Mike Bianchi after UCF's 16-0 2014 win vs. usf in Tampa.
But, now, alas, that USF smugness is gone — replaced by a false bravado before and after the game. During his post-game news conference, second-year USF coach Willie Taggart was asked if UCF has the type of program he wants to build at USF. Shockingly, Taggart's initial response was, "Hell, no!"
Really, Coach? Why wouldn't you want to build the type of program that wins BCS games, conference championships and is gunning for its fourth 10-win season in five years? Why wouldn't you want to build a disciplined program that has the third-highest graduation rate in the country among public universities?
Taggart, it seems, has the all the arrogance of Leavitt — but without the victories. Leavitt, the volatile coach, was fired five years ago for hitting a player in the locker room during halftime of a game. He was replaced by Skip Holtz, who was canned after three miserable seasons and replaced by Taggart. Only in his second year at USF, Taggart better show marked improvement next season or he will likely find himself on the hot seat, too.
Meanwhile, so much has shifted for UCF since that program-changing day in this stadium seven years ago. After that 64-12 blowout, the Knights ran off seven straight victories and won a school-first conference championship. UCF's record since that day is 65-31; USF's is 41-53.
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But, now, alas, that USF smugness is gone — replaced by a false bravado before and after the game. During his post-game news conference, second-year USF coach Willie Taggart was asked if UCF has the type of program he wants to build at USF. Shockingly, Taggart's initial response was, "Hell, no!"
Really, Coach? Why wouldn't you want to build the type of program that wins BCS games, conference championships and is gunning for its fourth 10-win season in five years? Why wouldn't you want to build a disciplined program that has the third-highest graduation rate in the country among public universities?
Taggart, it seems, has the all the arrogance of Leavitt — but without the victories. Leavitt, the volatile coach, was fired five years ago for hitting a player in the locker room during halftime of a game. He was replaced by Skip Holtz, who was canned after three miserable seasons and replaced by Taggart. Only in his second year at USF, Taggart better show marked improvement next season or he will likely find himself on the hot seat, too.
Meanwhile, so much has shifted for UCF since that program-changing day in this stadium seven years ago. After that 64-12 blowout, the Knights ran off seven straight victories and won a school-first conference championship. UCF's record since that day is 65-31; USF's is 41-53.
Memo to USF coach Willie Taggart: Heavens yes, you should want to be like UCF!
TAMPA — This was an historic, euphoric day when George O’Leary’s awful seven-year itch became an awesome seven-year switch. Seven years. Seven long years. That’s how long UC…
www.orlandosentinel.com
