Funny exchange after Saturday's game between USF coach Jim Leavitt and the New York Times' Pete Thamel, talking about the relative strength of the Big East.

Thamel had asked Leavitt the same question in Rhode Island in July, and the coach got a bit defensive back over the summer. So when Thamel asked Leavitt again Saturday, giving him a chance to gloat a little bit, Leavitt took full advantage.

"I think the Big East is awesome. I think the Big East is as powerful as there is," Leavitt said. "I've said that. I think I said it to you. You asked that question and I got all upset with you. I said people have no clue about the Big East. I'll say it again, the same thing I told you a month ago, and I'm right. All you can do is look at the bowl games, the nonconference games, and make your own decision.

"I don't know why the media doesn't do the things they should do with the Big East. The Big East is that tough. It is frickin' that tough. I said frickin'. I have to be careful. I think that word's allowed. Maybe. OK. Nothing more than that. The Big East is that tough."