Normally when one side wins a rivalry game, they can’t wait to get their hands on the traveling trophy and hoist it high as they head off the field. Of course, in order, for there to be a rivalry, both sides have to agree that, well, there actually is a rivalry.
Last year, to the surprise -- and chagrin -- of UCF, UConn abruptly revealed that there were “just 130 days until the next Civil Conflict” with @UCF_Football!” The university even had a trophy created for the rivalry. All of that was news to the Knights as they stated at the time that they “have no involvement with the trophy or creating a rivalry game with UConn.”
Fast-forward nearly a year and a half, and the, ahem, Civil Conflict was back on as UCF traveled to East Hartford to tangle with UConn for the fourth meeting in a storied series that began in 2013. Four quarters later, the Knights walked off the field with a 24-16 win... and without the trophy.UCF players and coaches leaving the field without the Civil ConFLiCT trophy.
— Neill Ostrout (@NeillOstrout) October 22, 2016
UConn staffer just picked up the trophy, looked around for advice on what to do with it, and placed in on the UConn bench.
— Neill Ostrout (@NeillOstrout) October 22, 2016
Same UConn staffer just shrouded the trophy with a towel
— Neill Ostrout (@NeillOstrout) October 22, 2016
Oh, UConn, this is not a good look. This is just sad. And embarrassing. If you have any dignity or self-respect left, give it up already.