Written by Lawrence Laguna
Seminoles. Bulldogs. Volunteers. Tigers?
Yes that’s right. Although LSU isn’t one of the Gators’ top rivals like FSU or Georgia, LSU is a Southeastern Conference foe and with that the competition on a yearly basis has and will continue to be fierce.
Dating back to their first meeting in 1937, then becoming annual opponents since 1971, the Tigers and Gators have become a match up to watch regardless of the outcome.
Here are the top-5 moments between the two programs that seek to meet for the 61st time on Saturday.
“The Hurricane Delay”
UF headed in Baton Rouge unranked in 1964, but the Gators with a new upcoming quarterback in Steve Spurrier, who was later, a future Heisman Trophy winner took on Mother Nature. Hurricane Hilda delayed the game several weeks to the season finale. The game ended up being a surprisingly easy 20-6 win over the seventh-ranked Tigers. On further note, that game lead to Spurrier’s first win over LSU, which was the first of a long winning streak over the Tigers as a player and coach.
“Battle of Champions”
The year was 2008 and the previous two BCS National Champions were the Gators and the Tigers. Florida had won the 06’ match up, LSU won the 07’ game, now it came down to who would win the rematch. Twelfth-ranked Florida played host to third-ranked LSU and Tim Tebow now led this Gators team. Another known player named Percy Harvin would connect with Tebow for two touchdown combinations to open the lead to 20-0 by the half. After LSU climbed their way back into the game with a score of 20-14 the Gators wouldn’t look back as the floodgates opened up. Jeff Demps took a pitch for 44 yards from Tebow, and Brandon Spikes interception off LSU QB Jarrett Lee highlighted the touchdown plays and the final score was 51-21 Florida defeating LSU. That year the Gators would also win the BCS Championship, which made it the third straight time the winner had come from this rivalry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbpe7bKVBLE
“Tebow’s Series Debut”
Exchanging between quarterbacks and snaps, Urban Meyer was placing in Tebow for a few series every game in 2006 and this time the highly touted QB made the most out of this game. With the No. 9 Tigers marching in town against the No. 5 Gators, LSU was favored going into the game by a point and a half. Tebow would help lead the Gators over the Tigers 23-10 diminishing the point-favor as he accounted for three touchdowns, which included his first passing touchdown remembered as “The Jump Pass” to Tim Casey. That year the Gators would win the BCS National Championship.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8Z5huDuj64
“The ‘Overtime’ Game”
Back in 1989, when people were thrilled to watch a game in color on television, but also a time when the scoreboard wasn’t shown on the screen, was the jokingly referred “overtime” game that was nationally syndicated in a “Bottom Ten” column. The game between the Tigers and Gators was at a 13-13 tie when it appeared to have ended due to Emmitt Smith not being able to rush out of bounds forcing Florida to throw it out of bounds to try and stop the clock from hitting zero. Everyone except Florida was convinced the Gators didn’t get it off on time. Even so that Tiger Stadium went up in celebration with fireworks sounding off and the Tigers were celebrating on the sideline. The official ruled back one second on the clock and the Gators with one last chance lined up for a 41-yard field goal by Arden Czyzewski to win 16-13. The defeat sent LSU into a losing streak and its first losing season in years.
“Matt Elam’s strip”
The last time the LSU Tigers were in The Swamp, it was definitely one to remember. A tightly contended game that was dominated by both team’s defense’s came down to one play that would save the Gators from a defeat. In the fourth quarter and with LSU threatening to get deep within Florida territory, Tigers’ quarterback Zach Mettenberger unleashed a deep pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham, who was open and ran down the sideline to what seemed to be a big play for a touchdown. Instead, Elam made what turned out to be the biggest play of Florida’s season. Being the only close to attempt to stop Beckham, Elam ran from behind him, reached and grabbed Beckham’s arm, pulled him back and initiated the force fumble after a 56-yard gain. Florida’s De’Ante Saunders recovered the ball. The Gators would then score a clinching touchdown to upset No. 4 LSU 14-6. But Elam saved the day and his play was the turning point of the season and ended in a Sugar Bowl appearance. “I felt like I had to make a play,” Elam said. “My plan was to stop him from getting into the end zone. More came out of it so thank God for that.”
These are memories of the game and we would like to hear yours. Please post your favorite moments of this great rivalry game.
Thanks for this. I watched that first game with Tebow & co., before I realized 50 minutes passsed. MAN, was that a great team. No wonder we won, when you have that many first class athletes something good has to happen…very nice memories. Hope the Swamp rocks like that tomorrow.Go Gators-beat LSU.
Thank you for the read. I agree with you that was a great team. Really moved the ball well a lot of great athletes. Let’s see if the Gators can return to that stature soon.