Clean Old Fashioned Hate Georgia vs Florida: History & Stats

Key Takeaways

• The Georgia vs Florida rivalry, known traditionally as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” is one of the SEC’s most meaningful annual matchups.
• First played in 1904, the series has featured extended winning streaks by both programs and multiple SEC Championship implications.
• Georgia holds the all-time series edge, but Florida dominated the 1990s and 2000s under Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer.
• The game has been played annually in Jacksonville since 1933, shaping its identity as a neutral-site rivalry.
• Recent trends show Georgia’s resurgence under Kirby Smart, shifting the balance of power in the SEC East.

The Origins of the Georgia vs Florida Rivalry

The Georgia vs Florida rivalry began in 1904, when the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Florida Agricultural College. While Georgia’s “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” nickname technically refers to its rivalry with Georgia Tech, the phrase is often applied to the Bulldogs’ annual clash with Florida due to the intense border-state animosity.

Since 1933, the rivalry has been played primarily in Jacksonville, Florida, at what is now EverBank Stadium. Known nationally as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” the annual matchup became a cultural event as much as a football game. Fans split the stadium nearly 50-50 in red and blue, creating one of college football’s most visually striking atmospheres.

Unlike many home-and-home conference rivalries, the neutral-site setting has shaped the tone of this series for nearly a century.

All-Time Series Record and Historical Stats

As of the end of the 2025 season, Georgia leads the all-time series. The rivalry has featured dramatic swings in control, with both teams enjoying dominant decades.

CategoryGeorgiaFloridaAll-Time Wins5544Ties2Longest Win Streak9 (2017–2025)7 (1990–1996)First MeetingGeorgia 52, Florida 0 (1904)

Georgia dominated the early years, winning 13 of the first 15 matchups through 1928. Florida’s fortunes changed in the second half of the 20th century, particularly when the program elevated its national recruiting profile.

Scoring Trends

• Highest-scoring game: Florida 52, Georgia 17 (1995)
• Lowest-scoring game: Georgia 6, Florida 0 (1973)
• Average margin of victory historically: Approximately 10 points

The rivalry has produced blowouts but also numerous one-score classics that impacted SEC Championship races.

Defining Eras of the Rivalry

Early Georgia Control (1904–1989)

For much of the 20th century, Georgia held a clear advantage. Legendary Bulldogs such as Herschel Walker elevated the program’s national profile. Georgia’s 1980 national title team, led by Walker, reinforced the Bulldogs’ standing as an SEC power.

Still, Florida began closing the competitive gap in the 1970s and 1980s as the program invested heavily in facilities and recruiting pipelines throughout the state.

The Spurrier and Meyer Years (1990–2010)

The rivalry’s most dramatic shift came with Steve Spurrier’s arrival at Florida in 1990. Spurrier famously stated that “you can’t spell Citrus without U-T,” referring to Georgia and Tennessee bowl appearances. Under his leadership, Florida won seven straight games from 1990 to 1996.

Urban Meyer continued the dominance in the mid-2000s, highlighted by a 49-10 victory in 2008 after the entire Gators team famously celebrated in the end zone following their first touchdown. That game symbolized the intensity and psychological edge Florida held during the period.

From 1990 to 2010, Florida won 18 of 21 meetings, controlling the SEC East and capturing multiple national championships.

The Kirby Smart Era and Georgia’s Resurgence (2017–Present)

Georgia regained its footing under head coach Kirby Smart. Beginning in 2017, the Bulldogs embarked on a new era of recruiting dominance and defensive excellence.

Key turning points include:

• 2017: Georgia defeats Florida 42-7, announcing a power shift.
• 2021: Georgia’s elite defense leads to a 34-7 victory during a national championship season.
• 2022–2025: Georgia extends its winning streak, reinforcing control of the SEC East.

Georgia’s physical defensive identity has mirrored Alabama’s championship model, shifting the rivalry’s competitive balance.

Memorable Games That Shaped the Series

1980: Georgia’s Championship Run

Georgia defeated Florida 26-21 en route to its national title season, highlighted by Herschel Walker’s emergence as a superstar freshman.

1997: The Fumble Game

Georgia upset Florida 37-17 behind a dominant defensive effort, foreshadowing future volatility in the rivalry.

2007: “Gator Stomp” Game

After an excessive celebration early in the game, Florida responded emphatically. The event intensified coaching tensions and remains one of the rivalry’s most emotional contests.

2020: Offensive Explosion

Florida defeated Georgia 44-28 behind quarterback Kyle Trask’s breakout performance, a reminder that elite quarterback play often determines outcomes.

Impact on the SEC Championship Race

Few SEC East matchups have carried more title implications. From 1992, when the SEC Championship Game began, through the playoff era, Georgia vs Florida frequently decided East division supremacy.

Between 1992 and 2020, the winner of this game represented the SEC East in the conference championship more than 70 percent of the time.

This statistic alone explains why national media consistently spotlight the matchup every October.

Cultural and Economic Significance

The rivalry is more than football. Jacksonville hosts decades of annual traditions, including riverfront tailgating, yacht gatherings, and coordinated fan festivities. The city estimates tens of millions of dollars in economic impact each year.

Unlike typical campus games, the neutral-site tradition creates a bowl-like atmosphere midseason, contributing to national appeal.

How It Compares to Other SEC Rivalries

The Georgia vs Florida rivalry stands alongside:

• Alabama vs Auburn (Iron Bowl)
• Georgia vs Auburn (Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry)
• Alabama vs Tennessee

What distinguishes Georgia-Florida is its neutral location and consistent divisional stakes. While the Iron Bowl captures statewide intensity, Georgia-Florida often determines championship access.

Modern Trends and Statistical Outlook

Recent seasons show Georgia outperforming Florida in key efficiency metrics:

• Top-10 national recruiting classes under Kirby Smart
• Elite defensive rankings since 2019
• Higher playoff appearances and SEC titles

Florida, meanwhile, has focused on rebuilding under new coaching leadership and reestablishing offensive identity.

Advanced analytics reveal that since 2017, Georgia has averaged over 6.5 yards per play in wins against Florida, compared to Florida’s 4.8 yards per play in that stretch. Turnover margin has also favored the Bulldogs significantly during their recent streak.

Complete Historical Dataset Access

For researchers and journalists tracking long-term trends, comprehensive game-by-game data should include:

• Date and location
• Final score
• Head coaches
• Attendance figures
• SEC Championship implications

Maintaining an updated statistical archive enhances media coverage and preserves the rivalry’s historical accuracy for future analysis.

The Future of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate: Georgia vs Florida

With conference realignment and College Football Playoff expansion reshaping the SEC landscape, the Georgia vs Florida rivalry remains a foundational pillar. Recruiting battles across the Southeast, evolving NIL dynamics, and playoff implications will likely intensify the stakes even further in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Georgia vs Florida Rivalry

Why is the Georgia vs Florida game played in Jacksonville?

The game is played in Jacksonville to serve as a neutral site between the two states. Since 1933, the city has hosted the matchup, giving fans from both schools an almost even split in the stadium and creating a bowl-style atmosphere every year.

Who leads the all-time Georgia vs Florida series?

As of the end of the 2025 season, Georgia leads the rivalry with 55 wins, while Florida has 44 wins. The teams have also played to 2 ties, and both programs have had long streaks of dominance at different times.

Why is the rivalry sometimes called “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”?

You hear this nickname because the game grew into a major social event with huge tailgates and parties around Jacksonville. While it is an unofficial label, it reflects how the matchup became a weekend-long celebration, not just a football game.

How has the balance of power shifted over time in this rivalry?

Georgia controlled the early decades, but Florida surged ahead from 1990 to 2010 under Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer. Since 2017, Georgia under Kirby Smart has taken back control, winning nine straight games from 2017 through 2025 and often shaping the SEC East race.

Why is the Georgia vs Florida game important for the SEC Championship race?

You can often treat this game as a de facto SEC East title matchup. From 1992 through 2020, the winner went on to represent the East in the SEC Championship Game more than 70 percent of the time, which makes the result critical for playoff and title hopes.

What are some of the most memorable Georgia vs Florida games?

You will often hear about Georgia’s 26–21 win in 1980 during its title run, Florida’s dominant stretch in the 1990s, the emotional 2007 “Gator Stomp” game, and Florida’s 44–28 win in 2020 led by quarterback Kyle Trask. These matchups helped define shifts in momentum between the two programs.