His team faces No. 13 Kansas in two days, but USF coach Jim Leavitt got in one more dig at Central Florida on Wednesday night when asked if he was surprised that Friday night's game -- with 53,000-plus tickets sold -- isn't likely to be sold out, as Raymond James Stadium was last year against West Virginia and Central Florida.
"Fifty-two thousand isn't bad," Leavitt said. "It's more than they got at Central Florida, right? By a bunch. And that's a sellout over there, right? I'm not making comparisons, and I probably shouldn't have said those things about them the other day. I'm not taking any of it back, but I mean, they have a good program. George (O'Leary) does a good job there."
Saturday's game in Orlando drew a record crowd of 46,805 at Bright House Networks Stadium. In Tampa this week, there hasn't been quite the same buzz there was last September when No. 5 West Virginia came to town for a Friday night game on ESPN2, the Bulls' first home sellout.
"We beat Auburn on the road and we had two weeks to swell for it. ... And it was a Big East game," Leavitt said. "Fifty-two is a pretty good crowd. We had never been ranked (last year), and there was a lot of things. You beat an SEC team like that on the road, it's going to carry some weight, because we're in the South. Fifty-two thousand, if we get that many, that'd be pretty impressive. I don't see any negatives there. If we had maybe four or five thousand, I would."


Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
This is hilarious. I love reading this stuff on here and the Sentinel website.
Let Leavitt and his team continue the trash talk. Sure, UCF and South Florida may not play each other on the gridiron any more, but this constant bickering between them just proves there is a rivalry. Don't even deny it.
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!
Posted by: Jason | September 12, 2008 at 08:47 AM
"CJL is keeping his and the team's concentration right where it belongs"
no doubt leavitt has the shovels and the other-team-diss-scripts ready.
i think leavitt should go for some "just for men" hair color. maybe go red, even.
match his sassy mouth!
just sayin'.
Posted by: even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Kansas is overrated.... well, so is USF. Oh and about Leavett keeping his players away from the media and attention- I have read about 3 articles with commentary from Grothe and many more about him... It is either wishful thinking or you guys are just plain wrong. Good luck anyway.
Posted by: QSE | September 11, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Interesting comment, Lightning. I hope that's right and CJL is keeping his and the team's concentration right where it belongs.
We've got everything planned for the tailgate tomorrow!
Posted by: Ken | September 11, 2008 at 08:33 PM
actually, rock chalk, this discussion is about the (continued) unprofessional comments leavitt feels compelled to make about UCF.
granted, there are quite a few jabs and retorts thrown in, but everyone already knows that UCF is the better school so no actual need to fight about it!
Posted by: even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 04:01 PM
I came here in hopes of having an intelligent conversation about the game tomorrow and I found a bunch of juveniles fighting over whether UCF or USF is the better school......Nice!
Rock Chalk!
Posted by: Rock Chalk | September 11, 2008 at 03:36 PM
"where is it not - on the players"
do USF players usually receive pressure from the media?
Posted by: | September 11, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Lightning has a point, though USF's players haven't really had media access to them since Monday, so it changes what they're reading about, but not anything in terms of what they're having to answer questions about ...
Posted by: G.A. | September 11, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Let's think about this for a second - where is CJL keeping the media and fan attention? On him - where is it not - on the players, so they are free to prepare without all of the 'pressure' and focus on them.
Posted by: Lightning McBull | September 11, 2008 at 12:48 PM
this is actually pretty funny. yesterday i said to one of the USFers, who was complaining about how "trashed" the UCF campus was - "whatever floats your *bitter* boat".
immediately several USFers started calling me 'bitter' and 'angry'.
i said to stevie yesterday that it's just no fun sparring with him anymore cause it's too easy.
above, today, stevie proudly says: "You are right, Mike. She just makes it so easy."
yesterday i also mentioned the constitution and freedom of speech to that same campus trash-complaining poster when that person lamented that UCF fans should stop posting here.
read stevie's post above.
the originality of USFers never ceases to amaze and delight!!!!!
Posted by: even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 12:41 PM
This is my last response to you oh bitter one. You see I actually enjoy a good argument, but you are no longer amusing. You may keep posting you lame "unprofessional argument" BS as you wish though. It is the United States of America and free speech is allowed and as proven by your posts does not even have to be intelligent. Good luck to you and your team. GOOD BYE!
Posted by: steve oneal | September 11, 2008 at 12:26 PM
"Just ignore the UCiF troll. He/she/it will may not go away, but there's no need to feed him/her/it."
i'm sorry you don't like any of the points i've made in my short time here, mikey.
fwiw, it says right at the top of the page in the blog author's "about this blog" section:
**we invite your participation in the comments area**
it does NOT say 'we invite *only USF fanboy* participation in the comments area'
Posted by: even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 12:14 PM
"You really are quite hilarious calling out people for being unprofessinal and calling people names."
show me where i resorted to simple name-calling toward an individual in any of these discussions, stevie. maybe you'll find something where that mysterious article you brough up is located.
"I'm sure none of your posts have contained any derogatory comments aimed at USF or any name calling by yourself."
oh sure! derogatory comments aimed at USF in general galore! but no name-calling toward an individual.
alas, that's only AFTER i read all of the incredibly lame USF taunts on the UCF forums a couple of days ago...
"Try all you want to upset me. I'll just sit here and keep laughing at you."
yeah, you were laughing so hard yesterday i thought you were going to implode.
Posted by: even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 12:11 PM
You are right, Mike. She just makes it so easy. So it is on to the Kansas game. GO BULLS!
Posted by: steve oneal | September 11, 2008 at 12:07 PM
The only thing I have to prove to you was done on the field last saturday. You really are quite hilarious calling out people for being unprofessinal and calling people names. I'm sure none of your posts have contained any derogatory comments aimed at USF or any name calling by yourself. Try all you want to upset me. I'll just sit here and keep laughing at you. And as much as you would like it to be different, ucf still LOST the game! So keep on typing and I'll keep on laughing sweetie.
Posted by: steve oneal | September 11, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Just ignore the UCiF troll. He/she/it will may not go away, but there's no need to feed him/her/it.
Posted by: Mike Lakeland | September 11, 2008 at 12:04 PM
"I must thank you though for all the entertainment you have given USF fans with your wonderfully intelligent posts. THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
YVW, stevie.
hey, still waiting for the link to the article you were attempting, yesterday, to use to refute my points about USF's leaderships' unprofessionalism -- amongst your spittle-flecked, key-board pounded name-calling binges.
Posted by: even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM
heh, excellent analogy "usf fans listen up" !!
"The sixth largest university? We are right behind you moron."
it's always quite funny when a USFer makes an erroneous statement and follows it up with a nice "moron" dig.
Posted by: even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM
"unprofessionalism", What an appropiate moniker. Seems to describe you perfectly. I must thank you though for all the entertainment you have given USF fans with your wonderfully intelligent posts. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Posted by: steve oneal | September 11, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Oh lay off Coach Beeker. He is just upset that usf can't sell out a stadium even with those $5 tickets.
Posted by: Stephen | September 11, 2008 at 11:48 AM
"hit em in the head and send them back into their hole..."
USFer: "oh dear me! that's a death threat! waaaaaa!!!!!"
Posted by: even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 11:43 AM
my favorite game... whack-a-troll... hit em in the head and send them back into their hole...
Posted by: Steve | September 11, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Jose, USF losing would make your loss to them even worse. At least crackers are here legally.
Posted by: steve oneal | September 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
this is hilarious! i think leavitt needs to keep that golden shovel handy for the hole he's digging himself with his thoughtless and spiteful comments.
as for the "troll" comment from someone above, some USF troll actually copies/pastes exact posts here AND at the UCF forums. verbatim. (that means word for word, USFers)
a troll, and a lazy one at that!
go kansas!
i can't wait to see how USF leadership smack talks other teams this year -- or do they reserve that just for UCF who supposedly is nothing to them??
Posted by: and even more unprofessionalism | September 11, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I’ll get in my final barb at UCF. The highlight package of the game showed a paddock of small Brahma bulls saying “Own a bull for the day”. That’s cute except UCF honks, USF has owned the Knights for four years. Boom…outta here!
P.S. Jose, we have won 9 games in consecutive seasons, and 9>8 meeeester UCF honk. When was the last time you did that?
Posted by: Don Corleone | September 11, 2008 at 11:20 AM
LOL....
HAHAHA
The real college experience? My high school had the same "real" college experience. On campus stadium (great materials). The sixth largest university? We are right behind you moron. Tradition?!?! are you kidding? What tradition?!?!
Posted by: Factless UCF | September 11, 2008 at 11:06 AM
USF, it's like this. you and UCF are like to guys from the same circle of friends who fight all the time. USF is the guy who keeps getting promoted and hooks up a lot. But within the group the people still like UCF better. UCF is the one they always talk about and invite first.
Even though you keep winning, UCF has everything you want when you look in the mirror. The on-campus stadium, the real college experience. The 6th largest university in the country with all the tradition and alumni pride you dream about.
Best of all, it's starting to drive your coach nuts!!!!
Posted by: Factless USF Fans Listen Up | September 11, 2008 at 10:40 AM
The hate here is amazing.
Lighten up.
Posted by: Rich | September 11, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Seriously? Wow some of you are just straight up morons. You honestly think because a coach makes a jab at another team, that he's not focused on the game. Seriously?
Posted by: bullshiznitz | September 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Pretty sure that Jim Leavitt is officially acting like a crazy ex-girlfriend.
Pretty sure.
Posted by: Alex | September 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Actually, UCF has a week off before playing Boston College. Oh, and then your precious "rival" Miami.
Maybe you should pay attention more to college football instead of being such homers.
Posted by: Factless USF Fans Listen Up | September 11, 2008 at 09:39 AM
as i said in previous posts, this is why USF wont ever get beyond a nice 8 win team. they dont have a coach with the focus to get over the hump. stupid stupid. grothe has learned from his coach and his acting like a fool as well. I hope and pray USF gets beat by KU. shuts these crackers up.
Posted by: jose | September 11, 2008 at 09:37 AM
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWKS!!!
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWKS!!!
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWKS!!!
Say goodbye South Florida.
It's lights out for your program Friday night.
Posted by: JayhawkInTampa | September 11, 2008 at 09:37 AM
"I hate the UCF Knights. They suck bad. But I mean, you know, they're OK. I really actually like them."
Posted by: Steve Stacy | September 11, 2008 at 09:36 AM
It pleases me to no end that Leavitt can't stop embarrassing himself with all these comments about his great "unworthy" rival to the east. I was actually hoping USF would beat Kansas, but now....i most definitely want to see Leavitt with some major egg on his face after his team gets blown out by the Jayhawks, where football isn't their number one sport by a long shot!! Looks like Leavitt is setting the Bulls up for another season of being over ranking and then under performing on the national stage....ouch...the pollsters will remember it too.:)
Posted by: Pleased | September 11, 2008 at 09:26 AM
I'm not sure why he's keeping this alive. It might be the first time in sports history that the fans move on before the coach.
I'm worried that we won't be prepared. If that's the case, then Friday will be a pretty crappy night.
Posted by: Dave W | September 11, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Okay, CJL. We get the picture. Move on, dude.
Kansas, after all, is "awfully good" and they need our full and undivided attention.
Posted by: Mike Lakeland | September 11, 2008 at 07:45 AM
If you guys really think that CJL isn't focused, you haven't been paying too much attention over the last 12 years.
He will be ready. The question is, will the team respond. Mediocre bowl games aren't a judge of a coach. It's a totally different atmosphere, kids are having a lot more fun during the week, it's easy to lose focus. 3rd game of the season, at home, vs a ranked team is different. I expect the Bulls to be ready to go.
Hey UCF fans, don't you guys have some big important C-USA game to prep for? Maybe some complaining about refs? We're done here, you can move on.
Posted by: Adam | September 11, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I am really disappointed in CJL. Kansas is going to wipe the field with us.
Posted by: DELdaBULL | September 11, 2008 at 05:51 AM
Let's just expand the series if it means that much. It was a good game. I may be alone with this but CJL is taking this too far. Fans can have fun with this stuff but the head coach should be respectful.
Just focus on Kansas.
Posted by: AB | September 11, 2008 at 02:14 AM
I think Jim is just self-conscious and insecure because he looks just like me.
Posted by: Beaker | September 11, 2008 at 02:13 AM
man, CJL is obsessed it seems, the emotion of last weekend must have gotten to him. Doesn't he realize that Rutgers, Louisville, and UCONN all have stadiums that hold less than UCF's on campus stadium? UCF's stadium is loud as hell for its size. Maybe he's getting annoyed at all the questions about attendance and just spat that barb out. This Kansas game should be interesting.
Posted by: RG | September 11, 2008 at 12:56 AM
He was just have'n fun. You know CJL. He's probably up right now (midnight) watching tape. I don't think you you have to worry about focus. He'll accept your apologies after the big win. BTW, we'll have 60, mark my words.
Posted by: ew | September 10, 2008 at 11:53 PM
500% is half of 1000%. It's pretty simple.
Posted by: cg | September 10, 2008 at 11:41 PM
yet two more trolls... go back to your hole... see ya if you ever come bcs-ing...
Posted by: Steve | September 10, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Nice. huge game, not a sellout. Weak!
Plus, don't forget the whole nation will get to see how little you matter with the Buccaneer logos all over the place.
Oh yeah, and nothing says go USF like the giant Bulls Pirate Ship.
Posted by: SHG | September 10, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Selvie will make it look like he tied their shoelaces together. I will take beer from my Bulls victory stein. Go Bulls.
Posted by: KBull | September 10, 2008 at 11:22 PM
If your hard-on for the BHNS doesnt subside in another week please see a doctor.
Posted by: GoUCF | September 10, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Is 500% kind of like 50% or more like 5 times as much as 100%?
Posted by: confused | September 10, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Why coach, why?
Posted by: DELdaBULL | September 10, 2008 at 10:22 PM