The last time the Tigers met the Gators in the Swamp, the game turned out to be a memorable classic. The 2012 Gators overcame a 6-0 halftime deficit to win 14-6, mostly through dominating defensive play and an outstanding rushing attack. Perhaps the finest hour for Mike Gillislee, the halfback scored both Florida touchdowns and rushed for 146 yards against a vaunted LSU defense. Likewise, Matt Elam had possibly the greatest performance of his spectacular career as a Gator safety, recording seven tackles and forcing the game-changing fumble in the third quarter. Sam Greenwood - Getty Images |
Louisiana State has won three national titles in its history (1958, 2003, and 2007). Only two of these titles (1958 and 2007) are recognized by the AP, as the 2003 AP national title was awarded to the USC Trojans. LSU’s Billy Cannon won the Heisman Trophy in 1959 (to date, the school’s only winner). Of LSU’s national championship teams, only the 1958 squad finished with a perfect (11-0) record, winning by at least seven points against every opponent other than Florida and Mississippi State. The 2003 team lost 19-7 to Florida in Tiger Stadium, while the 2007 squad actually lost twice (to Kentucky and Arkansas, both in triple overtime). Coincidentally, each LSU national championship team played their post-season bowl game in nearby New Orleans.
The Gators and Tigers have a long history of playing another that goes back to their first meeting in 1937. The Florida-LSU game has occurred on an annual basis every year since 1971. In total, Florida and LSU have played 60 times; Florida has won 31 of these games, while LSU has won 26 (three games have ended in ties). Recently, the rivalry has become extremely competitive, with the last eight games being won four times by each school and at no time being won more than two years consecutively.
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