It was at a harmless MAC media day that Central Florida laid the smack down, or whatever they say in pro wrestling or Allen Iverson's household. The Golden Knights join the MAC this year after a long struggle to get admitted to a conference.
The problem, as MAC types are starting to see it, is that Central Florida has an inflated opinion of itself. Remember, the program is only 23 years old. It has been in Division I-A since about the time another Orlando franchise, the Backstreet Boys, formed -- 1996. But when media visited Disneyville last month for a first-hand look at the MAC's newest member they were met by -- oh, what to call it? -- arrogance, ignorance, a sense of entitlement.
How about all three?
Central Florida president John Hitt called it the "Midwest Conference" at least twice. Athletic director Steve Orsini said that while the MAC is nice the school fully intends to be in a "major" conference within five years.
Golden Knights coach Mike Kruczek was quoted as saying, "I think we can be undefeated. I know we can do it in the MAC conference ... Our major concern is our out-of-conference opponents."
Neat stuff, really, and just what the MAC needs -- a storyline -- even if it does resemble one contrived by Vince McMahon. Central Florida enters the MAC as "The Heel," wrestling lingo for the bad guy.
Marshall's Byron Leftwich is a leading candidate to win the Heisman Trophy. (Allsport)
"UCF plays up at our place this year," said Marshall coach Bob Pruett, whose program has won four of the last five MAC titles, "but from listening to their AD talk, I just hope they're in our league long enough when we can get a return game down here (Orlando) before they leave. It seemed like he was saying that UCF is just sort of passing through."
Whatever, the comments add some juice to the MAC race. Central Florida does indeed play at Marshall in a nationally televised game on Sept. 20. The Knights' confidence is boosted by their 11-4 record against the MAC since 1996.
While they've never been to a I-A bowl, this could be the year. That's the whole point in joining the league. The MAC has two postseason receptacles, the GMAC and Motor City bowls. It's going to be tough, considering that four of their first five games are on the road, including trips to Penn State and Arizona State. But that shouldn't intimidate the Knights (heck, nothing else has). They've played 20 games against schools from BCS leagues in the past five seasons.
But in case you haven't heard, the Thundering Herd are the preseason favorites to win their fifth title. What Marshall lacks in controversy, it makes up in pure talent. The Herd could be the first MAC team to break through to a BCS bowl. Pruett, at 69-11, is the nation's winningest active coach. Quarterback Byron Leftwich is a big-time Heisman candidate and is being talked about as the NFL's top draft choice next spring. Leftwich should become the third Marshall player to make the trip to New York as a Heisman finalist.
Fifteen starters return from a team that went 11-2 and scored 39 points per game. The three-receiver set of Denero Marriott, Josh Davis and Darius Watts might be the best in the nation.
Until Central Florida started flapping its gums, Marshall attracted most of the attention for the MAC. Now there's a great storyline before the newest member has snapped its first ball.
Bill Veeck would have loved it. Now Central Florida is going to have to prove it.
What a heel.
The problem, as MAC types are starting to see it, is that Central Florida has an inflated opinion of itself. Remember, the program is only 23 years old. It has been in Division I-A since about the time another Orlando franchise, the Backstreet Boys, formed -- 1996. But when media visited Disneyville last month for a first-hand look at the MAC's newest member they were met by -- oh, what to call it? -- arrogance, ignorance, a sense of entitlement.
How about all three?
Central Florida president John Hitt called it the "Midwest Conference" at least twice. Athletic director Steve Orsini said that while the MAC is nice the school fully intends to be in a "major" conference within five years.
Golden Knights coach Mike Kruczek was quoted as saying, "I think we can be undefeated. I know we can do it in the MAC conference ... Our major concern is our out-of-conference opponents."
Neat stuff, really, and just what the MAC needs -- a storyline -- even if it does resemble one contrived by Vince McMahon. Central Florida enters the MAC as "The Heel," wrestling lingo for the bad guy.
Marshall's Byron Leftwich is a leading candidate to win the Heisman Trophy. (Allsport)
"UCF plays up at our place this year," said Marshall coach Bob Pruett, whose program has won four of the last five MAC titles, "but from listening to their AD talk, I just hope they're in our league long enough when we can get a return game down here (Orlando) before they leave. It seemed like he was saying that UCF is just sort of passing through."
Whatever, the comments add some juice to the MAC race. Central Florida does indeed play at Marshall in a nationally televised game on Sept. 20. The Knights' confidence is boosted by their 11-4 record against the MAC since 1996.
While they've never been to a I-A bowl, this could be the year. That's the whole point in joining the league. The MAC has two postseason receptacles, the GMAC and Motor City bowls. It's going to be tough, considering that four of their first five games are on the road, including trips to Penn State and Arizona State. But that shouldn't intimidate the Knights (heck, nothing else has). They've played 20 games against schools from BCS leagues in the past five seasons.
But in case you haven't heard, the Thundering Herd are the preseason favorites to win their fifth title. What Marshall lacks in controversy, it makes up in pure talent. The Herd could be the first MAC team to break through to a BCS bowl. Pruett, at 69-11, is the nation's winningest active coach. Quarterback Byron Leftwich is a big-time Heisman candidate and is being talked about as the NFL's top draft choice next spring. Leftwich should become the third Marshall player to make the trip to New York as a Heisman finalist.
Fifteen starters return from a team that went 11-2 and scored 39 points per game. The three-receiver set of Denero Marriott, Josh Davis and Darius Watts might be the best in the nation.
Until Central Florida started flapping its gums, Marshall attracted most of the attention for the MAC. Now there's a great storyline before the newest member has snapped its first ball.
Bill Veeck would have loved it. Now Central Florida is going to have to prove it.
What a heel.
