In the ongoing rivalry between the Florida Atlantic Owls and the South Florida Bulls, the two coaches currently representing the two schools aren’t exactly fond of each other – which reared its ugly head again on Friday night.
FAU head coach Tom Herman and USF coach Alex Golesh met at midfield and briefly shook hands after the Bulls comfortably defeated the Owls 44-21 on the road.
Golesh in particular had a very serious look on his face as he punched Herman in the hand and then immediately fled from him.
But when Herman wanted to discuss a perceived slight, Golesh continued to chase him as the opposing coach walked through the crowd after the win.
Herman appeared to snap at Golesh, but he didn’t respond as cooler heads seemed to prevail.
FAU coach Tom Herman (white cap) chases USF coach Alex Golesh (black cap) after loss
There is a context to this situation that needs to be explored – and for good reason.
Last year, when these two teams met, FAU defeated USF 56-14 – with a controversial ending to the game, USF’s Homecoming game.
Up 42 points over South Florida, Herman decided to increase the score on the opponent by trotting out his team for an offside play late in the game.
Golesh seemed to make an exception and his memory was long enough to take revenge on Friday evening.
Bulls running back Ta’Ron Keith rushed for a 42-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to take a 42-21 lead late in the game.
So Golesh decided to twist the knife, keeping his attack on the court for two, and converting it to go up 44-21, which served as the final score. Ironically, this was also FAU’s home game.
“I said a year ago we were going to come back and get it and we came back to get it,” Golesh said after the game. “Whatever is said, we’re fine… I think what’s being said is that we don’t like each other.”
He added: “Last year, at the end of the game, we were embarrassed at home. We came and got it, and we will continue to do so.”