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SEC's heavyweights: Ranking Alabama vs. Florida title games

 
Steve Spurrier talks to Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel during the first half against Alabama in the 1996 SEC title game. (Times file)
Steve Spurrier talks to Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel during the first half against Alabama in the 1996 SEC title game. (Times file)
Published Dec. 2, 2015

GAINESVILLE

After five years of upheaval, order has been restored in the SEC. Florida and Alabama are facing each other in the conference championship game, again, for the eighth time in the event's 24 years.

No team from the East division has more title game appearances (11) or victories (seven) than UF. No team from the West has more berths (10) or wins (five) than Bama.

"It's the way it should be," Gators coach Jim McElwain said. "It's Florida and Alabama, in Atlanta, for the SEC championship."

Here's our ranking of those previous seven meetings between the league's two division heavyweights:

1992: Alabama 28-21

After losing two of their first three, the Gators surged into the inaugural SEC title game at Birmingham's Legion Field by winning their last five conference games (and watching Tennessee collapse). Down 21-7 to the No. 2-ranked Tide in the second half, the Gators rallied to tie the score before Bama CB Antonio Langham strode into Tuscaloosa lore, returning a Shane Matthews interception 27 yards for the decisive TD with 3:16 to play. Four weeks later, Bama demolished Miami in the Sugar Bowl to win the national title.

1994: Florida, 24-23

Few games epitomized the genius — and hubris — of Steve Spurrier like this one. His team down by six in the fourth quarter, Spurrier had QB Danny Wuerffel "limp" off the field after a first-down completion, allowing backup Eric Kresser to enter and connect with Ike Hilliard for 25 yards on his only completion. A double pass — from WR Chris Doering to Aubrey Hill— followed, as did a funky formation (two linemen split wide, receivers behind them) that gained 9 yards. By the end of the 80-yard TD drive, Bama was flustered and the Gators had gone ahead for good in the first SEC championship at the Georgia Dome. The Tide's final drive ended when Tarpon Springs' Eddie Lake intercepted a tipped pass on fourth down.

2008: Florida, 31-20

The first SEC title game between the nation's top two teams signified the league's coronation as the best in the country. No. 2 UF trailed 20-17 entering the fourth quarter before QB Tim Tebow keyed the Gators' comeback. Future Bucs RB Jeff Demps rushed for the go-ahead score with nine minutes left, and Tebow threw a clinching touchdown pass to Clearwater native Riley Cooper with 2:50 to go. UF advanced to win its second national championship in three years.

1996: Florida, 45-30

Only seven days after a 24-21 loss at FSU seemingly dashed the Gators' national title hopes, they found new life. First, Texas shocked No. 3 Nebraska in the Big 12 title game, then Wuerffel tossed six TDs against a Tide defense that had allowed five all year. The next day, UF learned it would get a rematch against the 'Noles in the Sugar Bowl, and we all know how that turned out.

2009: Alabama, 32-13

The contest itself wasn't great for a battle of the nation's top two teams; Bama RB Mark Ingram destroyed the Gators with three touchdowns and 189 total yards to clinch the Heisman Trophy. But the game has a lasting legacy. UF's loss eventually led to Urban Meyer's resignation (and subsequent resurgence at Ohio State). The Tide's triumph started its dynasty of three national titles in four years. "I know it had a great effect on our program there because it was one of those deals that, this is what it's all about," said McElwain, then Alabama's offensive coordinator. "I think having the experience of being in it was something that was invaluable."

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1993: Florida, 28-13

NCAA probation kept undefeated Auburn from playing the Gators. Instead, UF took on Bama and pulled away in the fourth quarter. Shayne Edge's fake punt led to a 43-yard touchdown pass from Terry Dean to Jack Jackson that helped the Gators seal their second SEC title.

1999: Alabama, 34-7

Two months after losing to Bama in overtime at home on a late dropped punt, the Gators dropped the ball for all 60 minutes in the rematch. The Gators' worst loss in SEC championship history helped end a run of six consecutive 10-win seasons. UF's 114 yards and six first downs were the worst totals in coach Spurrier's 12 seasons.