Dan Mullen is dismissing any talk of a “rivalry” between Florida and UCF.
Mullen has been going around the state for his spring speaking tour. He spoke in Tampa on Wednesday and Orlando on Thursday. While in Orlando, he was asked about the “blossoming rivalry” between his Gators and UCF. Mullen dismissed the talk, saying they have to play first to become rivals.
#Gators coach Dan Mullen was asked about the ‘blossoming rivalry’ between @UCF_Football and the @FloridaGators #Knights #Gators #CFB pic.twitter.com/EyQMtNlriv
— Courtney Jasmin (@CourtneyWESH2) May 16, 2019
Mullen said in December that they offered UCF a 2-for-1, which means a three-game series between them over three years, two in Gainesville and one where UCF hosts.
Mullen: I think we offered (UCF) a 2-for-1, like we do for most schools in their position.
Mullen says it'd be a big deal for #UCF, to have an SEC school come play at their place.
"If they want to try to toughen their schedule…" Mullen says— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) December 14, 2018
He’s right. UCF is a mid-major program, while Florida is a major one. Sometimes you have to take these sorts of deals if you’re UCF and want to face the big boys.
UCF may be 25-1 over the past two seasons, but the program is newer and lacks the clout, fan base and history of the Gators. That’s the reality. There is no rivalry until they start playing every season.
