Breakdown of SEC Rivalries

[RaMMeR JaMMeR]

The SEC has it's fair share of rivalries.
Alabama/Auburn- The most heated
Georgia/Florida- Close second in my opinion
ETC ETC

I've noticed that these rivalries can get pretty dat gum dirty.
I've seen at least 15 fights between Bama/Auburn folks, including my own family members. I've seen offensive T-shirts, hats, and many posters and banners from fans of multiple teams. The thing is that most of the fans of SEC football are gentlemen/ ladies, with a sense of class and respect, so most of it is fun and games. Then again, there are always a few bad apples in every bunch.

I've pondered into the depths of these rivalries and have attempted to breakdown why some of the SEC are so intense.

I think the main reason is our southern pride. We sure are stubborn. When we vow our loyaly to a team, it's 100%. We love our team, we will defend every aspect of our team, and no one is gonna make us think differently. I think that this is one of the main reasons that Bama/Auburn is so heated. The fans of both teams are from the same parts, have the same types of parents, and the same morals. The only difference between um is what side they chose.

So why are people of the same nature so confrontational? That southern pride

On the other hand, Georgia fans and Florida fans don't seem to share as much in common. What's with the big rivalry?

Just a few things I was pondering. Insight would be great.

[Bulldog Bry]

On the other hand, Georgia fans and Florida fans don't seem to share as much in common. What's with the big rivalry?

Wiinning, losing and DRANKIN. They've been winning, we've been losing, and everybody's been DRANKIN.

[JerryBeeds]

Wiinning, losing and DRANKIN. They've been winning, we've been losing, and everybody's been DRANKIN.

Hell, I'm THANKIN about DRANKIN right now.:laugh:

[AUviaDC101]

whats funny, I have seen two chicks fight at the egg bowl two years ago... it was actually kinda sexy...

[RaMMeR JaMMeR]

Hell, I'm THANKIN about DRANKIN right now.:laugh:

We'll have to drink one together when Bama beats some Clemson ass!

[D^3]

On the other hand, Georgia fans and Florida fans don't seem to share as much in common. What's with the big rivalry?

Just a few things I was pondering. Insight would be great.


It's pretty easy, really. Georgia dominated Florida during the 70's and 80's, with no regard for human life, and Florida turned around and put the beatings on us during the 90's, culminating in that bastard coach of theirs who ran up the score, admittedly just so he could score 50 in Sanford Stadium, because he wanted to get back at us for not offering him the coaching job. It's always been a rivalry of payback, and will continue to be so.

[BamaFanNKy]

See, I get the Iron Bowl is heated...... but I want to beat UT more.
I see Auburn vs. UGA as the rivalry. It is the oldest.

[Cockfan720]

IMO, the SEC rivalries rank like this:

1) Auburn-Alabama: does this need any expanation?
2) Georgia-Florida: same as #1
3) Mississippi-Mississippi State: in-state rivalry, i think there is an egg involved
4) Georgia-Auburn: oldest in the south (great tradition)
5) LSU-Arkansas: battle for the boot; always a great game to watch
6) Florida-Tennessee: really turned hot in Spurrier's time at UF, usually decided the East
7) Georgia-South Carolina: conference opener in the East (usually); both teams always play a CLOSE game
8) Tennessee-Alabama: 3rd saturday in october, always a great game although I'm sure Tennessee fans want to forget last year's though
9) Kentucky-Vanderbilt: I had to add them in here somewhere, usually playing for last in the East)
10) Tennessee-Vanderbilt: in-state game played for the state of Tennessee, been pretty one-sided though

Honorable mention:
-Tennessee-South Carolina: been a one posession game 7 of the last 8 years going into OT twice; Spurrier's presence at USC has also heated up the rivalry

-Auburn-LSU: Recently, this game has decided the West more times than not

-Florida-LSU: been a GREAT game here as of late between the two biggest powers in the conference

-South Carolina-Arkansas: always a good game (especially for Dmac)

[cocky87]

IMO, the SEC rivalries rank like this:

1) Auburn-Alabama: does this need any expanation?
2) Georgia-Florida: same as #1
3) Mississippi-Mississippi State: in-state rivalry, i think there is an egg involved
4) Georgia-Auburn: oldest in the south (great tradition)
5) LSU-Arkansas: battle for the boot; always a great game to watch
6) Florida-Tennessee: really turned hot in Spurrier's time at UF, usually decided the East
7) Georgia-South Carolina: conference opener in the East (usually); both teams always play a CLOSE game
8) Tennessee-Alabama: 1st saturday in october, always a great game although I'm sure Tennessee fans want to forget last year's though
9) Kentucky-Vanderbilt: I had to add them in here somewhere, usually playing for last in the East)
10) Tennessee-Vanderbilt: in-state game played for the state of Tennessee, been pretty one-sided though

Honorable mention:
-Tennessee-South Carolina: been a one posession game 7 of the last 8 years going into OT twice; Spurrier's presence at USC has also heated up the rivalry

-Auburn-LSU: Recently, this game has decided the West more times than not

-Florida-LSU: been a GREAT game here as of late between the two biggest powers in the conference

-South Carolina-Arkansas: always a good game (especially for Dmac)

I'll agree with this for the most part, I guess im a little bias towards my team and the georgia game:laugh:. I really feel that is one of the best SEC games of the season. The past decade has proven so with the scores, except for the 18-0 season cough... lol Other than that I will agree with this..

O but if Clemson was in the SEC. Id say that would be a wrap for us. (3rd oldest rivalry if im not mistaken? I might be just trying to remember off the top of the head)

[Noah.Dreams]

Players are measured by how they play in the AL/TN game. There's nothing else like it, no where.See, I get the Iron Bowl is heated...... but I want to beat UT more.
I see Auburn vs. UGA as the rivalry. It is the oldest.

[Cockfan720]

I'll agree with this for the most part, I guess im a little bias towards my team and the georgia game:laugh:. I really feel that is one of the best SEC games of the season. The past decade has proven so with the scores, except for the 18-0 season cough... lol Other than that I will agree with this..

O but if Clemson was in the SEC. Id say that would be a wrap for us. (3rd oldest rivalry if im not mistaken? I might be just trying to remember off the top of the head)

I agree with you, since I am a gamecock fan, i was trying not to put it to high, although in my (garnet) mind it is definately in the top 5. And it's always a very entertaining game to watch (just wish we'd win it more).

If I added top OOC rivalries, I believe CLemson-Carolina would rank ahead of UGA-Ga tech and UF-FSU. It's probably the #1 OOC rivalry in the SEC (just because it's age and tradition (big thursday, etc.) It may not be nationally prevalent, but it's got the hatred of any rivalry, if not more.

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

I'll agree with this for the most part, I guess im a little bias towards my team and the georgia game:laugh:. I really feel that is one of the best SEC games of the season. The past decade has proven so with the scores, except for the 18-0 season cough... lol Other than that I will agree with this..
To save some of our UGA friends the trouble of posting it, the game in 2003 wasn't that close either (31-7).

[volimhtown]

IMO, the SEC rivalries rank like this:

1) Auburn-Alabama: does this need any expanation?
2) Georgia-Florida: same as #1
3) Mississippi-Mississippi State: in-state rivalry, i think there is an egg involved
4) Georgia-Auburn: oldest in the south (great tradition)
5) LSU-Arkansas: battle for the boot; always a great game to watch
6) Florida-Tennessee: really turned hot in Spurrier's time at UF, usually decided the East
7) Georgia-South Carolina: conference opener in the East (usually); both teams always play a CLOSE game
8) Tennessee-Alabama: 1st saturday in october, always a great game although I'm sure Tennessee fans want to forget last year's though
9) Kentucky-Vanderbilt: I had to add them in here somewhere, usually playing for last in the East)
10) Tennessee-Vanderbilt: in-state game played for the state of Tennessee, been pretty one-sided though

Honorable mention:
-Tennessee-South Carolina: been a one posession game 7 of the last 8 years going into OT twice; Spurrier's presence at USC has also heated up the rivalry

-Auburn-LSU: Recently, this game has decided the West more times than not

-Florida-LSU: been a GREAT game here as of late between the two biggest powers in the conference

-South Carolina-Arkansas: always a good game (especially for Dmac)

Good list and comments! :thumpsup: Kind of hard to argue or justify it without any guidelines, however. I mean, if you're just going by broad historical significance with regards to how the fans feel about the other, how do you quantify one over the other??

For example... the Iron Bowl being #1 is ok, BUT with only a couple of exceptions, the result of the game has meant very little to anyone outside the state of Alabama over the past decade or so.
Likewise... Florida -Tennessee at #6?? :unsure: Since the SEC expanded, these two teams have represented the East in 13 of the 16 years and have 3 National Titles between them. 12 of their last 18 meetings have been battles between Top 10 teams and 15 of 18 have been battles between top 15 teams. Hard to find a rivalry ANYWHERE that has provided so much significance on a National level for the better part of two decades now. :thumpsup:

[Cockfan720]

Good list and comments! :thumpsup: Kind of hard to argue or justify it without any guidelines, however. I mean, if you're just going by broad historical significance with regards to how the fans feel about the other, how do you quantify one over the other??

For example... the Iron Bowl being #1 is ok, BUT with only a couple of exceptions, the result of the game has meant very little to anyone outside the state of Alabama over the past decade or so.
Likewise... Florida -Tennessee at #6?? :unsure: Since the SEC expanded, these two teams have represented the East in 13 of the 16 years and have 3 National Titles between them. 12 of their last 18 meetings have been battles between Top 10 teams and 15 of 18 have been battles between top 15 teams. Hard to find a rivalry ANYWHERE that has provided so much significance on a National level for the better part of two decades now. :thumpsup:

I agree with what your saying. I just didn't want to seem too biased towards the Eastern division. As far as game importance, the Florida-Tennessee match-up might be #1 over the last 15 or so years in the SEC. However, I was taking hatred, tradition, and bragging rights into count. There's more hatred among Alabama-Auburn fans and Georgia-FLorida fans. But as far as game importance and relevance on a national scale the UT-UF game should be #1.

[bigtreydaddy]

IMO, the SEC rivalries rank like this:

1) Auburn-Alabama: does this need any expanation?
2) Georgia-Florida: same as #1
3) Mississippi-Mississippi State: in-state rivalry, i think there is an egg involved
4) Georgia-Auburn: oldest in the south (great tradition)
5) LSU-Arkansas: battle for the boot; always a great game to watch
6) Florida-Tennessee: really turned hot in Spurrier's time at UF, usually decided the East
7) Georgia-South Carolina: conference opener in the East (usually); both teams always play a CLOSE game
8) Tennessee-Alabama: 1st saturday in october, always a great game although I'm sure Tennessee fans want to forget last year's though
9) Kentucky-Vanderbilt: I had to add them in here somewhere, usually playing for last in the East)
10) Tennessee-Vanderbilt: in-state game played for the state of Tennessee, been pretty one-sided though

Honorable mention:
-Tennessee-South Carolina: been a one posession game 7 of the last 8 years going into OT twice; Spurrier's presence at USC has also heated up the rivalry

-Auburn-LSU: Recently, this game has decided the West more times than not

-Florida-LSU: been a GREAT game here as of late between the two biggest powers in the conference

-South Carolina-Arkansas: always a good game (especially for Dmac)

No LSU-Ole Miss (insert lame-ass name for the game here)? Despite the success LSU has had over OM the past couple of decades, this rivalry remains intense for many Tigers and Rebels alike, especially those of older generations. As much as I want to win the Egg every year, I don't necessarily hate MSU--I'm a Mississppi fan; what's good for one school is good for our state. I loathe LSU, however. I want to put them in an area of pain and suffering whenever we meet, and I know for a fact that many Tigers feel the same way towards us. This game, IMO, is one of the most underrated in the country (mainly because of the lack of steady competition on our part). You know it's for real when Rebels hollar "GO TO HELL, LSU!" regardless of who we're playing!

[PuddingTime]

Well here's where the Wildcats sit as far as our fan base and our rivalries go.

#1. Louisville - Yes, it's not a SEC opponent, but for the purpose of this discussion, this is in fact our #1 rival. Don't need to explain much

#2. Tennessee - Obviously, it's the only SEC state that we border, and Knoxville and Lexington are only 3 hrs apart. Normally, this rivalry consists of the Vols talking trash about their dominance of us on the gridiron, and us retorting about our dominance on the court. The Vols are making in roads in basketball, but we are in football as well. In fact, I think all Tennessee fans will agree w/me here, last year's 2 basketball matchups and the football game were the best we've seen in a while. This rivalry is starting to heat back up. But since we're (always) talking football here, I'd venture that the large majority of Vols fans consider Alabama a bigger rival than Kentucky when talking football because, well, obviously, Alabama's more competitive than we are. We're changing that. All it's gonna take is that 1 Kentucky victory to get things spiraling again.

#3 Arkansas - Well....the only 2 certain things are Louisville and Tennessee on this list. As a whole, now that Petrino is coach at Arkansas, Kentucky fans really, really, really don't like the Hogs. The fact that the Hogs come calling in the Bluegrass this year will only intensify this.

#4 South Carolina - I think this is just the Spurrier factor. Even though USC hasn't been dominant under him, he's had no problem taming the Cats. UK fans, along w/everyone else in the South not from Gainesville, hated him during the 90's. But the fact we're faring only slightly better now, as we're not losing 66-0, doesn't help much. So really, I should just put Spurrier at #4, because UK fans don't really hate South Carolina's program, just SOS.

#5/6 Mississippi State/Vanderbilt - Well MSU is our permanent West rival, and Vandy and UK, while it may be considered a "battle for the cellar" by most of you, actually turn out to be DAMN good games every year. I rank it like this because we don't have any hate towards the Dogs or Dores, or have T-shirts for them, or anything of that nature. These are just great football games and honestly, after UofL and UT, the 2 that I look forward to the most because I know they're going to be competitive.

Well, that's how I see things in the Bluegrass.

[RaMMeR JaMMeR]

For example... the Iron Bowl being #1 is ok, BUT with only a couple of exceptions, the result of the game has meant very little to anyone outside the state of Alabama over the past decade or so.


There's football outside the state of Alabama? You should tell my family that.

[the Prodigy]

Speaking of Arkansas-UK... I am eagerly awaiting the return of the hot rivalry that Arkansas-UK enjoyed in the 90's. They were both great teams then, both went to the final 4 numerous times and both won a national title. Both fanbases are awaiting a return to those times.

1. Bama/Barn
2. Florida/Georgia - Always a great game with intensity and scoring. Especially now that both teams sit lofty atop the East and are star studded and pressed for national titles.
3. Tennessee/Florida - Likewise, though not as heated as UF/UGA. This game is great because the fans make it great, two awesome environments for opposing teams to come into
4. Arkansas/LSU - The battle for the boot gets more and more significant each year. If Arkansas can somehow pull out the underdog win again this season, it could make a lot of cajuns uncomfortable.
5. Ole Miss/Miss St. - would be higher up the list if either school could fill their stadiums on a seasonal basis. They got the hate, just not the support or the press.
6. Auburn/LSU - Defensive football at it's finest.


About to be HUGE

Arkansas/Ole Miss
South Carolina/Florida(Georgia) - could be a little triangle of hate here
LSU/Alabama

[GeauxTo]

LSU has developed some intense annual games which could be called rivalries over the last few years; here's a list:

LSU/Ole Miss - definitely our longest running rivalry and it is always heated.
LSU/Auburn - this has become one of the SEC's best slobberknockers each year..
LSU/Florida - tension is always high when these two heavyweights square off.
LSU/Alabama - this annual home and away tussle often finds the visiting team winning.

[JessJess6713]

Maybe it's just within the people I know, but I feel like there's a growing mutal respect between Georgia-Florida. The rivalry seemed much more angry several years ago.

I have to admit, I'm pretty far from a Gator fan. I hate those god aweful colors that don't go together, I think the chomp looks really stupid, and I just don't like the state (not my favorite place to vacation).

Still, I have to give their team its due respect. They're a great team, and I like their style of play as much as I like their talent. I look forward to the matchup with a great opponent. The game is intense, but not angry or hateful (for me at least).

Last year I watched Texas Tech and Texas A&M play, and watched to fans before the game. Wow, they really do hate each other. That's legitimate, passionate hate. Auburn and Alabama seem to have some of that too. Maybe GA-FL has it, but I don't sense it. I have no hate for Gator fans, just confusion, and dislike for their silly colors and being in their state.

[RaMMeR JaMMeR]

I always thought that Miss State and Bama was the longest running.
I also think that Auburn/Florida is starting to get pretty intense. Seems like a bunch of my friends that go to AU have been talking as much trash about UF as they do to Bama.

I think it's pretty amazing that, in my opinion, the games that will descide who goes to the SEC championship are the big rivalries. BAMA/AUBURN for the West and UF/UGA for the East. Then again, who the hell knows what's gonna happen in the SEC. Gets pretty crazy sometimes. Ex. 2007 LSU vs. UK/ARK UGA vs. UT/USC Miss St. vs BAMA/AUBURN and of course USCe and BAMA's failure to do anything during the last half of the season. Upsets are bound to happen, hope BAMA can come through with a few. They're gonna need um next year.

[KHVols1387]

#2. Tennessee - Obviously, it's the only SEC state that we border, and Knoxville and Lexington are only 3 hrs apart. Normally, this rivalry consists of the Vols talking trash about their dominance of us on the gridiron, and us retorting about our dominance on the court. The Vols are making in roads in basketball, but we are in football as well. In fact, I think all Tennessee fans will agree w/me here, last year's 2 basketball matchups and the football game were the best we've seen in a while. This rivalry is starting to heat back up. But since we're (always) talking football here, I'd venture that the large majority of Vols fans consider Alabama a bigger rival than Kentucky when talking football because, well, obviously, Alabama's more competitive than we are. We're changing that. All it's gonna take is that 1 Kentucky victory to get things spiraling again.


I'd have to say that the rivalry between Kentucky and Tennessee has gotten more intense over the years in both sports. However, I don't think it can really be considered a good rivalry in football when one team has won over 20 straight over the other.

Alabama is supposed to be our biggest rival. I have seen some great Alabama-Tennessee games over the years including the 5 OT win that UT pulled out and the 6-3 win Alabama put on us a few years back.

However, I consider Florida being our biggest rival. Maybe it is because they just keep beating us or maybe because Alabama has not been as nationally recognized over the past few years. I don't know but for as long as I have been alive the Florida-Tennessee game has decided the East.

Now it looks like Georgia-Florida will decide the East for years to come. So as of now I think it is the SEC's biggest rivalry and will be a treat to watch.

[MillDawg007]

UGA vs UF from the looks of recruiting and performances the last couple of seasons should be ready to fend off everyone for the SEC EAST. UT however will not be out of the picture in the east, they get their share of good players, and I think everyone over rates these recruits on rivals and scout every year.

Ill take a 2 or 3* recruit with great passion and work ethic over some thug 5* who thinks hes gods gift to playing football. All to often do these kids come in with their big heads and do something stupid to get themselves into troulbe with the team and ultimately kicked off. Work ethic and coaching and solid young men make championship teams.

[KHVols1387]

UGA vs UF from the looks of recruiting and performances the last couple of seasons should be ready to fend off everyone for the SEC EAST. UT however will not be out of the picture in the east, they get their share of good players, and I think everyone over rates these recruits on rivals and scout every year.

Ill take a 2 or 3* recruit with great passion and work ethic over some thug 5* who thinks hes gods gift to playing football. All to often do these kids come in with their big heads and do something stupid to get themselves into troulbe with the team and ultimately kicked off. Work ethic and coaching and solid young men make championship teams.

That is why I don't think it is right to rate recruiting classes until 2 or 3 years after to see how players actually develop. A few of Tennessee's top recruiting classes in years past have not panned out at all.

[MillDawg007]

That is why I don't think it is right to rate recruiting classes until 2 or 3 years after to see how players actually develop. A few of Tennessee's top recruiting classes in years past have not panned out at all.

Touche there KTH touche. These kids need to be evaluated after a couple of seasons, players like Brandon Miller for UGA were supposed to actually cure cancer in his time in Athens, however, he only allowed more playing time to be distributed.

[volimhtown]

Last year I watched Texas Tech and Texas A&M play, and watched to fans before the game. Wow, they really do hate each other. That's legitimate, passionate hate.

That's the nail hittin the preverbial head!! :thumpsup: Those schools and former students absolutely DESPISE each other. Man...it's like putting two ugly red-headed 4'10" girls in a confined space for a few hours. They're gonna scrap!!
It's bad enough that A&M has to deal with the fact that they are UT's b*tch but lately Tech's been claiming that spot by virtue of their head to head wins over the Ags. As much as I despise A&M, Tech's fans are total trash. If they're playin in Lubbock, you better have plenty of med techs on hand.
A couple of years ago, a Senator's daughter (A&M student) was injured pretty badly as she got inadvertantly involved in a brawl in the stands. It's been a bloody rivalry over recent years!!

[gatorunvrsty]

It's pretty easy, really. Georgia dominated Florida during the 70's and 80's, with no regard for human life, and Florida turned around and put the beatings on us during the 90's, culminating in that bastard coach of theirs who ran up the score, admittedly just so he could score 50 in Sanford Stadium, because he wanted to get back at us for not offering him the coaching job. It's always been a rivalry of payback, and will continue to be so.

What coaching job? Spurrier never considered a job at UGA. He's despised the school for as long as he's been able to pick up a football. He wanted to put 50 on UGA between the hedges just because nobody else had done it, and he said he wanted to see what it felt like. But, to be fair, at least he was an equal opportunity SOB... he hung over 50 on UGA when they came to the Swamp, too.:laugh: It's not so bad, he used to put up basketball scores on just about everybody... even when he put replacements in. Nobody was expecting an SEC team to throw first, run second, and ask questions last.

[RaMMeR JaMMeR]

I think everyone over rates these recruits on rivals and scout every year.

Ill take a 2 or 3* recruit with great passion and work ethic over some thug 5* who thinks hes gods gift to playing football. All to often do these kids come in with their big heads and do something stupid to get themselves into trouble with the team and ultimately kicked off. Work ethic and coaching and solid young men make championship teams.

100% agree with that!
Tyrone Prothro - Football Recruiting (http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=7843&Sport=1)
Shula did man up and coach Bama through the dark ages, but I'll never forgive him for letting Prothro stay in at the end of that Florida game

It's a good thing that most of the 08 Bama class seems to be very humble.

As for the thugs that are gonna get pwned.
Terrelle Pryor - Football Recruiting (http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=43028)
I hate this kid.

[M2J]

I'd have to say that the rivalry between Kentucky and Tennessee has gotten more intense over the years in both sports. However, I don't think it can really be considered a good rivalry in football when one team has won over 20 straight over the other.

Alabama is supposed to be our biggest rival. I have seen some great Alabama-Tennessee games over the years including the 5 OT win that UT pulled out and the 6-3 win Alabama put on us a few years back.

However, I consider Florida being our biggest rival. Maybe it is because they just keep beating us or maybe because Alabama has not been as nationally recognized over the past few years. I don't know but for as long as I have been alive the Florida-Tennessee game has decided the East.

Now it looks like Georgia-Florida will decide the East for years to come. So as of now I think it is the SEC's biggest rivalry and will be a treat to watch.

I look forward to when Bama can be a consistent force and contender so that the Bama/Tenn rivalry can get more recognition again. Its my favorite as I hate Tennessee about as much as Auburn, but its special to me as its a rivalry between the 2 most storied programs in the best conference.

[KHVols1387]

I look forward to when Bama can be a consistent force and contender so that the Bama/Tenn rivalry can get more recognition again. Its my favorite as I hate Tennessee about as much as Auburn, but its special to me as its a rivalry between the 2 most storied programs in the best conference.

No doubt about it. Tennessee has cut in to that head to head record over the past 20 years but I believe Alabama will be a national contender very soon and start to widen the gap. I love the rivalry because it seems to never matter where each team is ranked. Alabama could be #1 in the country and Tennessee be 2nd to last in the East and when they but heads on the 3rd Saturday of October it will still be a great game to watch. I love the rivalry just because what you said... the 2 most storied programs in the SEC.

[RaMMeR JaMMeR]

This has prolly been said before. Tennessee is Bama's favorite team to beat and Auburn is the worst to lose to.

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

This has prolly been said before. Tennessee is Bama's favorite team to beat and Auburn is the worst to lose to.
I have to admit, that's probably the first time I've ever heard (or read) that. And it'll probably be the last as well. :laugh:

[UAdan]

I know there are some Bama fans out there that enjoy beating UT more than Auburn, but what makes the Iron Bowl so heated is the in-state bragging rights that go with it...UT beat us like 8 or 9 years in a row in the late 90's/early 00's...but still...Auburn's current 6-game winning streak over Bama has generated FAR more hatred and frustration than UT's streak did.

I love The Third Saturday in October...but Auburn will always be Bama's biggest rival. Nothing will surpass that. The Iron Bowl is one of the most intense rivalry matchups in all of sports.

[TDArkansasOhmy]

Ole Miss and Arkansas have always had territory issues, over recruiting in this part of the south. Some feel Ole Miss and Arkansas are rivals. I don't know. I've heard some of the old timers talk about the meetings back in the day, when Arkansas was a member of the SWC and the hogs would go up against the mighty SEC Ole Miss rebels.
If it's not been a rivalry to some, hold on to you watch pockets sports fans, cause things are fixin to change due to one man named Nutt.
Little Rock, Houston's home town, has a large Ole Miss booster club and has had before Nutt sign on with the Rebs. It's not bad enough that Northwest and central Arkansas are at each others throats half the time on stadium issues, but now NWA feels Central is turning their backs on the Razorbacks. When in reality all it is, are a group of Mississippi natives, grads, or just plan fans of Ole Miss who now call central Arkansas their home. Hell, what do we suppose to do, ship them to Guantanamo Bay?
I mean that's what living here is all about. When Katrina hit the Gulf South and New Orleans, we ended up when several thousand residents who escape the floor waters and devastation of there home in search to regroup in a environment that gave them peace of mind and a warm smile and support doing so.
Only thing I hated out of the whole deal was when most left to go back home, for some reason eastern Arkansas had the smell of corn dogs for some strange reason. Go figure?

Great Rivalry's
LSU/Arkansas
and the newest one
Ole Miss/Arkansas

[shanksta13]

Maybe it's just within the people I know, but I feel like there's a growing mutal respect between Georgia-Florida. The rivalry seemed much more angry several years ago.

I have to admit, I'm pretty far from a Gator fan. I hate those god aweful colors that don't go together, I think the chomp looks really stupid, and I just don't like the state (not my favorite place to vacation).

Still, I have to give their team its due respect. They're a great team, and I like their style of play as much as I like their talent. I look forward to the matchup with a great opponent. The game is intense, but not angry or hateful (for me at least).

Last year I watched Texas Tech and Texas A&M play, and watched to fans before the game. Wow, they really do hate each other. That's legitimate, passionate hate. Auburn and Alabama seem to have some of that too. Maybe GA-FL has it, but I don't sense it. I have no hate for Gator fans, just confusion, and dislike for their silly colors and being in their state.

Yeah, I agree, the Florida - Georgia games actually seems to be one of the friendlier rivalries out there. But trust me it is definitely very high on the list of rivalries.

[KHVols1387]

Ole Miss and Arkansas have always had territory issues, over recruiting in this part of the south. Some feel Ole Miss and Arkansas are rivals. I don't know. I've heard some of the old timers talk about the meetings back in the day, when Arkansas was a member of the SWC and the hogs would go up against the mighty SEC Ole Miss rebels.
If it's not been a rivalry to some, hold on to you watch pockets sports fans, cause things are fixin to change due to one man named Nutt.
Little Rock, Houston's home town, has a large Ole Miss booster club and has had before Nutt sign on with the Rebs. It's not bad enough that Northwest and central Arkansas are at each others throats half the time on stadium issues, but now NWA feels Central is turning their backs on the Razorbacks. When in reality all it is, are a group of Mississippi natives, grads, or just plan fans of Ole Miss who now call central Arkansas their home. Hell, what do we suppose to do, ship them to Guantanamo Bay?
I mean that's what living here is all about. When Katrina hit the Gulf South and New Orleans, we ended up when several thousand residents who escape the floor waters and devastation of there home in search to regroup in a environment that gave them peace of mind and a warm smile and support doing so.
Only thing I hated out of the whole deal was when most left to go back home, for some reason eastern Arkansas had the smell of corn dogs for some strange reason. Go figure?

Great Rivalry's
LSU/Arkansas
and the newest one
Ole Miss/Arkansas

I never really have paid much attention to the Ole Miss-Arkansas game. This year will be different. It will be very interesting to see how Nutt does against his old team and how Petrino does in his first year. This game will have a lot of interesting story lines which may make it one of the more interesting SEC rivalries for years to come.

[GatorHunter]

It's pretty easy, really. Georgia dominated Florida during the 70's and 80's, with no regard for human life, and Florida turned around and put the beatings on us during the 90's

As far as the 70's...UGA's margin of victory in their 7 wins over the Gators was 14 points...in UGA's 8 wins during the 80's...ave margin of victory wasn't even 13 points...so, to say they dominated "with no regard for human life" is a bit excessive.:laugh:

Now...in UF's 9 wins of the 90's...UF's ave margin of victory was 26 points...now that's domination...;)

Funny how this rivalry goes, though...the 50's and 60's were owned by the Gators...70's and 80's by UGA...90's and 00's by UF.

because he wanted to get back at us for not offering him the coaching job.

:laugh:...that's the first time I've ever heard this!!!

Let me say this...Spurs wouldn't coach UGA if it was the only job in America and his family was on food-stamps. He loathes the Bulldogs. He won't even buy a car if it's red or black!! True.

[Bulldog Bry]

Let me say this...Spurs wouldn't coach UGA if it was the only job in America and his family was on food-stamps. He loathes the Bulldogs. He won't even buy a car if it's red or black!! True.

That is true. He's still pissed about losing to them the year he won the Heisman.

[GatorHunter]

That is true. He's still pissed about losing to them the year he won the Heisman.

No doubt...and if it hadn't been for about 2 dozen 1 point losses to UGA...the Gators would have about 20 SEC Championships!!:angry:

[geechee]

On the other hand, Georgia fans and Florida fans don't seem to share as much in common. What's with the big rivalry?

That sentence is as stupid as dirt.

:welcome:

[geechee]

Let me say this...Spurs wouldn't coach UGA if it was the only job in America and his family was on food-stamps. He loathes the Bulldogs. He won't even buy a car if it's red or black!! True.

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Tider27]

The top two rivalries in the SEC are Alabama - Auburn (not recently however :dry:) and
Florida - Georgia. They're not by far or anything because there are many great rivalries, but that's just my honest opinion. :ph34r:

[D^3]

As far as the 70's...UGA's margin of victory in their 7 wins over the Gators was 14 points...in UGA's 8 wins during the 80's...ave margin of victory wasn't even 13 points...so, to say they dominated "with no regard for human life" is a bit excessive.:laugh:

Now...in UF's 9 wins of the 90's...UF's ave margin of victory was 26 points...now that's domination...;)

Funny how this rivalry goes, though...the 50's and 60's were owned by the Gators...70's and 80's by UGA...90's and 00's by UF.



:laugh:...that's the first time I've ever heard this!!!

Let me say this...Spurs wouldn't coach UGA if it was the only job in America and his family was on food-stamps. He loathes the Bulldogs. He won't even buy a car if it's red or black!! True.

Maybe I got that confused with him getting pissed because we didn't offer him a scholly, and he DID want to play here.

[GatorHunter]

Maybe I got that confused with him getting pissed because we didn't offer him a scholly, and he DID want to play here.

Have no idea about that...the only other team, aside from Florida, that I know he was interested in playing for out of college was Tennessee...and they didn't offer him. He's from Tennessee ya know.

[D^3]

Have no idea about that...the only other team, aside from Florida, that I know he was interested in playing for out of college was Tennessee...and they didn't offer him. He's from Tennessee ya know.

I don't know but there is a story about his hate for UGA that goes back to his years as a player.

[GatorHunter]

Maybe I got that confused with him getting pissed because we didn't offer him a scholly, and he DID want to play here.


Actually, Steve DIDN'T...he did receive an offer from UGA.

Here's a bit from Steve's Autobiography...


Spurrier has never liked Georgia and the 1966 game, although a bad memory where Spurrier had both front teeth knocked out, had little to do with it. It's what happened in 1968, a couple of years after he was gone, that has stuck with him forever.

It was the week of the Georgia game and the Gators were mired in a slump. Picked by some to finish among the top four in the country preseason, they were going nowhere and the team was split down the middle because of a quarterback controversy. To shake things up, Ray Graves made defensive coordinator Gene Ellenson and offensive coordinator Ed Kensler swap jobs that week. Bad, bad move.

Georgia was on a roll and by the end of the season was capable of beating anyone in the country with that defense. It was a cold day at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville and pouring down rain. Miserable for those of us who sat through it.

It was 48-0 in the final minute or two of the game and with seconds left, Vince Dooley called time out instead of taking a knee to end the game. On the sideline one of his tackles asked if he could kick a field goal since he had never done it and Dooley sent him in, let him kick it and he actually made the kick to push the score to 51-0. Over on the Georgia sidelines you would have though they had just won the power ball lottery the way they celebrated and partied. It was a humiliating kick and an even more humiliating post kick celebration for Gator fans.

When Spurrier called from San Francisco where he was in his second year with the 49ers, Coach Ellenson told him what happened in gory detail. Spurrier never forgot which is why he always had Coach Ellenson come give the pre-game talk before each Georgia game as long as he was alive and Stevie was the Florida coach.

To beat Georgia was to win one for Coach Ellenson and Spurrier took great delight in running up the score since Georgia is the one that had run the score up on the Gators.

Believe it or not, Coach Ellenson was one of the greatest Georgia players of all time during his playing days. After that game, he despised Georgia with every cell in his body and that lasted a lifetime. Every year the Gators beat the Poodles was his way of saying "I'll never forget what happened Coach ... this one's for you."

During his recruitment, Steve never considered Georgia. They had offered him a scholarship, but he failed to contact them for a visit and that was that. He had a lot of offers but Florida led from the beginning because Coach Graves' brother, a postmaster in East Tennessee, had alerted Coach Graves about him early on. Tennessee couldn't land Spurrier because the Vols were in their last days of running the single wing under Bowden Wyatt.

In 1986, Spurrier was unemployed. He'd left the NFL and was looking at coaching vacancies and eventually ended up at Duke. Years later, Spurrier commented that he'd actually considered an offer to coach in Athens...with his famous smirk saying, "Athens, Tennessee that is."

Sorry D3...but I had to research this...Spurrier considering coaching or playing in Athens seemed like an abomination to me...:)

[D^3]

Actually, Steve DIDN'T...he did receive an offer from UGA.

Here's a bit from Steve's Autobiography...



Believe it or not, Coach Ellenson was [I]one of the greatest Georgia players of all time during his playing days. After that game, he despised Georgia with every cell in his body and that lasted a lifetime. )

So great that he made 3rd team all-SEC just one year, was never a team captain on any Georgia team, and never receives any mention in the Georgia history annals, other than being listed on our full list of football lettermen.

Just goes to show you how fair and balanced that article is.

[geechee]

I don't know but there is a story about his hate for UGA that goes back to his years as a player.


SOS does hate the Dogs and it does go all the way back to his playing days. There is no team he would rather beat than Georgia. If you really want to piss him off mention the name Bill Stanfill in front of him:laugh:

[GatorHunter]

So great that he made 3rd team all-SEC just one year, was never a team captain on any Georgia team, and never receives any mention in the Georgia history annals, other than being listed on our full list of football lettermen.

Just goes to show you how fair and balanced that article is.

Aside from that obvious mistake...the work is completely factual.

[Bulldog Bry]

My father was a minister at the same church where Rev. Graham Spurrier preached for years (Mars Hill Presbyterian, Athens, TN). Graham was not what you'd call "popular" there, especially after he left. Steve excelled in several sports at Science Hill High in Johnson City, TN (where my alma mater is, ETSU). I distinctly remember people there saying that SOS "got away" from them(UT): who knows if that's actually true. My point is that there are two sides to every story. Regardless, he's always held a high disdain for Georgia - and I'm pretty sure it started with the 1966 season - despite what he may say now.

Steve's a competitive guy, I don't think that he would have ever seriously considered coaching at Georgia. I believe he was an assistant at Tech.

[D^3]

Aside from that obvious mistake...the work is completely factual.

I didn't bother checking the accuracy of the rest of it... that one just jumped out at me. Something tells me I could find other stretches of the truth in that article too, though.

[GatorHunter]

I didn't bother checking the accuracy of the rest of it... that one just jumped out at me. Something tells me I could find other stretches of the truth in that article too, though.

Be my guest.

[GatorHunter]

So great that he made 3rd team all-SEC just one year, was never a team captain on any Georgia team, and never receives any mention in the Georgia history annals, other than being listed on our full list of football lettermen.

Just goes to show you how fair and balanced that article is.

D3...here's the response I got when I "questioned" Ellenson's legitimacy:

Gene Ellenson was indeed one of the greats at Georgia and that was at a time when Georgia was as loaded as any team in the country. He played for Georgia pre-World War II and then went off to war where he won two Silver Stars for bravery, one at the Battle of the Bulge that was pinned on him personally by General Patton. He came back from the war, finished out his career at Georgia, dabbled in pro football and then became a great coach.

Long time followers in Athens that know the history of Georgia football will tell you that Gene was one of the greats. He was great enough that he was the first choice in 1964 when Georgia fired Johnny Griffith as head coach. Ellenson turned the job down because he was promised by Coach Graves and Dr. J. Wayne Reitz, the UF president at the time, that he would succeed Coach Graves as the Florida head coach. Georgia's second choice was this guy named Dooley.

Dr. Stephen C. O'Connell forced Coach Graves out in 1969 and hired Doug Dickey over the objections of the team and everybody associated with Florida football. Dickey wasn't a total disaster but I believe Florida football would have been one of the great programs in the south long before Steve Spurrier became coach had the university kept its word and hired Coach Ellenson to succeed Coach Graves.

[PuddingTime]

Speaking of Arkansas-UK... I am eagerly awaiting the return of the hot rivalry that Arkansas-UK enjoyed in the 90's. They were both great teams then, both went to the final 4 numerous times and both won a national title. Both fanbases are awaiting a return to those times.

In my list, I was just listing which teams UK fans dislike the most for football reasons. I know UK-Arkansas isn't really a rivalry, though we have had some damn good games recently. Frickin Matt Jones and the 6OT game here in Lex back in '02. Man....I was sober by the time that game ended haha. But in basketball, Kentucky fans definitely love playing Arkansas and the rivalry is definitely still there. It may not be as heated as it was in the 90's, but UK fans look forward to the Hogs every year, and I know ya'll feel the same, when it's time for hoops.

I'd have to say that the rivalry between Kentucky and Tennessee has gotten more intense over the years in both sports. However, I don't think it can really be considered a good rivalry in football when one team has won over 20 straight over the other.

Oh definitely. We have ZERO room to talk smack to you guys in football. The basketball rivalry has always been there, you guys are just competitive now. But there's a reason my dad made sure my first UK basketball game was at Rupp v Tennessee. I mean, Indiana was horrible there for a stretch, and look to be next year too (hahaha) but I still smile every time we wax the Hoosiers. Same goes for Tennessee. And I know you guys, as I said, feel the most intense about your football rivalry w/Bama, because it's competitive. But UK has come on in recent years football wise and UK-UT have had some damn good gridiron games, even if we still haven't gotten over the damn hump.


Anyway.....UK-UT will always be a great rivalry. Insert joke about checkerboard pattern here :D