Gator Statistics: Conference and In-State Rivals

 With the first week of competition complete, this table only represents results through the end of the 2021 season.

Opponent	Games	Wins	Losses	Ties	Win %	First Meeting	Last Meeting
Georgia	99	44	53	2	0.455	1915	2021
Auburn	84	39	43	2	0.476	1912	2019
Kentucky	72	53	19	0	0.736	1917	2021
LSU	68	33	32	3	0.507	1937	2021
Florida State	65	37	26	2	0.585	1958	2021
Miami	56	27	29	0	0.482	1938	2019
Vanderbilt	55	43	10	2	0.800	1945	2021
Mississippi State	55	34	19	2	0.636	1923	2018
Tennessee	51	31	20	0	0.608	1916	2021
Alabama	42	14	28	0	0.333	1916	2021
South Carolina	42	29	10	3	0.726	1911	2021
Georgia Tech	38	9	23	6	0.316	1912	1981
Mississippi	25	12	12	1	0.500	1926	2020
Tulane	21	13	6	2	0.667	1915	1984
Arkansas	12	10	2	0	0.833	1982	2020
Missouri	11	5	6	0	0.455	1966	2021
Texas A&M	5	2	3	0	0.400	1962	2020
Florida Atlantic	4	4	0	0	1.000	2007	2021
UCF	3	2	1	0	0.667	1999	2021
South Florida	2	2	0	0	1.000	2010	2021
FIU	1	1	0	0	1.000	2009	2009

• Starting from the top of the table, one notices Georgia is the Gators' most frequent opponent. Florida and Georgia have met 98 times between 1915 and today, and have been playing annually every year since 1926 (excluding two years during World War II, when UF suspended its football program). Georgia has defeated Florida more than any other of the Gators' opponents, although since 1950 UF has won 39 contests against UGA's 32 and one tie.
• But perhaps Georgia should not be considered Florida's oldest rival. The first game against Auburn was played in 1912. Except for three years during the early Forties, the Gators and Tigers played every year from 1927 to 2002. When the annual UF-AU game was terminated after the 2002 season, Florida had played Auburn and Georgia 80 times each. In addition, Auburn is the closest SEC university to Gainesville. Until 2018, Auburn had played Florida more times than they had played their archrival Alabama.
• Kentucky has played Florida more than anyone besides UGA and Auburn... this may be surprising considering the distance between Lexington and Gainesville. Indeed, for many years (1933 to 1992) UK was the farthest conference opponent from UF. Kentucky was also the northernmost SEC school (now Missouri), while Florida is the southernmost. Today, only Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas A&M are farther than Lexington. Nonetheless, they have played every year since 1967. This series has been terribly lopsided over the last six decades; since the teams began playing annually, Florida has won 48 times while Kentucky's won only seven.
• Louisiana State is the Gators' most frequent opponent currently in the SEC's West division and still playing Florida annually. They had never played each other until both teams joined the SEC, but have played fairly regularly since 1953 (annually since 1971). When the conference split into East and West, it was decided that Florida would still play two western teams annually. While the Auburn choice was obvious (it was an old and competitive rivalry), LSU was neither the Gators' first- nor second-most frequently played western team. As a matter of fact, they were third, but that will be explained farther down. Nonetheless, the two southernmost schools in the SEC seem apt rivals, as the series is among the most competitive in the conference.
• Not surprisingly, Florida State is the most frequent non-conference rival of the Gators. The game has been played annually since its inception, with only a one-season hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. The two North Florida schools share an intertwined history that traces back the Seminary Act of 1851, while the Buckman Act of 1905 established the modern campuses of both institutions. FSU and Miami have played one more game than FSU and Florida. While the Seminoles and the Hurricanes first met in 1951, they did not start annual play until 1969. That series is led by Miami 35-31.
• Miami is the most frequent non-conference opponent that Florida no longer plays annually. Opinion among Gator fans is split as to whether this series or that with Auburn is the most unfortunate casualty of scheduling changes. Other than two years during the war, the Gators and the 'Canes played every year from 1938 to 1987. When the UF athletic department decided to cut its number of annual in-state opponents from two to one, it was decided that Florida State would be the one to remain. By that time, Florida State, the other large public university in North Florida, had displaced the smaller private school in South Florida as the Gators' #1 in-state rival.
• Of all series between current annual opponents, that with Vanderbilt is the most lopsided. It was played somewhat infrequently until the SEC East division was created in 1992, though at the time Florida only led 14-9-2. Florida has dominated since then, with 28 wins to Vanderbilt's single victory.
• When the conference split in 1992, the Gators needed two western schools to play annually. Auburn was the first, but who would be the second? Surprisingly, before the split Florida had played Mississippi State more frequently than any other western opponent besides Auburn (48 times to LSU's 39). However, that series had been far less competitive to that point (Florida had led it 30-16-2). The decision for Florida and LSU, whose series at the time was led by LSU 18-17-3, to play annually was made partially in the interest of balancing and competitiveness. Since the divisional schism, UF holds a slight 4-3 lead against MSU while Florida leads LSU 16-14.
• Although they first met in 1916, Florida and Tennessee have only been playing each other annually since 1990. Tennessee had previously dominated the series, though that changed after Tennessee-native-son-but-Gator-alum Steve Spurrier took the helm as Gator head coach. Florida has led 25-7 since the day Spurrier was hired. The series peaked in intensity during the 1990s, when both teams battled for domination of the SEC East.
• Before South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, they had only played the Gators on 12 occasions (and not since 1964), although their initial contest, a 6-6 draw in 1911, was Florida's first against any opponent that would later become a member of the SEC. Before the expansion, the Gators had led the series 6-3-3, but since have led 23-7. South Carolina gained a brief edge over Florida under head coach Steve Spurrier, who is responsible for 5 of the Florida's 10 defeats to the Gamecocks.
  
• Alabama has played Florida on 42 occasions. The Gators and the Crimson Tide have played infrequently since first facing off in 1916. Of their 42 meetings, 10 have been SEC Championship games. In such games, the Tide lead with six wins to Florida's four. The Gators have a lower winning percentage against Alabama, the traditional hegemon of the conference, than they have against any other remaining SEC member.
• It may surprise many that Florida has played Georgia Tech so frequently. As a matter of fact, the Yellow Jackets have played the Gators 38 times – as many or more times than four modern members of the SEC (and 14 more occasions than Florida has played fellow charter and current member Ole Miss). However, the Gators did play Georgia Tech quite regularly from 1929 until the Jackets left the SEC after 1963. This is also the most lopsided series against the Gators of any opponent they have played more than ten times. The Orange and Blue only triumphed on nine occasions in 38 attempts against the Yellow Jackets. Had that series continued, one would imagine, that trend probably would have reversed. The Gators have not met the Yellow Jackets on the gridiron since a 27-6 triumph in 1981.
• Despite both being charter members of the SEC, Florida and Mississippi have only met 25 times. Since first playing in 1926, the Gators and the Rebels have only played more than two consecutive years on one occasion (1944-1948). As of the most recent conference alignment, this is unlikely to change any time soon. The Gators have also defeated Ole Miss less frequently than any other charter member of the SEC still a member of the conference.
• Like Georgia Tech, Tulane was once a member of the SEC and thus have some history playing the Gators. Until 1958, the Green Wave actually led the series with Florida 6-2-2. However, in 1958 the Gators won for the first time in 36 years and have not lost since. Since Tulane left the conference after 1966, they have only played Florida five times (the last being a 63-21 Gator victory in 1984).
• Florida and Arkansas have played on 12 occasions – the first was in Houston for the Bluebonnet Bowl while two others were in Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Arkansas's two wins came in the 1982 Bluebonnet Bowl and the most recent competition in Fayetteville. Thus, this is the most lopsided series between Florida and any of their SEC opponents.
• Missouri has only played the Gators 11 times, though since the last conference expansion they have played on an annual basis. The Tigers won the first match-up, the 1966 Sugar Bowl, despite a furious comeback-attempt led by quarterback Steve Spurrier. Since Missouri joined the conference in 2012, the series has been split with 5 wins for each Tigers and Gators.
• Florida has only played Texas A&M five times, less than any other conference opponent. As members of different SEC divisions, they only play infrequently. The first game was played in 1962 and won handily by the Gators in Gainesville. The second game was the January 1977 Sun Bowl in El Paso. That game was won by the Aggies. Texas A&M has won 2 of the 3 games played since the Aggies joined the SEC.
• The Gators have played Florida Atlantic four times and UCF thrice; they have only played South Florida twice and FIU only once. Of these four newer programs, none had defeated Florida until UCF earned a 29-17 victory over the Gators in the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl. Florida Atlantic came close to taking down the Gators in 2015, when it took overtime for the Gators to put away the Owls in the Swamp.
• Not included in the table above but also of note: Florida leads Sewanee (another charter member of the SEC who left in 1940 and now play in Division III) in their series, 7-2-0; UF leads Florida A&M 1-0-0, Florida Southern 13-1-0, Rollins 13-2-1, Stetson 15-2-2, and Tampa 5-0-0.

Gator Statistics: Conference and In-State Rivals

With the first week of competition complete, this table only represents results through the end of the 2020 season. Note that Florida's season-opening victory over FAU is not included in this table.

Opponent	Games	Wins	Losses	Ties	Win %	First Meeting	Last Meeting
Georgia	98	44	52	2	0.459	1915	2020
Auburn	84	39	43	2	0.476	1912	2019
Kentucky	71	53	18	0	0.746	1917	2020
LSU	67	33	31	3	0.515	1937	2020
Florida State	64	36	26	2	0.578	1958	2019
Miami	56	27	29	0	0.482	1938	2019
Mississippi State	55	34	19	2	0.636	1923	2018
Vanderbilt	54	42	10	2	0.796	1945	2020
Tennessee	50	30	20	0	0.600	1916	2020
Alabama	41	14	27	0	0.341	1916	2020
South Carolina	41	29	9	3	0.744	1911	2020
Georgia Tech	38	9	23	6	0.316	1912	1981
Mississippi	25	12	12	1	0.500	1926	2020
Tulane	21	13	6	2	0.667	1915	1984
Arkansas	12	10	2	0	0.833	1982	2020
Missouri	10	5	5	0	0.500	1966	2020
Texas A&M	5	2	3	0	0.400	1962	2020
Florida Atlantic	3	3	0	0	1.000	2007	2015
UCF	2	2	0	0	1.000	1999	2006
South Florida	1	1	0	0	1.000	2010	2010
FIU	1	1	0	0	1.000	2009	2009

• Starting from the top of the table, one notices Georgia is the Gators' most frequent opponent. Florida and Georgia have met 98 times between 1915 and today, and have been playing annually every year since 1926 (excluding two years during World War II, when UF suspended its football program). Georgia has defeated Florida more than any other of the Gators' opponents, although since 1950 UF has won 39 contests against UGA's 31 and one tie.
• But perhaps Georgia should not be considered Florida's oldest rival. The first game against Auburn was played in 1912. Except for three years during the early Forties, the Gators and Tigers played every year from 1927 to 2002. When the annual UF-AU game was terminated after the 2002 season, Florida had played Auburn and Georgia 80 times each. In addition, Auburn is the closest SEC university to Gainesville. Until 2018, Auburn had played Florida more times than they had played their archrival Alabama.
• Kentucky has played Florida more than anyone besides UGA and Auburn... this may be surprising considering the distance between Lexington and Gainesville. Indeed, for many years (1933 to 1992) UK was the farthest conference opponent from UF. Kentucky was also the northernmost SEC school (now Missouri), while Florida is the southernmost. Today, only Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas A&M are farther than Lexington. Nonetheless, they have played every year since 1967. This series has been terribly lopsided over the last six decades; since the teams began playing annually, Florida has won 48 times while Kentucky's won only six.
• Louisiana State is the Gators' most frequent opponent currently in the SEC's West division and still playing Florida annually. They had never played each other until both teams joined the SEC, but have played fairly regularly since 1953 (annually since 1971). When the conference split into East and West, it was decided that Florida would still play two western teams annually. While the Auburn choice was obvious (it was an old and competitive rivalry), LSU was neither the Gators' first- nor second-most frequently played western team. As a matter of fact, they were third, but that will be explained farther down. Nonetheless, the two southernmost schools in the SEC seem apt rivals, as the series is among the most competitive in the conference.
• Not surprisingly, Florida State is the most frequent non-conference rival of the Gators. The game had been played annually since its inception in 1958 until 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the two schools to put the rivalry on hiatus for a season. The two North Florida schools share an intertwined history that traces back the Seminary Act of 1851, while the Buckman Act of 1905 established the modern campuses of both institutions. FSU and Miami have played one more game than FSU and Florida. While the Seminoles and the Hurricanes first met in 1951, they did not start annual play until 1969. That series is led by Miami 35-30.
• Miami is the most frequent non-conference opponent that Florida no longer plays annually. Opinion among Gator fans is split as to whether this series or that with Auburn is the most unfortunate casualty of scheduling changes. Other than two years during the war, the Gators and the 'Canes played every year from 1938 to 1987. When the UF athletic department decided to cut its number of annual in-state opponents from two to one, it was decided that Florida State would be the one to remain. By that time, Florida State, the other large public university in North Florida, had displaced the smaller private school in South Florida as the Gators' #1 in-state rival.
• When the conference split in 1992, the Gators needed two western schools to play annually. Auburn was the first, but who would be the second? Surprisingly, before the split Florida had played Mississippi State more frequently than any other western opponent besides Auburn (48 times to LSU's 39). However, that series had been far less competitive to that point (Florida had led it 30-16-2). The decision for Florida and LSU, whose series at the time was led by LSU 18-17-3, to play annually was made partially in the interest of balancing and competitiveness. Ironically, since the divisional schism, UF only holds a slight 4-3 lead against MSU while Florida leads LSU 16-13.
• Of all series between current annual opponents, that with Vanderbilt is the most lopsided. It was played somewhat infrequently until the SEC East division was created in 1992, though at the time Florida only led 14-9-2. Florida has dominated since then, with 28 wins to Vanderbilt's single victory.
• Although they first met in 1916, Florida and Tennessee have only been playing each other annually since 1990. Tennessee had previously dominated the series, though that changed after Tennessee-native-son-but-Gator-alum Steve Spurrier took the helm as Gator head coach. Florida has led 24-7 since the day Spurrier was hired. The series peaked in intensity during the 1990s, when both teams battled for domination of the SEC East.
• Before South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, they had only played the Gators on 12 occasions (and not since 1964), although their initial contest, a 6-6 draw in 1911, was Florida's first against any opponent that would later become a member of the SEC. Before the expansion, the Gators had led the series 6-3-3, but since have led 23-6. South Carolina gained a brief edge over Florida under head coach Steve Spurrier, who is responsible for 5 of the Florida's 9 defeats to the Gamecocks.
  
• Alabama has played Florida on 41 occasions. The Gators and the Crimson Tide have played infrequently since first facing off in 1916. Of their 41 meetings, 10 have been SEC Championship games. In such games, the Tide lead with six wins to Florida's four. The Gators have a lower winning percentage against Alabama, the traditional hegemon of the conference, than they have against any other remaining SEC member.
• It may surprise many that Florida has played Georgia Tech so frequently. As a matter of fact, the Yellow Jackets have played the Gators 38 times – as many or more times than four modern members of the SEC (and 14 more occasions than Florida has played fellow charter and current member Ole Miss). However, the Gators did play Georgia Tech quite regularly from 1929 until the Jackets left the SEC after 1963. This is also the most lopsided series against the Gators of any opponent they have played more than ten times. The Orange and Blue only triumphed on nine occasions in 38 attempts against the Yellow Jackets. Had that series continued, one would imagine, that trend probably would have reversed. The Gators have not met the Yellow Jackets on the gridiron since a 27-6 triumph in 1981.
• Despite both being charter members of the SEC, Florida and Mississippi have only met 25 times. Since first playing in 1926, the Gators and the Rebels have only played more than two consecutive years on one occasion (1944-1948). As of the most recent conference alignment, this is unlikely to change any time soon. The Gators have also defeated Ole Miss less frequently than any other charter member of the SEC still a member of the conference.
• Like Georgia Tech, Tulane was once a member of the SEC and thus have some history playing the Gators. Until 1958, the Green Wave actually led the series with Florida 6-2-2. However, in 1958 the Gators won for the first time in 36 years and have not lost since. Since Tulane left the conference after 1966, they have only played Florida five times (the last being a 63-21 Gator victory in 1984).
• Florida and Arkansas have played on 12 occasions – the first was in Houston for the Bluebonnet Bowl while two others were in Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Arkansas's two wins came in the 1982 Bluebonnet Bowl and the most recent competition in Fayetteville. Thus, this is the most lopsided series between Florida and any of their SEC opponents.
• Missouri has only played the Gators 10 times, though since the last conference expansion they have played on an annual basis. The Tigers won the first match-up, the 1966 Sugar Bowl, despite a furious comeback-attempt led by quarterback Steve Spurrier. Since Missouri joined the conference in 2012, Florida has had a slight 5-4 edge over the Tigers.
• Florida has only played Texas A&M five times, less than any other conference opponent. As members of different SEC divisions, they only play infrequently. The first game was played in 1962 and won handily by the Gators in Gainesville. The second game was the January 1977 Sun Bowl in El Paso. That game was won by the Aggies. Texas A&M has won 2 of the 3 games played since the Aggies joined the SEC.
• The Gators have played Florida Atlantic three times and UCF twice; they have only played South Florida and FIU once each. While generally competitive baseball series, the Gators have never lost to one of the four newer in-state programs on the gridiron. Florida Atlantic came close to taking down the Gators in 2015, when it took overtime for the Gators to put away the Owls in the Swamp.
• Not included in the table above but also of note: Florida leads Sewanee (another charter member of the SEC who left in 1940 and now play in Division III) in their series, 7-2-0; UF leads Florida A&M 1-0-0, Florida Southern 13-1-0, Rollins 13-2-1, Stetson 15-2-2, and Tampa 5-0-0.

Gator Statistics: Conference and In-State Rivals

With the first week of SEC competition complete, this table only represents results through the end of the 2019 season. So note that Florida's season-opening victory over Ole Miss is not included in this table.

Opponent	Games	Wins	Losses	Ties	Win %	First Meeting	Last Meeting
Georgia	97	43	52	2	0.454	1915	2019
Auburn	84	39	43	2	0.476	1912	2019
Kentucky	70	52	18	0	0.743	1917	2019
LSU	66	33	30	3	0.523	1937	2019
Florida State	64	36	26	2	0.578	1958	2019
Miami	56	27	29	0	0.482	1938	2019
Mississippi State	55	34	19	2	0.636	1923	2018
Vanderbilt	53	41	10	2	0.792	1945	2019
Tennessee	49	29	20	0	0.592	1916	2019
South Carolina	40	28	9	3	0.738	1911	2019
Alabama	40	14	26	0	0.350	1916	2016
Georgia Tech	38	9	23	6	0.316	1912	1981
Mississippi	24	11	12	1	0.479	1926	2015
Tulane	21	13	6	2	0.667	1915	1984
Arkansas	11	9	2	0	0.818	1982	2016
Missouri	9	4	5	0	0.444	1966	2019
Texas A&M	4	2	2	0	0.500	1962	2017
Florida Atlantic	3	3	0	0	1.000	2007	2015
UCF	2	2	0	0	1.000	1999	2006
South Florida	1	1	0	0	1.000	2010	2010
FIU	1	1	0	0	1.000	2009	2009

• Starting from the top of the table, one notices Georgia is the Gators' most frequent opponent. Florida and Georgia have met 97 times between 1915 and today, and have been playing annually every year since 1926 (excluding two years during World War II, when UF suspended its football program). Georgia has defeated Florida more than any other of the Gators' opponents, although since 1950 UF has won 38 contests against UGA's 31 and one tie.
• But perhaps Georgia should not be considered Florida's oldest rival. The first game against Auburn was played in 1912. Except for three years during the early Forties, the Gators and Tigers played every year from 1927 to 2002. When the annual UF-AU game was terminated after the 2002 season, Florida had played Auburn and Georgia 80 times each. In addition, Auburn is the closest SEC university to Gainesville. Until 2018, Auburn had played Florida more times than they had played their archrival Alabama.
• Kentucky has played Florida more than anyone besides UGA and Auburn... this may be surprising considering the distance between Lexington and Gainesville. Indeed, for many years (1933 to 1992) UK was the farthest conference opponent from UF. Kentucky was also the northernmost SEC school (now Missouri), while Florida is the southernmost. Today, only Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas A&M are farther than Lexington. Nonetheless, they have played every year since 1967. This series has been terribly lopsided over the last six decades; since the teams began playing annually, Florida has won 47 times while Kentucky's won only six.
• Louisiana State is the Gators' most frequent opponent currently in the SEC's West division and still playing Florida annually. They had never played each other until both teams joined the SEC, but have played fairly regularly since 1953 (annually since 1971). When the conference split into East and West, it was decided that Florida would still play two western teams annually. While the Auburn choice was obvious (it was an old and competitive rivalry), LSU was neither the Gators' first- nor second-most frequently played western team. As a matter of fact, they were third, but that will be explained farther down. Nonetheless, the two southernmost schools in the SEC seem apt rivals, as the series is among the most competitive in the conference.
• Not surprisingly, Florida State is the most frequent non-conference rival of the Gators. The game had been played annually since its inception in 1958 until 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the two schools to put the rivalry on hiatus for a season. The two North Florida schools share an intertwined history that traces back the Seminary Act of 1851, while the Buckman Act of 1905 established the modern campuses of both institutions. Florida State has played each the Gators and the Miami Hurricanes 64 times. Although the Seminoles and the Hurricanes first met in 1951, they did not start annual play until 1969. That series is led by Miami 34-30.
• Miami is the most frequent non-conference opponent that Florida no longer plays annually. Opinion among Gator fans is split as to whether this series or that with Auburn is the most unfortunate casualty of scheduling changes. Other than two years during the war, the Gators and the 'Canes played every year from 1938 to 1987. When the UF athletic department decided to cut its number of annual in-state opponents from two to one, it was decided that Florida State would be the one to remain. By that time, Florida State, the other large public university in North Florida, had displaced the smaller private school in South Florida as the Gators' #1 in-state rival.
• When the conference split in 1992, the Gators needed two western schools to play annually. Auburn was the first, but who would be the second? Surprisingly, before the split Florida had played Mississippi State more frequently than any other western opponent besides Auburn (48 times to LSU's 39). However, that series had been far less competitive to that point (Florida had led it 30-16-2). The decision for Florida and LSU, whose series at the time was led by LSU 18-17-3, to play annually was made partially in the interest of balancing and competitiveness. Ironically, since the divisional schism, UF only holds a slight 4-3 lead against MSU while Florida leads LSU 16-12.
• Of all series between current annual opponents, that with Vanderbilt is the most lopsided. It was played somewhat infrequently until the SEC East division was created in 1992, though at the time Florida only led 14-9-2. Florida has dominated since then, with 27 wins to Vanderbilt's single victory.
• Although they first met in 1916, Florida and Tennessee have only been playing each other annually since 1990. Tennessee had previously dominated the series, though that changed after Tennessee-native-son-but-Gator-alum Steve Spurrier took the helm as Gator head coach. Florida has led 23-7 since the day Spurrier was hired. The series peaked in intensity during the 1990s, when both teams battled for domination of the SEC East.
• Before South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, they had only played the Gators on 12 occasions (and not since 1964), although their initial contest, a 6-6 draw in 1911, was Florida's first against any opponent that would later become a member of the SEC. Before the expansion, the Gators had led the series 6-3-3, but since have led 22-6. However, since Steve Spurrier was given the reins at South Carolina in 2005 (and later replaced by Will Muschamp, another former Florida head coach, in 2016), Florida has held only a 9-6 lead over Carolina.
• Alabama has played Florida on 40 occasions. The Gators and the Crimson Tide have played infrequently since first facing off in 1916. Of their 40 meetings, nine have been SEC Championship games. In such games, the Tide lead with five wins to Florida's four. The Gators have a lower winning percentage against Alabama, the traditional hegemon of the conference, than they have against any other remaining SEC member.
• It may surprise many that Florida has played Georgia Tech so frequently. As a matter of fact, the Yellow Jackets have played the Gators 38 times – as many or more times than four modern members of the SEC (and 14 more occasions than Florida has played fellow charter and current member Ole Miss). However, the Gators did play Georgia Tech quite regularly from 1929 until the Jackets left the SEC after 1963. This is also the most lopsided series against the Gators of any opponent they have played more than ten times. The Orange and Blue only triumphed on nine occasions in 38 attempts against the Yellow Jackets. Had that series continued, one would imagine, that trend probably would have reversed. The Gators have not met the Yellow Jackets on the gridiron since a 27-6 triumph in 1981.
• Despite both being charter members of the SEC, Florida and Mississippi have only met 24 times. Since first playing in 1926, the Gators and the Rebels have only played more than two consecutive years on one occasion (1944-1948). As of the most recent conference alignment, this is unlikely to change any time soon. The Gators have also defeated Ole Miss less frequently than any other charter member of the SEC still a member of the conference.
• Like Georgia Tech, Tulane was once a member of the SEC and thus have some history playing the Gators. Until 1958, the Green Wave actually led the series with Florida 6-2-2. However, in 1958 the Gators won for the first time in 36 years and have not lost since. Since Tulane left the conference after 1966, they have only played Florida five times (the last being a 63-21 Gator victory in 1984).
• Florida and Arkansas have played on 11 occasions – the first was in Houston for the Bluebonnet Bowl while two others were in Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Arkansas's two wins came in the 1982 Bluebonnet Bowl and the most recent competition in Fayetteville. Thus, this is the most lopsided series between Florida and any of their SEC opponents.
• Missouri has only played the Gators nine times, though since the last conference expansion they have played on an annual basis. The Tigers won the first match-up, the 1966 Sugar Bowl, despite a furious comeback-attempt led by quarterback Steve Spurrier. Since Missouri joined the conference in 2012, Florida and Missouri have each won four games against the other.
• Florida has only played Texas A&M four times, less than any other conference opponent. As members of different SEC divisions, they only play infrequently. The first game was played in 1962 and won handily by the Gators in Gainesville. The second game was the January 1977 Sun Bowl in El Paso. That game was won by the Aggies. The two opponents have each defeated the other once (at the other's stadium) since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012.
• The Gators have played Florida Atlantic three times and UCF twice; they have only played South Florida and FIU once each. While generally competitive baseball series, the Gators have never lost to one of the four newer in-state programs on the gridiron. Florida Atlantic came close to taking down the Gators in 2015, when it took overtime for the Gators to put away the Owls in the Swamp.
• Not included in the table above but also of note: Florida leads Sewanee (another charter member of the SEC who left in 1940 and now play in Division III) in their series, 7-2-0; UF leads Florida A&M 1-0-0, Florida Southern 13-1-0, Rollins 13-2-1, Stetson 15-2-2, and Tampa 5-0-0.

Bowl Predictions: 2019-20

Time again for bowl picks. Last year I did remarkably well considering I spent most Saturdays working, including a full month of the season in the Eastern Hemisphere. You can follow my predictions live at ESPN's Bowl Mania.

Friday, December 20

• Bahamas Bowl: Charlotte (7-5) over Buffalo (7-5)
• Frisco Bowl: Utah State (7-5) over Kent State (6-6)

Saturday, December 21

• New Mexico Bowl: San Diego State (9-3) over Central Michigan (8-5)
• Cure Bowl: Georgia Southern (7-5) over Liberty (7-5)
• Boca Raton Bowl: SMU (10-2) over Florida Atlantic (10-3)
• Camellia Bowl: Arkansas State (7-5) over FIU (6-6)
• Las Vegas Bowl: Washington (7-5) over 19 Boise State (12-1)
• New Orleans Bowl: 20 Appalachian State (12-1) over UAB (9-4)

Monday, December 23

• Gasparilla Bowl: UCF (9-3) over Marshall (8-4)

Tuesday, December 24

• Hawaiʻi Bowl: BYU (7-5) over Hawaiʻi (9-5)

Thursday, December 26

• Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech (9-3) over Miami (6-6)
• Quick Lane Bowl: Pittsburgh (7-5) over Eastern Michigan (6-6)

Friday, December 27

• Military Bowl: North Carolina (6-6) over Temple (8-4)
• Pinstripe Bowl: Wake Forest (8-4) over Michigan State (6-6)
• Texas Bowl: 25 Oklahoma State (8-4) over Texas A&M (7-5)
• Holiday Bowl: 22 USC (8-4) over 16 Iowa (9-3)
• Cheez-It Bowl: Air Force (10-2) over Washington State (6-6)

Saturday, December 28

• Camping World Bowl: Iowa State (7-5) over 15 Notre Dame (10-2)
• Cotton Bowl: 10 Penn State (10-2) over 17 Memphis (12-1)
• Peach Bowl: 1 LSU (13-0) over 4 Oklahoma (12-1)
• Fiesta Bowl: 3 Clemson (13-0) over 2 Ohio State (13-0)

Monday, December 30

• First Responder Bowl: Western Kentucky (8-4) over Western Michigan (7-5)
• Music City Bowl: Mississippi State (6-6) over Louisville (7-5)
• Redbox Bowl: California (7-5) over Illinois (6-6)
• Orange Bowl: 9 Florida (10-2) over 24 Virginia (9-4)

Tuesday, December 31

• Belk Bowl: Virginia Tech (8-4) over Kentucky (7-5)
• Sun Bowl: Arizona State (7-5) over Florida State (6-6)
• Liberty Bowl: 23 Navy (10-2) over Kansas State (8-4)
• Arizona Bowl: Wyoming (7-5) over Georgia State (7-5)
• Alamo Bowl: Texas (7-5) over 11 Utah (11-2)

Wednesday, January 1

• Citrus Bowl: 13 Alabama (10-2) over 14 Michigan (9-3)
• Outback Bowl: 12 Auburn (9-3) over 18 Minnesota (10-2)
• Rose Bowl: 6 Oregon (11-2) over 8 Wisconsin (10-3)
• Sugar Bowl: 5 Georgia (11-2) over 7 Baylor (11-2)

Thursday, January 2

• Birmingham Bowl: 21 Cincinnati (10-3) over Boston College (6-6)
• Gator Bowl: Tennessee (7-5) over Indiana (8-4)

Friday, January 3

• Potato Bowl: Nevada (7-5) over Ohio (6-6)

Saturday, January 4

• Armed Forces Bowl: Tulane (6-6) over Southern Miss (7-5)

Monday, January 6

• LendingTree Bowl: Louisiana (10-3) over Miami of Ohio (8-5)

Monday, January 13

• National Championship: 1 LSU (14-0) over 3 Clemson (14-0)

Gator Statistics: Conference and In-State Rivals

With Week 0 complete, this table only represents results through the end of the 2018 season. So note that Florida's season-opening victory over Miami is not included in this table.

Opponent	Games	Wins	Losses	Ties	Win %	First Meeting	Last Meeting
Georgia	96	43	51	2	0.458	1915	2018
Auburn	83	38	43	2	0.470	1912	2011
Kentucky	69	51	18	0	0.739	1917	2018
LSU	65	33	29	3	0.531	1937	2018
Florida State	63	35	26	2	0.571	1958	2018
Mississippi State	55	34	19	2	0.636	1923	2018
Miami	55	26	29	0	0.473	1938	2013
Vanderbilt	52	40	10	2	0.788	1945	2018
Tennessee	48	28	20	0	0.583	1916	2018
Alabama	40	14	26	0	0.350	1916	2016
South Carolina	39	27	9	3	0.731	1911	2018
Georgia Tech	38	9	23	6	0.316	1912	1981
Mississippi	24	11	12	1	0.479	1926	2015
Tulane	21	13	6	2	0.667	1915	1984
Arkansas	11	9	2	0	0.818	1982	2016
Missouri	8	3	5	0	0.375	1966	2018
Texas A&M	4	2	2	0	0.500	1962	2017
Florida Atlantic	3	3	0	0	1.000	2007	2015
UCF	2	2	0	0	1.000	1999	2006
South Florida	1	1	0	0	1.000	2010	2010
FIU	1	1	0	0	1.000	2009	2009

• Starting from the top of the table, one notices Georgia is the Gators' most frequent opponent. Florida and Georgia have met 96 times between 1915 and today, and have been playing annually every year since 1926 (excluding two years during World War II, when UF suspended its football program). Georgia has defeated Florida more than any other of the Gators' opponents, although since 1950 UF has won 38 contests against UGA's 30 and one tie.
• But perhaps Georgia should not be considered Florida's oldest rival. The first game against Auburn was played in 1912. Except for three years during the early Forties, the Gators and Tigers played every year from 1927 to 2002. When the annual UF-AU game was terminated after the 2002 season, Florida had played Auburn and Georgia 80 times each. In addition, Auburn is the closest SEC university to Gainesville. Until 2018, Auburn had played Florida more times than they had played their archrival Alabama.
• Kentucky has played Florida more than anyone besides UGA and Auburn... this may be surprising considering the distance between Lexington and Gainesville. Indeed, for many years (1933 to 1992) UK was the farthest conference opponent from UF. Kentucky was also the northernmost SEC school (now Missouri), while Florida is the southernmost. Today, only Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas A&M are farther than Lexington. Nonetheless, they have played every year since 1967. This series has been terribly lopsided over the last six decades; since the teams began playing annually, Florida has won 46 times while Kentucky's won six.
• Louisiana State is the Gators' most frequent opponent currently in the SEC's West division and still playing Florida annually. They had never played each other until both teams joined the SEC, but have played fairly regularly since 1953 (annually since 1971). When the conference split into East and West, it was decided that Florida would still play two western teams annually. While the Auburn choice was obvious (it was an old and competitive rivalry), LSU was neither the Gators' first- nor second-most frequently played western team. As a matter of fact, they were third, but that will be explained farther down. Nonetheless, the two southernmost schools in the SEC seem apt rivals, as the series is among the most competitive in the conference.
• Not surprisingly, Florida State is the most frequent non-conference rival of the Gators. The game has been played annually since its inception in 1958. The two North Florida schools share an intertwined history that traces back the Seminary Act of 1851, while the Buckman Act of 1905 established the modern campuses of both institutions. Florida State has played each the Gators and the Miami Hurricanes 63 times. Although the Seminoles and the Hurricanes first met in 1951, they did not start annual play until 1969. That series is led by Miami 33-30.
• When the conference split in 1992, the Gators needed two western schools to play annually. Auburn was the first, but who would be the second? Surprisingly, before the split Florida had played Mississippi State more frequently than any other western opponent besides Auburn (48 times to LSU's 39). However, that series had been far less competitive to that point (Florida had led it 30-16-2). The decision for Florida and LSU, whose series at the time was led by LSU 18-17-3, to play annually was made partially in the interest of balancing and competitiveness. Ironically, UF only holds a slight 4-3 lead against MSU while Florida leads LSU 16-11 since the divisional schism.
• Miami is the most frequent non-conference opponent that Florida no longer plays annually. Opinion among Gator fans is split as to whether this series or that with Auburn is the most unfortunate casualty of scheduling changes. Other than two years during the war, the Gators and the 'Canes played every year from 1938 to 1987. When the UF athletic department decided to cut its number of annual in-state opponents from two to one, it was decided that Florida State would be the one to remain. By that time, Florida State, the other large public university in North Florida, had displaced the smaller private school in South Florida as the Gators' #1 in-state rival.
• Of all series between current annual opponents, that with Vanderbilt is the most lopsided. It was played somewhat infrequently until the SEC East division was created in 1992, though at the time Florida only led 14-9-2. Florida has dominated since then, with 26 wins to Vanderbilt's single victory.
• Although they first met in 1916, Florida and Tennessee have only been playing each other annually since 1990. Tennessee had previously dominated the series, though that changed after Tennessee-native-son-but-Gator-alum Steve Spurrier took the helm as Gator head coach. Florida has led 22-7 since the day Spurrier was hired. The series peaked in intensity during the 1990s, when both teams battled for domination of the SEC East.
• Alabama has played Florida on 40 occasions. The Gators and the Crimson Tide have played infrequently since first facing off in 1916. Of their 40 meetings, nine have been SEC Championship games. In such games, the Tide lead with five wins to Florida's four. The Gators have a lower winning percentage against Alabama, the traditional hegemon of the conference, than they have against any other remaining SEC member.
• Before South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, they had only played the Gators on 12 occasions (and not since 1964), although their initial contest, a 6-6 draw in 1911, was Florida's first against any opponent that would later become a member of the SEC. Before the expansion, the Gators had led the series 6-3-3, but since have led 21-6. However, since Steve Spurrier was given the reins at South Carolina in 2005 (and later replaced by Will Muschamp, another former Florida head coach, in 2016), Florida has held only a slight 8-6 lead over Carolina.
• It may surprise many that Florida has played Georgia Tech so frequently. As a matter of fact, the Yellow Jackets have played the Gators 38 times – as many or more times than four modern members of the SEC (and 14 more occasions than Florida has played fellow charter and current member Ole Miss). However, the Gators did play Georgia Tech quite regularly from 1929 until the Jackets left the SEC after 1963. This is also the most lopsided series against the Gators of any opponent they have played more than ten times. The Orange and Blue only triumphed on nine occasions in 38 attempts against the Yellow Jackets. Had that series continued, one would imagine, that trend probably would have reversed. The Gators have not met the Yellow Jackets on the gridiron since a 27-6 triumph in 1981.
• Despite both being charter members of the SEC, Florida and Mississippi have only met 24 times. Since first playing in 1926, the Gators and the Rebels have only played more than two consecutive years on one occasion (1944-1948). As of the most recent conference alignment, this is unlikely to change any time soon. The Gators have also defeated Ole Miss less frequently than any other charter member of the SEC still a member of the conference.
• Like Georgia Tech, Tulane was once a member of the SEC and thus have some history playing the Gators. Until 1958, the Green Wave actually led the series with Florida 6-2-2. However, in 1958 the Gators won for the first time in 36 years and have not lost since. Since Tulane left the conference after 1966, they have only played Florida five times (the last being a 63-21 Gator victory in 1984).
• Florida and Arkansas have played on 11 occasions – the first was in Houston for the Bluebonnet Bowl while two others were in Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Arkansas's two wins came in the 1982 Bluebonnet Bowl and the most recent competition in Fayetteville. Thus, this is the most lopsided series between Florida and any of their SEC opponents.
• Missouri has only played the Gators eight times, though they are currently scheduled to play on an annual basis. The Tigers won the first match-up, the 1966 Sugar Bowl, despite a furious comeback-attempt led by quarterback Steve Spurrier. Since Missouri joined the conference in 2012, Missouri has led the series with four wins to Florida's three.
• Florida has only played Texas A&M four times, less than any other conference opponent. As members of different SEC divisions, they only play infrequently. The first game was played in 1962 and won handily by the Gators in Gainesville. The second game was the January 1977 Sun Bowl in El Paso. That game was won by the Aggies. The two opponents have each defeated the other once (at the other's stadium) since Texas A&M joined the SEC in 2012.
• The Gators have played Florida Atlantic three times and UCF twice; they have only played South Florida and FIU once each. While generally competitive baseball series, the Gators have never lost to one of the four newer in-state programs on the gridiron. Florida Atlantic came close to taking down the Gators in 2015, when it took overtime for the Gators to put away the Owls in the Swamp.
• Not included in the table above but also of note: Florida leads Sewanee (another charter member of the SEC who left in 1940 and now play in Division III) in their series, 7-2-0; UF leads Florida A&M 1-0-0, Florida Southern 13-1-0, Rollins 13-2-1, Stetson 15-2-2, and Tampa 5-0-0.