Wale Olaogun
The rivalry between the Florida Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs has a long, storied past. Since 1915, the Florida-Georgia game has been one that not only fans of the two schools look forward to, but, in most years, it’s a marquee matchup that often decides the fate of the Southeastern Conference Championship game, held later in the season. This year the game will take place on Saturday, November 2. See below for game day details.
As a Millennial, I have a unique experience when it comes to how I view this series. I’ve been told the stories of the “Fourth and Dumb” and “Run, Lindsay, run!” I can vaguely recall when the Gators in 1995 hung 52 points on the Bulldogs in Athens. But my real experiences start with the early 2000’s teams. Here, I’ll break down the top four plays that define Florida-Georgia for people who started to really follow football after the turn of the millennium.
4) Rex Grossman to Ben Troupe, Florida-Georgia 2002
The #5 ranked Bulldogs were 8-0 coming into this game against a 5-3 Gator team, helmed by Ron Zook. Georgia struck first with a 10-yard pass from QB David Greene to WR J.T. Wall, but Florida answered back with Rex Grossman TD pass to Aaron Walker from five yards out. A pick six by the Gators defense in the second quarter gave the Gators the lead, but the play of the game was a simple 10-yard touchdown pass from Rex Grossman to TE Ben Troupe to make the score 20-13. Bulldog offense couldn’t score to finish the game, and the Gators gave the Bulldogs their only loss in that season.
3) Knowshon Moreno’s First Quarter TD and the Gator Stomp, Florida-Georgia 2007
With six minutes left in the first quarter, Knowshon Moreno scored on a 1-yard drive to put the Bulldogs up 6-0. But that’s not what most people remember about this game. After Moreno crossed the end line, the entire Bulldogs bench stormed the endzone and celebrated, drawing multiple unsportsmanlike penalties and nearly starting a riot with the Gator players. Bulldogs ended up making this a statement game and beat the Florida Gators 42-30.
2) Jarvis Jones Forced Fumble on Jordan Reed, 2012
The outcome of this game effectively was going to decide which team would have the pleasure of facing Alabama in the SEC Championship game. Florida was down 17-9 late when QB Jeff Driskel hit his TE Jordan Reed on a quick hitter across the middle that gave Reed space to run towards the end zone when Georgia Bulldog linebacker Jarvis Jones punched the ball out of Reed’s hands. The Bulldogs recovered in the endzone for a touchback which cost Florida because that was the team’s sixth turnover of the game. Florida couldn’t pull off the comeback.
1) Brandon Spikes Tackling Knowshon Moreno into Hell, 2008
A year removed from the “Gator Stomp” shenanigans from the season prior, the Gators had something to prove. On 2nd and 13 early in the first quarter, Knowshon took a handoff from QB Matthew Stafford and looked for room to run on the right side of his offensive line, only to get planted into the turf by Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes. Spikes had some things to say to the running back when he was down and was pulled off by five or six other Gators. That tackle set the tone for how this game went down, and the Gators blasted Georgia 49-10.
Florida-Georgia Football Game 2019
Join the City of Jacksonville as it hosts one of the most storied rivalry games in college football: Florida-Georgia. In celebration of the annual Jacksonville tradition, weekend festivities will include not only the football game but Duuuval’s Bold City Bash, the ultimate Florida-Georgia fan experience. Duuuval’s Bold City Bash will kick off with the opening of RV City on Tuesday, Oct. 29 followed by the Welcome Center on Wednesday.
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and luncheon presented by Miller Electric Company will take place Friday Nov.1st at TIAA Bank West Club at noon.
Friday night festivities kick off with the Duuuval’s Bold City Bash block party featuring live entertainment, food trucks featuring Jacksonville’s best eats, sponsor activations, various free giveaways, a beer garden with local brews and more interactive experiences.
At 5:30 p.m. the gates to the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville will open for the Fall Exhibition Gator vs Dawg Baseball Game. The first pitch will be at 6:30 p.m. Immediately following the baseball game a concert featuring country music sensation Brett Young and Special guests. Tickets for the Fall Exhibition Gator vs Dawgs Baseball Game, Brett Young concert , and fireworks are $15 (plus applicable fees). Tickets go on sale September 3rd.
Duuuval’s Bold City Bash will continue on Saturday, Nov. 2 for game day festivities in Daily’s Place Flex Field. The Bash will culminate with one of the most storied rivalries in the nation – Florida-Georgia. Gates to TIAA Bank Field will open at 1:30 p.m. and kickoff will be at 3:30 p.m.
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The official event hashtag is #UGAvsUF
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