UConn calling to start rivalry with UCF

Just three weeks out from the self-proclaimed I-4 Corridor Clash between USF and UCF on Nov. 28, the Knights have been challenged to another rivalry.

After UConn's first American Athletic Conference win, which was against UCF on Nov. 1, its head football coach Bob Diaco commented that he'd like the idea of starting a rivalry between the two schools in the future. Diaco described it as a north-south conflict and said he planned to spark the conversation about the contest whether the Huskies went on to win or lose to the Knights.

"All admiration to Central Florida, Coach O'Leary. They're spectacular. But we're excited about this north-south battle. [We] want to call it the Civil Conflict," Diaco said.

He went on to joke that he might personally purchase the prize trophy with a Knight and Huskie on it. But on a serious note, Diaco credited UCF's program for its progression and success throughout the years.

"We point toward that program as a program on how to operate. So we're going to look to that program and say 'These guys do it the right way. These guys play the kind of football we want to play.' And they play it every week," Diaco said.

George O'Leary said he would be happy to welcome another in-conference rivalry game.

"I think if you can get those types of games going with different teams in the conference, I think that's great for the conference. I have no problem with that whatsoever. I'd be anxious to get him down to our place next year," O'Leary said.

Why UCF fans need to get over Blake Bortles

When great things happen in sports, they forever go down in history. But that's just the thing — it's history.

Throughout this whole season, I heard a countless amount of "if Blake was in this situation ... " comments. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news to all who have felt this way, but he's not! Simply put, he's gone. It may or may not be a little-known fact, but in case you didn't know, Blake Bortles is the quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars. What I'm trying to say nicely is, get over him.

I know many fans' most memorable moments as Knight fans are wrapped into the Bortles era. He has a well-deserved spot in UCF history and deserves all of the recognition, attention and accolades that he got for the success he led UCF to in 2013. But fans have to live in the present. One minute no one is even thinking about Bortles. Then Holman overthrows someone one too many times or throws a pick, and the wheels down Memory Lane start rolling once again.

Unfortunately, Bortles is never coming back. The sooner UCF fans accept that, the sooner the 2014 team can begin to be judged through unbiased lenses, and the steps it's taking might be recognized.

It is perfectly OK to remember. I would actually advocate that fans never forget the spotlight that UCF had shining on it during that historic 2013 season. But remembering and dwelling are two different things entirely. Come to terms with the fact that as far as the gridiron goes, Bortles and UCF are never, ever, ever getting back together.

How nervous should Heat fans be?

For those who chose to remain Miami Heat fans after the departure of LeBron James, you may be feeling a little confused and nervous for the season to come. The Miami Heat have lost all four of the preseason games it's played thus far. Perhaps the most interesting and hard fought was, go figure, the matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Saturday. Miami was expected by many to lose, and it began to look to be heading in that direction well after halftime. However, the team was able to claw its way back into the game, force overtime and go on to lose by two.

The point is though, that Miami fans probably can't remember the last time its team has gone 0-4 in much of anything. Should they be nervous? I don't think so. Yes the Heat has dropped four games in the preseason, to some average teams, but that's the purpose of a preseason. This time is spent trying to iron our the kinks. As much as fans may want to pretend to go on with their lives after LBJ, it's a huge adjustment to make without him. I mean James himself had a to adjust to not being a member of the Heat after he set a screen on his own teammate, for former teammate Norris Cole, in that same preseason game. It takes time.

On a panic scale, I would say Miami fans shouldn't be pass a 4 or 5, and that could be pushing it. Each game the margin of loss has progressively gone down for the most part and none of the losses have exceed an eight-point final deficit. So don't go adding anymore heat to that South Florida weather. Keep Calm Miami fans.

A United Call To Action

This week new NBA commissioner Adam Silver "fresh look" at the league's domestic violence procedures. His statement came after the immense backlash that the NFL is facing after a string of ill-handled domestic violence issues.

"We're studying everything that's been happening in the NFL. We're working with our players' association. We've been talking for several weeks and we're going to take a fresh look at everything we do," Silver said.

I think that this was a great move by the NBA and a necessary one. Other commissioners and front office executives in other leagues should follow Silver's example, even women's professional leagues. Domestic violence is an issue that can clearly effect everyone.

Sports, professional or not, are supposed to unify people and give them a sense of pride. Without some call to action on this issue, the state of sports as we know it can take a huge hit. Without fans, there are fewer advertisers, sponsors, partners, etc.

I'm curious to see if the NBA, and other leagues, will make public what they have chosen to do to modify domestic violence policies and tolerance. The culture of these leagues has to adapt to these new procedures. Otherwise we won't see change. I would like for Silver, and other executives, to not only make stipulations and consequences more tough and clear, but also offer different avenues of help for those who may be affected by domestic violence whether it may be past, present, or future.

AP Overkill

By now, the news of the charges against Adrian Peterson isn't new. The 2012 NFL MVP has now voluntarily gone on the Vikings exempt list while he handles things with his ongoing child abuse case. This status bars him from all team activities. But I believe one main source is the reason Peterson ultimately had to make this choice: the media.
First of all, I personally feel that one thing we can't do is begin to think we are so important that we can now tell people the "right way" to discipline their children. We are a product of our past. If Peterson feels the best way to discipline his children is through corporal punishment, that is not for any of the public to deem "wrong".
In the same token, a company's brand and image is one of its most valuable assets. Having a player indicted on charges on child neglect and abuse charges, especially after losing a son to abuse last year, isn't a good look for his team or league. The timing couldn't have been worse with all of the other open violent cases in the NFL that unfolded at the same time.Still, I believe Peterson took an unfair hit which frankly came as a result of bad timing.
Whether one agrees with his discipline style or not is neither here nor there. But being caught up in the middle of domestic violence crimes committed my several other players in the league painted Peterson in an uneven light. He was judged and prosectuted by much of America for doing what he has to do as a parent: make decisions. He was grouped with men who committed for more henious acts that he did.
I'm not saying Peterson's situation shouldn't be looked into, but I think the media's coverage and grouping of the case wasn't fair to him and in turn forged conclusions in the public's mind. As a member of the media, I know how powerful our influence can be. That is why I always encourgae the public to find out the truth in all reports and assess it independently. Don't let the news coverage dictate how big of a deal you think it is.
We've beat the Adrian Peterson situation almost to death (no pun intended). Let's let it rest

The throne is NOT set in stone

After preseason camp, UCF head coach George O'Leary came out and announced redshirt freshman Pete DiNovo as the starting quarterback. With not much experience beyond the practice squad, many had questions about how DiNovo would adjust to the role after the mark left by Blake Bortles and the Knights' success last season.
I mean, it's a tough spot to be in. DiNovo wasn't even the front-runner for the starting job heading into summer and then he played his first game with his new role in Ireland! It seemed the throne was Pete's to get comfortable on once his name was announced, but not so fast.
The original front-runner, sophomore Justin Holman, was named the new starting quarterback for the Knights on Thursday as his heroics pulled UCF out a growing hole in its season opener.
To be frank, DiNovo wasn't quite ready to play on that stage. Not to say that he's a bad quarterback, but he didn't have as much game experience. The coaching staff must have agreed because after just one game, not even an entire three quarters, DiNovo was yanked from the number one.
Holman was said to be a "game manager" while the role was still up for grabs. He got the most playing time in the spring game but was beat out for the starting job. Now that he's regained the reigns the question becomes: can he continue?
I would hope he can continue to progress because he showed great signs in the Croke Park Classic. With continued growth, UCF can very remain successful.
But remember Justin, the throne is clearly not ever set in stone.

NBA Finals Preview/Prediction Contest

It's the day we've all been waiting for...well most of us. The NBA Finals rematch begins tonight, as Tim Duncan tries again to capture that fifth title and LeBron and the Heat go for a three-peat (I wonder if Pat Riley made money off of me typing that).

Anyway, check out this video for my prediction on who will win this series and details on The Rundown's NBA Finals contest to see how you can win! Catch game 1 tonight at 9pm on ABC. Happy Finals!

The Rundown 2.0!

I know it has been ages, but I really want to make a comeback. I've gotten so many opportunities since I launched The Rundown and I couldn't be more grateful. But it did cause me to severely neglect the place I came from. I can't say I'll post every day as I used to, but I really want to get sports talk back up and running on The Rundown. With that, I present to you all the new addition to the Rundown.....VIDEO!

I now have my own video equipment, as well as editing system, so I am trying to make the transition from articles to more digital information on The Rundown moving forward. Watch the short video below to find out just what I'm trying to do with these changes and what I need from you all!