Introduction
The rivalry between the University of Florida Gators and the Clemson University Tigers is one of the most storied and intense in all of college football. The two schools are located just a few hours apart in the southeastern United States, and they have been competing on the gridiron since 1952.
Over the years, the UF-Clemson rivalry has produced some of the most memorable games in college football history. The two teams have met in some of the most high-stakes games in recent memory, including to decide the ACC Championship in 2016 and 2018.
In this article, we will take a look at the history of the UF-Clemson rivalry, some of the most memorable games, the records, and the current state of the rivalry.
History of the Rivalry
The first meeting between UF and Clemson took place in 1952, and the Gators won 21-0. The two teams played regularly in the 1950s and 1960s, but the rivalry did not really heat up until the 1970s.
In 1976, the two teams met in the Gator Bowl, and the Tigers upset the Gators 22-15. This was the first of many memorable games in the rivalry, and it helped to establish Clemson as a major power in college football.
The rivalry continued to intensify in the 1980s and 1990s, as both teams were consistently ranked among the top teams in the country. The two teams met in the 1990 Sugar Bowl, and the Gators won 34-7. This was UF’s first major bowl victory, and it helped to establish the Gators as one of the top programs in the country.
In the 2000s, the rivalry continued to be one of the most competitive in college football. The two teams met in the 2006 ACC Championship Game, which Clemson won 31-27. This was Clemson’s first ACC Championship, and it helped to establish the Tigers as one of the top teams in the ACC.
Memorable Games
There have been many memorable games in the UF-Clemson rivalry, but some of the most notable include:
- 1976 Gator Bowl: Clemson upset UF 22-15 to win its first major bowl game. This game helped to establish Clemson as a major power in college football.
- 1990 Sugar Bowl: UF won 34-7 to earn its first major bowl victory. This game helped to establish UF as one of the top programs in the country.
- 2006 ACC Championship Game: Clemson won 31-27 to win its first ACC Championship. This game helped to establish Clemson as one of the top teams in the ACC.
- 2016 ACC Championship Game: Clemson won 56-20 to win its second ACC Championship. This game was the most lopsided victory in the history of the rivalry.
- 2018 ACC Championship Game: Clemson won 38-3 in a rematch of the 2016 ACC Championship Game. This game was the second most lopsided victory in the history of the rivalry.
Records
The overall record in the UF-Clemson rivalry is 37-30-1 in favor of UF. However, Clemson has won the last five meetings, including the last two ACC Championship Games.
Current State of the Rivalry
The UF-Clemson rivalry is one of the most competitive and intense rivalries in college football. The two teams are located just a few hours apart, and they have a long history of playing close, high-scoring games.
The rivalry is currently in a state of flux. Clemson has won the last five meetings, and the Tigers are currently ranked as the No. 1 team in the country. UF is rebuilding under new head coach Billy Napier, and the Gators are looking to return to the top of the SEC.
The future of the UF-Clemson rivalry is bright. The two teams are both located in major media markets, and they have a large and passionate fan base. The rivalry is sure to continue to be one of the most competitive and intense in college football for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who has the most wins in the UF-Clemson rivalry?
A: UF has the most wins in the rivalry, with a record of 37-30-1.
Q: Who won the last meeting between UF and Clemson?
A: Clemson won the last meeting between the two teams, 38-3, in the 2018 ACC Championship Game.
Q: Where is the UF-Clemson rivalry played?
A: The UF-Clemson rivalry is played at alternating sites, with one game being played in Gainesville, Florida, and the other being played in Clemson, South Carolina.
Q: When is the next UF-Clemson game?
A: The next UF-Clemson game is scheduled to be played on November 25, 2023, in Clemson, South Carolina.