Man, yesterday was amazing. We were on campus for 12 hours tailgating and I have the sunburn to prove it. After morning mimosas with Screws and company, the parade set the stage. After the parade, there was a basketball game, then I believe a soccer game (that I didn't see), and then the marshall game. To have it all on UCF's campus, all on the north side that didn't even exist 3 years ago, was simply incredible. The administration over in east orlando has done a hell of a job, and the Knights are bowl eligible (6-3). Keep it up.I've avoided saying much about USF since they dismantled UCF four weeks back. At three losses in a row though, I'm required. What the hell, bulls? At first, I was impressed with USF's almost-comeback last night. Then, I started reading things the fans are saying about the game. USF fans managed to piss off the entire nation with their arrogance while winning, and now they're pissing off everyone with their poor sportsmanship after losing. Learn to win, learn to lose. Can't say it's completely unexpected when The Jim is in charge over there though. Jim Leavitt has officially come off the hinges after swallowing his face with his lower lip against Rutgers. Last night, his team had 8 turnovers, the players ran out on to the field to cuss out the refs and his own players started fighting with each other on the sideline. Afterwards, he had the audacity to pin things on a possible blown call. Not to mention cry. You heard me. The man cried. At least he showed up to talk with the media this time (Which, you know, is his job, and one that he and his players have a reputation for not doing. That's going to hurt grothe's heisman hopes way more than his 4 picks.)
USF is a team that has two convincing wins this year -- UNC and UCF. Every other game has been questionable calls and turnovers. Basic statistics tells you that its going to balance out, and thats exactly whats happening. Bad calls go both ways. When you peak under the covers of the program itself, The Jim has a roster of 50% NCAA special exceptions (according to ESPN's outside the lines. It means it took lawyers to get them into school, and that Saban was right.), with most of the players being two and three star talent. That's not a likely formula to win the Big East, let alone a National Championship. What it will do though is make a competitive program with tons of off the field issues. Either you survive it and start recruiting legit kids, or it implodes and gets everyone fired. The jury is still out on what the outcome will be right now. And yeah, I get it. I'm a UCF fan. It must be jealousy. The kicker, of course, is that the entire sports world is now arriving at similar conclusions. I guess jealousy runs rampant. Stay classy, Tampa.
Ohio State over Wisconsin. I know everyone's doubting the big 10 (with reason), but OSU looks stronger each week. The biggest rivalry in the college game looms big. Michigan has been playing the way everyone expected them to play pre-app state implosion, and I believe they're playing up in the big house. Michigan had a hell of a rally yesterday over Michigan State.
Tough loss for ASU, but Oregon looks good. Real good. If I had a ballot, they'd pass LSU this week. LSU continues to play risky, and I'm wondering when it's going to bite them. And no, I don't believe that its because the SEC is "just that good." Not this year, friends.
NC State beat Miami.. you know what that means..... go knights!
FSU beat Boston College. I was disappointed to see their streak come to a close, but can't say that I was terribly surprised. BC's team GPA is just way to high... ;)
UConn beat Rutgers. I really though Rutgers would pull this one off. It's good to see a cinderella team still alive though.
And is it time to put Kansas in the top 5 yet?
Virginia Tech beats Georgia Tech while wearing GT uniforms. Well done!
Comments...
(Page 1)1. Alex,
I am happy that you enjoyed the 'festivities' at the new UCF arena.
As a resident of the area just behind the campus I am NOT HAPPY about the additional traffic, noise, carousing that has ensued since the completion of the Arena.
I acknowledge that the majority of college students ARE responsible adults seeking a good education. But the VISIBLE and VOCAL minority of drunken slobs who litter our streets (and my yard) with plastic cups and half-empty beer bottles are also tearing up the common-grounds in my neighborhood with their poor driving skills (is that brain-damage as a result of the high consumption of beer).
I disagree with the college's decision to permit alcohol during the games. I thought UCF (as a prestigious State University) boasted a "dry campus"!
8:23PM on Nov 5th 2007 by Thom Parkin
2. UCF has never been a dry campus, as we've had on campus alcohol in restaurants/bars since before I even attended (Locos in my day, wild pizza before that.. now there's a few). Regarding game day alcohol, that's pretty much par for the course at any university. It's just not allowed in the stadium (it's an NCAA thing).
Regarding your neighborhood and lawn though, that's a shame to hear. With so much on campus parking, there isn't much reason for folks to be out and about in those neighborhoods. I know this year was a learning year for the University. Hopefully they'll continue to reach out and listen. If you have any concrete suggestions or ideas, I have the email of the person to talk to somewhere around here. I can look.
Question for you -- can you hear the crowd during the game from where you are at? How about lights? I know there were some concessions made on all that during the planning stages with some traditions cut out, etc.
(email and in comment section)
Best,
Alex
8:27PM on Nov 5th 2007 by Alex Rudloff
3. All I have to compare the crowds and their ensuing mess to is what I experienced at Ohio State. OSU is a huge campus, with plenty of dorms, but the majority of students live off campus in the residential houses surrounding main campus. All of these neighborhoods used to be occupied by families and teachers etc, (circa 1860-1960). But as the school grew it took them over. Flash forward a few decades and no one complains when parties spill into the street, parking backs up and noise ensues. We were all students or fans coming for a game.
Personally I think it is a shame current UCF students have to drive to get on campus. Better busing to and from apartments, and better pedestrian routes must be built, especially crossing the busy Alafaya Trail. And sadly, surrounding neighborhoods should be more student friendly. The more students stay in and around campus, the stronger the student life and experience. And the less chance for angry neighbors (they'll all be students!)
I easily walked 8 to 10 blocks to get on campus from my housing, and walked entirely through other student housing. I think the amazing growth, excitement and support that UCF is generating means it is only a matter of time until it too grows into not just a campus, but a community. These are certainly the growing pain years, but in a couple of decades I bet UCF will have the same big campus community like Ohio State.
8:28PM on Nov 5th 2007 by Kat
4. My body was all like, "Ouchy, Burnsy, why do you do this to me?" And I was all like, "Hey body, shut it and keep sucking down this delicious magical juice."
I love Homecoming.
1:40PM on Nov 6th 2007 by Burnsy
5. This is very obvious, but you may too do it.
6:24AM on Nov 30th 2007 by Corey