Overview
After an abysmal weekend for the Sunshine State’s top program, rivalry week in Florida will commence with an AAC showdown in the War on I-4 (UCF vs. USF).
The Knights (UCF) own the best record in Florida entering the final regular season game of Gus Malzahn’s first year in Orlando. Among their notable victories have been Boise State, East Carolina, and Memphis. The feat marks Central Florida with a winning record for five straight seasons in counting, with their last sub-.500 showing coming in 2016.
For USF, the scenario could not be more different. The Bulls have long represented one of the group of five’s most respectable programs — they once resided in a BCS Conference, too — but a string of three four-or-less win seasons have derailed the program to its lowest point since the inception of the football at the university.
While UCF doesn’t have the flashy defense needed to impress the college football world like Cincinnati, stopping South Florida should be no problem. The Bulls offense is ranked No. 101 of 130 in the FBS, which is almost as bad as their ranking on defense (125).
Game Information
- Kickoff: November 26 at 3:30 P.M.
- Location: The Bounce House, Orlando, Florida
- Television/Stream: ESPN
- Online/Mobile App: ESPN+
- UCF Radio: 96.9 FM The Game/740 AM
- UCF Radio Announcing Crew: Marc Daniels (Play-by-Play), Gary Parris (analyst), and Scott Adams (sideline reporter).
- USF Radio: 95.3 FM/620 AM WDAE (Tampa)
- USF Radio Announcing Crew: Jim Louk (Play-by-Play), Sam Barrington (analyst), and Joey Johnston (Sideline reporter)
- Series History: The series history of the War on I-4 stands deadlocked at six on both sides. The Knights have won the last four, with South Florida triumphing in the first six of eight meetings.
Odds
UCF opens up as a 17-point favorite over USF according to DraftKings Nation. The Golden Knights (7-4, 4-3 American Athletic Conference) remain on a hot streak after winning four of their last five, with their most recent victory coming in a 49-17 thrashing over UConn.
The current over/under stands at 62.5 points.
(Featured image by Monica Herndon/Times)