The biggest game in the state and one of the biggest nationally will take place in Orlando on Friday when UCF hosts USF for the War on I-4.

"I think it's one of the best rivalries in college football," tight end Jordan Akins said. "Everybody come ready. Even if you're hurt, you'll be ready to play. We look at it as a challenge. It's about getting the win. To beat USF, it would mean everything to UCF. That's what we're going to try to do for the university. We're looking forward to getting a championship."

A year ago, many felt then-USF coach Willie Taggart disrespected UCF by scoring a touchdown in the final seconds instead of taking a knee to run out the clock.

"We looked at it like, 'Next year,'" Akins said. "We came out with the mindset of playing to win. Playing for each other. It's definitely worked out in our favor. When we play USF, they're going to get 100 percent. We're going to go every play. We're going to hit them. I'm pretty sure they're going to hit us. We're going to give it our all."

Akins suffered a minor foot injury a few weeks ago at SMU, but says he's now fully healed.

"I'm back to 100 percent," he said. "Taking it one day at a time. Last game against Temple, getting back out there and testing it, I feel great."

Since he missed the majority of 2015 with a knee injury, Akins has the option of applying for a medical redshirt which would extend his eligibility through 2018. Scott Frost said during his remarks no decision has been made, but intimated it could be time for Akins, a former minor league baseball player who is 25 years old, to take his chances at the next level.

"Jordan last year to Jordan this year is a completely different guy," Frost said. "He's healthy again. He understands our scheme. He's making big plays for us. He's blocking a lot better. He's another real weapon for us. There's not a lot of tight ends in the country that can run and catch like he can. We're going to sit down after the year with every one of these guys. There's three or four of them that will get a look at the next level that are underclassmen. We'll sit down and try to help them make the best decision. We're not going to be selfish. If it's in their best interest to go give it a shot, we're going to tell them that. If it's in their best interest to stay, we're going to try to convince them of that too. Jordan is different because he's almost as old as me, so sooner or later he's going to have to give it a run. We'll talk to him after the season to figure it out."