UCF deserves better than a 2-for-1 series with Florida, says athletics director Danny White. It'd be a huge deal for UCF to host the Gators, says Dan Mullen.
The programs — separated by just 120 miles — continued their war of words on Friday when Mullen fired the latest shot.
"I think we offered them a two-for-one like we do with most schools in their position, which is actually really a good deal," Mullen told Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times. "They have the opportunity to have an SEC school play at their place. It would potentially be a big deal for them. I know I've done it that way."
Last week, Gators' athletics director Scott Stricklin said "he'd be OK with scheduling [UCF] in the right situation," but noted they "haven't had a spot where we thought this made sense at this point."
A potential series would be a 2-for-1 in which Florida hosts UCF twice and the Gators go to Orlando once.
"Top-10 programs don't schedule 2-for-1 series where the balance is not in their favor," White responded. "Our growing fan base and our student-athletes deserve better than that."
First, UCF isn't a "top-10 program." You don't become a "top-10 program" with a couple strong years preceded by a winless season. They're a darn good program, but Kansas wasn't a top-10 program after their Orange Bowl season.
Second, Mullen is right; it would be a big deal for UCF to host Florida (but, to be fair, not all SEC teams). While the Knights have been a better team the last two years, they're not a better program. It'd be gigantic to get the Gators at Spectrum Stadium. Should they sacrifice two road games for that opportunity? That's another thing, and, obviously, White should do what's best for their program.
Nonetheless, the comments won't go over well in Orlando. And they probably won't help potential negotiations over a 2-for-1 series.
MORE: UCF's Success Pollutes Playoff Debate
MORE: UCF Should Cancel Florida A&M Game
