry is not only the play on the field but also how the fans view it. USF keeps bragging that they won 64-12 - UF beat UCF 42-0 and they don't keep bringing it up like it mattered. They understand that UCF is not in the same league as them and expect to win in that way. It is obvious by all the posts and hype that UCF USF is a rivalry.

[GatorFan]

I went to UCF for undergrad but I've always been a gator fan. As much as I love my alma mater, I have to admit that USF is a much better team and play in a tougher conference. If we win, it'll be an upset; I don't expect that to happen. Still, Knights are number one! will be my chant.

[Mike Lakeland]

Yeah, Bull Fan...too soon. That's the kind of joke I would expect from a UCF fan.

I can't wait to beat them down, but then I can't wait to get the flock out of the crime-ridden, tourist-laden, stink-meandering cesspit that they call Orlando.

4-0 and DONE.

[Bull Fan]

Are we as lame as FDR's legs? Too soon?

[Chalko]

USF fans are really lame.

[keith]

no offense knights fans, but this rivalry will terminate and with good reason.

there's simply no upside for the bulls to play a scwappy wittle wascal like UCF.

you guys are so cute!

[gdp]

Hey Tony - you are right he could have, but then that would have been bulletin board material then wouldn't it? Why give UCiF ANY reason to be more motivated for this game.

After all CJL does have a psychology degree so I think he knows what he is doing.

I still say UCiF isn't competitive and we are better off playing just about anyone else than UCiF.

[Tony]

RE: GDP

He could have said the game isn't a rivalry.

You are not very intelligent, no wonder you had to settle for USF.

[Tad]

I read that commentary over in the Sentinel’s sports page, and it just seems like that newspaper is fine on keeping the rivalry alive, even if USF beats UCF 100 to 0 everytime. UCF should focus more on ECU and Tulsa this year instead of USF. And USF should just try to avoid a 56 point hangover.

[gdp]

Puh-lease! What is CJL going to say - they aren't worth playing and are bunch of whining under performing losers?

This is NOT a rivalry, regardless of what ever coach speak CJL says. UCiF is not competitive and they aren't worth the time of day.

Just get the d*mn go over with already!