The clash between the Florida Gators vs the Auburn Tigers represents one of the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) most enduring and often intense rivalries. While it may not always receive the same national spotlight as some other SEC matchups, the history between these two institutions, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball, is rich with dramatic finishes, high stakes, and memorable moments. This article delves into the various facets of the Florida vs Auburn rivalry, exploring its historical significance, key matchups, and what makes these contests so captivating for fans.
Football: A History of Hard-Fought Battles
The football rivalry between Florida vs Auburn is a long and storied one, dating back to 1912. It stands as one of the SEC’s more balanced series, with Auburn holding a slight all-time advantage. The rivalry has seen its share of swings, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance.
Historical Overview
First Meeting: The two teams first met on October 12, 1912, in Auburn, Alabama, with the Tigers securing a 27-13 victory.
All-Time Series: As of their most recent meeting in 2019, Auburn leads the all-time football series 43-39-2.
Early Dominance: Auburn enjoyed early dominance, winning the first six games from 1912 to 1917.
Florida’s Resurgence: Florida eventually turned the tide, and the series became known for its back-and-forth nature.
Longest Streaks: Florida boasts the longest win streak in the series, with seven consecutive victories from 1995 to 2000. Auburn had a notable 12-game home winning streak against Florida from 1945 to 1972, which Florida famously broke in 1973.
Annual Clash (mostly): From 1945 to 2002, the Gators and Tigers played each other annually, a testament to the rivalry’s importance.
SEC Title Implications: Many of these games have carried significant weight, often with SEC title and even national championship implications.
Notable Football Games and Moments
The Florida-Auburn rivalry has produced numerous classics, characterized by upsets, thrilling finishes, and standout individual performances.
1966: Florida 30, Auburn 27: A high-scoring affair where Steve Spurrier, Florida’s Heisman-winning quarterback, showcased his brilliance.
1986: Auburn 31, Florida 17: A pivotal game in a season where both teams were highly ranked. Auburn’s defense ultimately prevailed.
2001: Auburn 23, Florida 20 (OT): A memorable overtime battle at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn upset the highly-ranked Gators, showcasing the unpredictability of the rivalry.
2006: Florida 17, Auburn 16: A tight, defensive struggle in Gainesville. Florida, en route to a national championship, narrowly escaped with a win.
2007: Auburn 20, Florida 17: Another upset by Auburn, this time over the reigning national champions led by Tim Tebow. It was a significant win for the Tigers on their home turf.
2019: Florida 24, Auburn 13: The most recent meeting, which saw No. 10 Florida defeat No. 7 Auburn in Gainesville. This game was a key moment in Florida’s successful season. This was the first time they played since 2011.
Current Status of the Football Rivalry
Due to the SEC’s expansion and scheduling formats, the Florida vs Auburn football game is no longer an annual fixture. This change has been a point of contention for many traditionalists who lament the loss of these historical matchups. Discussions about potentially moving to a nine-game SEC schedule continue, with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey acknowledging the desire to preserve “secondary rivalries” like Florida-Auburn. While there’s no immediate change, the hope remains that this historic rivalry will be played more frequently in the future.
Basketball: A Budding Rivalry on the Hardwood
While perhaps not as historically deep as the football rivalry, Florida and Auburn have developed a significant basketball rivalry, particularly in recent years. Both programs have experienced periods of success, leading to high-stakes matchups.
Historical Overview and Recent Trends
All-Time Series: Auburn currently holds a slight advantage in the all-time men’s basketball series against Florida, leading 92-84.
Recent Parity: In the last 10 contests between the two teams, the series has been split evenly at 5-5, indicating a high level of competition.
Road Challenges for Florida: Traveling to Auburn has historically been tough for the Gators, with a 30-57 all-time road record against the Tigers.
Notable Basketball Games and Moments
Recent years have seen some thrilling encounters between Florida and Auburn on the basketball court, often with conference and national implications.
2024-25 Season
This was a historic win for Florida, marking the first time in program history they defeated a No. 1 ranked team on the road.
Seed out of the West) faced Auburn (as the No. 1 seed out of the South) in the Final Four in San Antonio. This marked a monumental stage for their basketball rivalry, with national championship implications on the line. Florida defeated Auburn 79-73 and went on to win the national championship.
SEC Tournament Clashes: Both teams have frequently been contenders in the SEC Tournament, leading to potential high-stakes rematches.
A Rivalry for the Future?
The recent success of both Florida and Auburn’s basketball programs, coupled with their Final Four matchup in 2025, suggests that this basketball rivalry is poised to become even more prominent. The shared history and the competitive nature of their recent games make it a compelling matchup for fans and analysts alike. There’s a growing sentiment that this could become a “marquee event” in the SEC multiple times per season, offering a strong secondary basketball rivalry for both programs.
Baseball: A Consistent SEC Challenge
In baseball, both Florida and Auburn are perennial contenders within the highly competitive SEC. While the football and basketball rivalries might grab more headlines, the diamond often sees intense and crucial series between these two.
Historical Context
All-Time Series: Florida holds the advantage in the all-time baseball series against Auburn, with a record of 77 wins and 42 losses as of the most recent data (up to the 2022 season, based on one source). Another source indicates Auburn leads 77-42-1 (the discrepancy is minor and depends on how historical records are tallied).
SEC Regular Season and Tournament: Both teams frequently contend for SEC regular season titles and are often deep threats in the SEC Tournament.
NCAA Tournament and College World Series: Both programs have strong traditions and have made numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament and College World Series. Florida has won multiple national championships in baseball, while Auburn has made six College World Series appearances.
Recent Baseball Matchups
Baseball series between Florida and Auburn are typically three-game sets during the SEC regular season. These games are crucial for conference standings and national rankings.
June 4, 2022: Auburn defeated Florida 21-7.
June 4 & 5, 2017: Florida won both games against Auburn, 8-7 and 6-0, respectively, in Tallahassee.
February 26-28, 2009: Florida took 2 of 3 games from Auburn.
These series often feature top pitching prospects and future MLB talent, making them compelling for baseball enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
The Florida vs. Auburn rivalry is a cornerstone of SEC athletics. From the thunderous clashes on the football field to the high-flying action on the basketball court and the strategic battles on the baseball diamond, these two programs consistently deliver thrilling contests. While conference realignment has altered the frequency of some matchups, the underlying competitive spirit and mutual respect (or intense dislike, depending on the fan!) ensure that every time the Gators and Tigers meet, it’s a game not to be missed. As college athletics continues to evolve, the Florida-Auburn rivalry stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and competition in the SEC.
FAQs
Why don’t Florida and Auburn play in football every year anymore?
The annual football game between Florida and Auburn was discontinued due to the SEC’s expansion and subsequent restructuring of its football schedules. With the addition of new teams, the conference had to adjust its scheduling format, leading to the loss of some traditional cross-division rivalries. There are ongoing discussions within the SEC about potentially moving to a nine-game conference schedule, which could allow for more protected rivalries to be played annually.
What are some famous games in the Florida vs. Auburn football rivalry?
Some famous games include the 2001 overtime upset by Auburn, the 2007 upset of the Gators by Auburn, and the 2019 game where Florida defeated a highly-ranked Auburn team. Historically, many games have had SEC championship implications.
What is the significance of the Florida-Auburn rivalry?
The Florida-Auburn rivalry is significant due to its long history, competitive balance, and the high stakes often involved in their matchups, particularly in football and basketball. Both are traditional SEC powers, making their contests crucial for conference standing and national recognition. The passion of their respective fan bases also contributes to the intensity of the rivalry.
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