Diaco says Knights could upset Bulls

Given UCF’s struggles coupled with USF’s rise, it would be a fair assumption to expect a lopsided War on I-4 slanted in the Bulls’ favor when the rival teams meet at Bright House Stadium Thanksgiving night.

But don’t count UConn coach Bob Diaco among those willing to throw the towel in on the Knights.

During Monday’s American Athletic Conference call, Diaco challenged a reporter who doubted UCF’s chances against USF while discussing potential outcomes for the East Division title. Temple, which currently leads the East, will host UConn Saturday night.

If Temple wins, it clinches a spot in the title game. If Temple loses and USF wins, the Bulls clinch a spot in the title game. The AAC championship game will take place Dec. 5.

When Diaco was asked whether UConn felt an incentive to prevent Temple from reaching the AAC title game, the coach responded, “No, I don’t think so. There’s a couple of games [Thursday and Friday] from my understanding that are gonna shape Saturday, too, so to have that be a part of the energy is kind of a roll of the dice and we don’t do that anyway. We like playing football, we like being together and we know all you gotta do is watch the tape to know who they are.”

The Huskies coach later said he believed winless UCF very much has a chance to upset rival USF.

“I believe in rivalry games. So I’ve played in them and have [coached] in them,” he said.

Next game: UCF vs. USF, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, ESPN