Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators
The Georgia-Florida football rivalry is one of the fiercest rivalries in football history. The two NCAA football teams have played each other annually since 1915. This SEC match-up has been held on “neutral ground” in Jacksonville, Florida since 1933. The neutrality of the spot is often challenged by Georgians, as Everbank Field is a mere 70 miles from the Gator’s campus, and over 300 miles away from Bulldog territory.
The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party
The game attracts huge crowds: football fans and tailgaters. The party that ensues with the pre-game festivities has been dubbed the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” The story behind the name comes from a reporter covering the game in the 1950’s. Bill Kastelz from the Florida-Times Union witnessed a drunken tailgater offer a drink to a policeman.The name stuck, much to the chagrin of college officials, who don’t wish for a college football game to be associated with alcohol.
Fighting for the Win
This year, the Bulldogs are 6-1 and 1st in the SEC East, recording just one loss to another bitter rival, the USC Gamecocks. Georgia hopes to win the SEC East, even with the loss of star running back Todd Gurley, due to NCAA violations. The Florida Gators are 3-3 so far this season, 5th in the SEC East.
While the Bulldogs may be on top in the rankings, it doesn’t mean Florida won’t fight until the bitter end for a win against Georgia. Head Coach Will Muschamp is in the hot seat, with fans clamoring for his job. During the 42-13 Homecoming loss to Missouri this past weekend, chants of “Fire Muschamp” could be heard across the stadium. It’s no secret that Muschamp and the Gators need a win to quell the resentment and scrutiny. Athletic Director Jeremy Foley claims they will evaluate the head coach’s status as the season plays out.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Georgia Bulldogs are on a winning streak. They’ve recorded only one loss this season, and have played like champions in the past few games. The Bulldogs shutout Missouri two weeks ago, the very same team who handed Florida their embarrassing Homecoming loss.
Their most recent game resulted in a 45-32 victory over Arkansas, raising their AP poll rank from #10 to #9 in the nation. While the Bulldogs are on a hot streak, they’ll have to keep up the hard work to gain another win against the Gators.
A Game You Can’t Miss
Both teams have the luxury of a bye week before they head to Jacksonville to battle it out in the swamp. Georgia has won the past three meetings between the two teams, with Florida winning the three before that. Tune in on Saturday November 1st, at 3:30pm for what will certainly be a great game, or head down to Everbank Field to see the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party! It is certainly an event worth attending, if not for the game, then for seeing the intense tailgating and partying that takes place before AND after the game!
