Keys to Victory: Control Rivalry Emotions
USF (2-9; 1-6 American) at UCF (7-4; 4-3 American)
Friday, Nov. 26 • 3:30 P.M. • Orlando, Fla.
SURFACE: Bermuda grass
TV: ESPN: Roy Philpott (p-by-p), Kelly Stouffer (analyst) & Lauren Sisler (sideline)
RADIO: 95.3 FM WDAE
AUDIO STREAM: iHeartRadio - Bulls Unlimited1
SERIES: Tied, 6-6
IN TAMPA: Tied, 3-3
IN ORLANDO: Tied, 3-3, last UCF won 34-7 in '19
LAST: UCF won, 58-46, in Tampa in 2020
STREAK: UCF has won four straight meetings
STREAK: Lost 8 straight road conference games
GAME NOTES (PDF)
By Joey Johnston
When the Bulls (2-9, 1-6 AAC) meet the Knights (7-4, 4-3 AAC) on Friday afternoon in Orlando for the 13th renewal of the "War On I-4,'' the biggest factor won't be play-calling, matchups or field position.
This one is about emotion.
Playing with emotion should never be a problem when facing your rival.
Properly managing your emotions? That could make the difference.
"I'm telling the guys that emotion and energy is not going to win the game Friday,'' USF coach Jeff Scott said. "It may help you make one play or a couple of plays. Ultimately, it comes down to whoever executes the best on that day.
"It's always important to beat your rival. Last year, we had opportunities (in a 58-46 loss to UCF at Tampa). At Clemson when we were having early success, South Carolina kind of had our number. At the end of the day, it's about playing well in those games. It's not about talking and hanging up signs. It comes down to third-and-8. Can you execute in those situations?''
Bulls senior defensive lineman Thad Mangum, 24, will complete his seventh season of college football (redshirt season, injury, transfer from Wofford, bonus COVID year). He considers himself "level-headed.''
"Never too high, never too low,'' Mangum said. "For a freshman walking out there with a full stadium and a rivalry game, there's going to be the expected amount of jitters and emotions. You've got to stay focused on your job.''
Mangum will likely have different emotions. Friday could be his final football game — ever.
"I have thought about it,'' Mangum said. "Honestly, I don't have any doubts or regrets. If this is my last game, I will be thankful. I have to give it my all and concentrate on the things I can control.''
And that includes controlling your emotions. That doesn't mean being unfeeling or robotic. It means channeling your energy in the proper direction. It means being disciplined and not getting carried away by the game's expected fury, which could lead to silly, costly penalties.
Bulls senior offensive tackle Donovan Jennings, who chose USF over UCF out of Gaither High School, said he has been coached to keep his head down and concentrate on the next play. That approach should be beneficial against the Knights.
"Don't look up at your surroundings, don't get distracted, just keep a good mindset,'' Jennings said. "We want to play a great game, finish the season strong and propel this program into next year.
"The series is tied 6-6 and we'd love to be one-up on them. We want to beat them in every sport – soccer, basketball, whatever. Football is always fun, but this type of game is definitely fun football. It's going to be exciting and thrilling. You don't have to worry about energy.''
If the Bulls are smart, they won't have to worry about proper use of emotion, either. It will be emotional, no doubt. But there's a job to do and nothing — especially emotion — should get in the way.
Honoring the Past
USF will wear a new white version of the "slime" uniform for the War on I-4. Particularly of note is the helmet which will feature a unique helmet stripe that honors the Bulls' history and connection to the Bay area. The stripe features at the front a silhouette of the Tampa skyline and at the back the "Robo Bull" logo used for the first six seasons. But, in between is where it really gets special as the names of all the members of the Bulls first team in 1997 are inscribed in block letters on the stripe. A beautiful not to the Bull's tradition.
The USF-UCF Series
The "War On I-4'' series is tied 6-6, but UCF has won four straight games. Overall, USF is 3-3 in Orlando with the last victory occurring in 2015 (a 44-3 USF triumph that clinched UCF's 0-12 finish that season).
Connections
* USF has four offensive luminaries — quarterback Timmy McClain (Sanford Seminole), wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (Sanford Seminole), wide receiver Xavier Weaver (Orlando Christian Prep) and running back Kelley Joiner Jr. (Clermont South Lake) — from UCF's backyard.
* UCF notables from Tampa high schools include starting defensive tackle Anthony Montalvo (Sickles) and wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers (Tampa Catholic), in his sixth season of college football after playing at Auburn and Colorado State before landing at UCF as a graduate transfer.
* USF offensive-line coach/assistant head coach Allen Mogridge was on UCF's staff in 2012, then again in 2014-15.
Trivia Time
In the first meeting of the series — USF 31, UCF 14 on Sept. 17, 2005 at Raymond James Stadium — who were the starting quarterbacks? (Answer listed below).
Looking Ahead
We're looking way ahead. USF's 2022 football season will have plenty of non-conference intrigue. The first two games are at Raymond James Stadium — Sept. 3 against BYU and Sept. 10 against Howard University (and head coach Larry Scott, a former USF offensive lineman on the inaugural 1997 team). The Bulls face the Florida Gators in Gainesville on Sept. 17, then travel to Louisville on Sept. 24 for the first meeting against the Cardinals, a former conference foe, since 2012.
AAC opponents and game dates will be announced in a few months.
Trivia Answer
USF's Pat Julmiste and UCF's Steven Moffett were the starting quarterbacks on Sept. 17, 2005, when the Bulls and Knights first met in football.
