The Florida Gators' upcoming football series with USF has been tweaked slightly.
The Bulls will host UF at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 11, 2021. That's two years earlier than originally scheduled.
The other two USF-UF games in Gainesville will remain on Sept. 17, 2022 and Sept. 6, 2025.
"The University of Florida has been great working with us on this series and we appreciate being able to make adjustments that work best for both programs," Bulls athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement. "We are excited to get the Gators in Tampa two years earlier than originally scheduled and to add to our 2021 non-conference schedule that also includes games at N.C. State and BYU."
The Gators' release was spicier, with some additional subtext.
"This series is another example of the University of Florida's history to play in-state schools in its recent past. Over the past 15 years, Florida has played Florida State, Miami, UCF, USF, Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic and Florida International. In addition to UF's annual matchup with FSU, fans are reminded that UF will open the 2019 season with the Miami Hurricanes at the Camping World Kickoff."
I'm sure it's just a coincidence that those lines were included, not long after some online, Orlando-based speculation that the Gators tried to duck UCF as its bowl opponent.
In other scheduling news, USF announced its final non-conference game for 2019: home against South Carolina State on Sept. 14. The Bulls also host Wisconsin and BYU and travel to Georgia Tech.