The UCF and South Florida rivalry feels a bit lopsided as the 17-ranked Knights are looking to clinch a share of the American Athletic Conference championship with a win. That would move the team closer to getting an bid to a BCS bowl. For South Florida, getting a win after a 2-8 season would be a fine way to end the year.
The UCF players are looking at this game as a conference championship. Despite the differing records, a lot is at stake for the Knights. Head coach George O'Leary is appreciating the perspectives of his players, hoping it brings some intensity to the rivalry.
UCF is rolling with six-straight wins. Getting one more on Friday would match the 2007 team for the longest streak in school history. It would also give the team a chance to reach double-digit victories for the second straight year, something that used to be a rarity in school history. The team is coming off an easy win against Rutgers where they dominated the Red Knights 41-17. UCF will be graduating eight seniors in this game, all looking to take the season to one more game.
South Florida's year has been dismal. They notched their fourth-straight loss with a 16-6 finish against SMU. They rank near the bottom in almost every statistical category in the NCAA. Their passing offense is averaging just 165.0 yards per game, while the rushing attack is putting up just 97.1 yards per game. Opponents are recording an average of 28.9 points per game against South Florida which UCF is expected to feast on.