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Former Bull: It's Not A Rivalry If You Can't Win

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 12, 2007

Stephen Nicholas started four years for the University of South Florida and finished as the school's all-time leader in sacks (20) and second in tackles (326). Last year he was a fourth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons, where he is the back-up weakside linebacker and the team's seventh-leading tackler. Nicholas, who was 2-0 against UCF, talked about the USF-UCF series.

What do I remember about playing UCF? I remember winning. That's what I remember.

I heard UCF played pretty good against Texas, but I've been watching the USF Bulls.

They try to make it a rivalry, but it's not a rivalry. They haven't beat us.

Coach Jim Leavitt had us focused on game by game, so it was just another game. It wasn't like we were overlooking other teams, but when that game came that week, it was the biggest game in the world. That's how it was every week.

Whether we were playing Florida International, Florida Atlantic or West Virginia, that was always the biggest game.

The first time we played in Tampa a 31-14 win in 2005 there was a decent crowd because we're right down the road. I know they try to call it the 'War on I-4' and all that. It's intense, but all games are intense.

Again, we played them at our place and at their place, but it's not a rivalry if they can't beat you.

I'm excited for those guys being ranked No. 5. I played with a lot of them and I'm happy they're doing good.

From the moment I got to USF, we've been known for having a great defense. That's the one thing we strive for with defensive coordinator Wally Burnham and Jim Leavitt has a defensive mentality.

They definitely have a good defense this year.

This year's success is not that shocking to me. We had a good ballclub last year. We beat No. 7 West Virginia and the year before No. 9 Louisville, so when we keep winning they don't have any other choice but to rank us that high.

I can believe it. I watched this year's West Virginia game. It was a big win for the program. The only place I want the program to go is up.

And we will. I think in a couple of years the program will be a powerhouse.

Brett McMurphy

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