UPDATED: Georgia football’s most memorable wins over Florida

Creating the Spurrier monster

In 1966, quarterback Steve Spurrier led heavy favorite Florida into the Gator Bowl against the Bulldogs. The Gators had yet to win an SEC Championship, and Spurrier, already the sure fire Heisman winner, expected to add to his legacy as the first Florida quarterback to bring the Gators the SEC crown.

Not so fast, said Georgia football’s All-America defensive tackles Bill Stanfill and George Patton. The pair harassed Spurrier into two second half interceptions and the Dawgs roared from a 10 – 3 deficit to a 27 – 10 win.

Driving a stake in a Gator heart

It’s hard to explain to those under the age of 60 the magnitude of the upset and the weight it dropped on the chest of the Gator Nation. The Gators were undefeated, driving toward not only that elusive SEC title, but it’s first ever undefeated season.

Steve Spurrier was legendary nationally for not just his immense skill and three years of success, but in particular for his captivating comeback heroics. In fact, the week before, Spurrier led Florida on a 71 play fourth quarter drive and kicked the winning field goal to defeat Auburn and bring Florida to its date with fate in the Gator Bowl.

A lifetime of revenge

Steve Spurrier’s fate wore red that day, and he took it out on the Dawgs throughout his entire coaching career. As Florida coach, Spurrier beat the Dawgs 11 of 12 times, including a 52 – 17 win over Georgia in Athens.

Would Spurrier have taken such revenge on Georgia had he beat the Dawgs in 1966? Probably. He is, after all, a Gator.