BIRTH OF A RIVALRY
Georgia Wins…But Does It Count?
The first-ever Georgia-Florida game is held in Macon, Georgia and ends with a 52-0 win for the University of Georgia. Florida’s University Athletic Association does not count the loss in their tally however, as the team they field that day is from an institution then known as the Florida Agricultural College based in Lake City. It isn’t until one year later that the Florida Legislature establishes what we now know as the University of Florida and it is yet another year still when the Gators officially established their football team in 1906.
The first recognized game by both institutions takes place in Jacksonville, Florida. Georgia wins 37-0.
Florida Claims First Victory In Rivalry
Florida scores their first victory in the rivalry with a 26-6 drubbing of the Bulldogs. The win puts an end to a six-game losing streak against Georgia.
The First Game In Jacksonville
1933 marks the first year that the game calls Jacksonville home, with the only exceptions since then occurring in 1994 and 1995.
UF Beats UGA For First Time In 8 Years
After eight consecutive losses, Florida finally ends its longest losing streak to date. In the closing minutes of the game, Florida scores to make it 6-0, eventually holding on to win. Snapping the losing streak inspires Gator fans to rush the field and tear down the goal posts.
Gators Win 18-13 Nailbiter
The Gators take home an 18-13 win despite many Florida fans showing up late due to road closures. The Gators hold the Bulldogs to 19 rushing yards and force six turnovers, inspiring the Gainesville Daily Sun to describe it as “the most exciting game ever seen in this series.”
Georgia Destroys Florida 75-0
The Bulldogs obliterate the Gators by a score of 75-0. The Gators complete more passes to Georgia (seven) than they do to their own receivers (six).
Dawgs Win “In True Georgia Tradition”
Rumors fly when Georgia coach, Wally Butts does not travel with the team to Jacksonville. Just after pregame warm-ups, Butts finally shows up looking very ill. In a weak voice, Butts tells his team, “Fellows, I’m thankful to get here for the game, but I will not be much help to you in this condition. You have everything it takes to win. Do it in true Georgia tradition.” The Bulldogs go on to win the game 20-12.
Florida Blows Out Georgia
Florida’s 28 total points and a 21-point margin of victory are the highest posted by the Gators up to this point in the series.
Gators Make It Two In A Row Against Dawgs
Doug Dickey enters this game as a quarterback who can’t pass. Teammates often used to make jokes that he could throw a baseball better than a football but that didn’t stop him from becoming the star player on this day. With a 21-7 final score, Dickey does what hasn’t been done since 1929 – lead Florida to back-to-back wins over Georgia.
Florida Wins Despite Player’s Personal Tragedy
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Florida Wins As Chaos Ensues
A nail-biting game with a final score of 17-16, Florida secures the win with a 31-yard field goal. The win unleashes chaos on the field that has to be broken up by police and athletic officials.
“Run, Linday Run!”
With only 1:35 left in the game, the Bulldogs are backed up to their own 8-yard line, trailing 21-20, when Receiver Lindsay Scott catches a high pass and sprints 92 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. The moment is made legendary when the announcer in the Bulldog radio booth screams “Run, Lindsay Run!” The Gators attempt to answer with a miracle touchdown pass, but Mike Fisher, a Jacksonville native, dashes their hopes with an interception.
Gators Shut Out Dawgs To Claim SEC Title
Florida’s interim Head Coach Galen Hall makes sure the Gators are ready to play in this historic game. With a 27-0 final score, the Gators go on to clinch the first SEC title in UF history.
Gators Win On UGA’s Home Field
This marks the first time since 1932 that the annual rivalry game is played at Sanford Stadium, the home of the Bulldogs. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium was being built to accommodate the Jacksonville Jaguars, forcing the schools to trade home games for two years. The Gators win it all with a final score of 52-17, making it a sad day for Georgia fans on their home turf.
Florida Wins Despite Early Struggles
Florida opens this game with what is quite possibly the worst first half of offensive football the Gators have ever played against the Bulldogs. The Gators quickly get it together however, and win the game 34-23.
Georgia Celebrates In The End Zone
Remembered as “the celebration game,” Georgia coach Mark Richt tells his team that he will be disappointed if every player doesn’t receive a celebration penalty after the Bulldogs score their first touchdown. The team takes it quite literally and the entire team charges the field after the first Dawgs’ score. With a final score of 42-30, Georgia claims victory in what turns out to be an emotionally charged game.
Florida Wins First Okefenokee Oar
An official trophy for the rivalry is established in 2009 when the Gators take home the Okefenokee Oar for the first time after their 41-17 win. The 10 foot long Oar was carved from a 1,000 year old cypress tree from the Okefenokee Swamp on the border of Georgia and Florida.
Six-Year Extension Signed
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Aaron Murray Leads Georgia Comeback
Leading 17-13, Florida watches as Aaron Murray converts two fourth downs into touchdowns, leading a furious Georgia comeback. Jarvis Jones keeps Florida’s offense in check by sacking John Brantley four times as the Dawgs go on to win 24-20.
Georgia Shocks #2 Ranked Florida
Despite Florida entering the game undefeated and ranked #2 in the country, Georgia takes home the Okefenokee Oar in 2012. The Bulldogs force six turnovers to seal the victory.
Georgia Holds On
Georgia builds a 23-3 lead in the first half of the game and then holds on for the ride while Florida attempts to mount a comeback. Some unpleasant confrontations occur in the second half when players
The Gators Run Wild
The Gators cause five turnovers and keep possession of the ball for the majority of the game. The final score of 27-3 gives the Gators yet another back-to-back win.
Five-Year Extension Signed
On March 16, 2016, an agreement is reached to keep the series in Jacksonville through 2021.
Georgia Reclaims The Trophy
The Bulldogs scored on their first three possessions and led 21-0 before the Gators picked up a first down. Georgia used three huge plays to build a three-touchdown lead, ending a three-year losing streak. Final score: Georgia wins 42-7.
Bulldogs On A Roll
Georgia quarterback, Jake Fromm, threw three touchdowns allowing No.7 ranked Georgia to defeat No.9 ranked Florida. Final score: Georgia wins 36-17.
TWO-YEAR EXTENSION SIGNED
The Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs have exercised the option to play their annual rivalry football game in Jacksonville during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.