Florida vs Georgia Rivalry

Florida vs. Georgia Rivalry

Nothing makes a rivalry like disagreeing when a rivalry even started.  Ask anyone from Florida and they will say it started in 1915 with a Georgia win.  Not wanting to give any ground in the series, Georgia fans say it began after a contest in Macon, GA, back in 1904.  What those fans fail to see is that Florida did not have an official team back then; that one does not count!

Regardless of when it started, there has always been something to keep the animosity brewing. 

Steve Spurrier was set to lead his Gators to their first SEC title in 1966 going into the Florida vs. Georgia game.  Fresh off a performance that assured him a Heisman trophy he went on to throw three interceptions in the 27-10 loss.

Years later, Spurrier was set to exact his revenge.  Nothing keeps a rivalry going better than good old fashioned smack talk.  Spurrier found it quite satisfying to run up the score against Georgia and even called then head coach Ray Gof, Ray Goof.

The scene appeared to be set in 2002 for Georgia after Steve Spurrier departed Florida.  After eleven losses in the last twelve games, Georgia was ready to take one.  An 8-0 record, #4 national ranking, Florida having a down year under a new head coach; it seemed like a no-brainer.  Florida went on to win 20-13.

Just in case someone thought the fire needed to be stoked, Georgia did the unthinkable during the 2007 contest.  After scoring the game’s first touchdown the entire Georgia team celebrated in the end zone; not just the entire offensive team currently on the field, but the ENTIRE squad including the sideline!  Two personal foul penalties later Georgia continued their scoring as they went on to a 42-30 win.

Unlike many other rivalries, this one has controversy surrounding it off the field as well.  Known as “The World’s Largest Cocktail Party,” the Florida vs. Georgia Rivalry game is marked every year by a massive party that surrounds the game- before and after.  The fans detest each other during the game as true fans should; before and after it they drink, drink, and drink some more be it with Bulldog or Gator. 

The level of drinking that goes on has university officials in Georgia concerned.  Many teachers cancel classes so students do not have to make the long drive from Jacksonville so soon after heavy alcohol consumption.  Georgia has tried to change the school’s Fall Break to that weekend, but meet up with heavy resistance whenever they try.  SEC officials have even asked the networks broadcasting the game not to refer to it by its popular “cocktail party” nickname; referring to it as the “World’s Largest Cocktail Party” only serves to encourage heavy drinking.

As of the ’07 game, ask a Georgia fan and he/she will say they hold a 47-37-2 advantage in the Florida vs. Georgia game.  Ask a Florida fan and they’ll say 46-37-2.  May the rivalry continue!

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