Before the 2017 college football season began, few could have predicted the biggest in-state game during rivalry week would feature two non-Power 5 conference foes.
But Friday’s nationally televised showdown between 22nd-ranked South Florida (9-1) and No. 13 Central Florida (10-0) in Orlando will generate more buzz than Florida-Florida State, which features a pair of unranked teams with a combined record of 8-12.
The Bulls and Knights have one loss combined, and the winner will advance to the American Athletic Conference title game as the East Division champion to face West representative Memphis.
The USF-UCF matchup has national, state and local implications – several players from Manatee County are expected to play prominent roles.