Rivalry Weekend in the Sunshine State

Posted Nov 27, 2009 by Scott Carter

Updated Nov 27, 2009 at 05:19 PM

They call this rivalry weekend in college football, and for fans here in the Sunshine State, we all know what that means: bragging rights between Gators and Seminoles are on the line for another year.

But there’s a new twist this year. The annual FSU-UF game has a new dance partner, which means you better have the remote control handy.

At the same time Florida State and top-ranked Florida kick off at The Swamp in the 54th meeting between the schools, No. 19-ranked Miami and South Florida will do the same two hours away in front of a sold-out crowd at Raymond James Stadium.

“These are the type of games where you get that fire in your stomach for,’’ said USF linebacker Sam Barrington.

Barrington is just a freshman and he understands the meaning of rivalry weekend.

So what would a win over the Gators mean to 80-year-old FSU coach Bobby Bowden in what is expected to be his final game in Gainesville? Would it mean as much as winning a national championship, which Bowden has done twice?

“It probably would. It’d be such a big one,’’ Bowden said. “This thing has to turn around, and I’d say if you beat them then it’s around.’

Today’s game between USF and Miami probably means as much to USF coach Jim Leavitt than anyone. Leavitt worked tirelessly to get the Hurricanes to schedule a regular game against the Bulls, and starting today, Miami and USF face each other five consecutive seasons.

So, if Leavitt was Joe Fan at home instead of head coach of the Bulls, which game would he watch Saturday?

“I’d imagine everybody will watch our game,’’ Leavitt quipped. “It’s the only one that’s important to me, to be honest. I don’t really care about that other game.’‘

What about you guys? Will you flip channels Saturday, or will the USF-Miami game have your undivided attention?

I think I know the answer, but thought I would ask anyway.