History Lesson: The UF-UM Rivalry

— From 1938 to 1987, Florida and Miami played football every season, with the exception of one year when an inconvenience known as World War II got in the way. That was 48 out of 49 years. The game was so big, in fact, that from 1953 until 1979, it was the last game on the schedule for 24 of 27 years. From 1981-87, it was the first game six of seven years. 

And then it was gone. 

In the going-on four decades since, the explanation for disbanding one of the most storied in-state rivalries in the South has been told and retold, but rarely with mutual acceptance or satisfaction. Bottom line: Florida wanted out of the series and the Gators exited with the disclaimer they were doing so with the goal of playing a more attractive “national schedule.” 

UF replaced UM on the 1988 slate with a home opener against Division I-AA Montana State. The Gators won 73-0. 

The Hurricanes (coaches, players, administrators and most definitely fans) had some fun those days at the expense of the Gators, especially as UF was floundering in mediocrity (and NCAA scandal) and the Hurricanes were winning and/or playing for national championships. Then came Dec. 31, 1989, and Steve Spurrier’s introduction news conference upon his return, via Duke, to his alma mater. Spurrier made it clear. “We can’t run, duck or hide from Miami,” he proclaimed that day, and within months UF and UM had an agreement to play six times over eight seasons, starting in 1992. Florida also made good on its commitment to that “national” goal by landing home-and-home contracts with Michigan State and Washington. 

But then the Southeastern Conference expanded and went to an eight-game schedule — plus a league championship game — and all those attractive non-league games were wiped out. Florida and Miami would not play again until the Sugar Bowl following the 2000 season. Since then, with schedules bulked from 11 to 12 regular-season games, there have been a couple more home-and-homes, plus a date in the Peach Bowl, with the Hurricanes gaining the upper hand by winning seven of the last nine meetings, dating to 1986.

UM now leads the all-time series 29-27.

You’ve probably heard the Gators and Hurricanes are playing for the…