Florida Gators Football
With the state of Florida being home to an estimated million alligators, the American Alligator, often just called a "Gator" for short, was chosen by the Florida gators football program as the mascot to represent the University of Florida in 1911. The official costumed mascots of the Florida Gators are Albert (Albert E. Gator) and Alberta.Florida first fielded an official football team in 1906. Since then, the Gators have played in 34 bowl games, won seven Southeastern Conference titles, produced 135 All-Americans coming into the 2006 season, 35 NFL first round draft choices and three Heisman Trophy winners. Florida plays an eight-game conference schedule, headlined by annual SEC Eastern division showdowns against Tennessee and Georgia, the latter being held in Jacksonville, Florida every year. The Gators' most prominent current rivals are SEC Eastern Division foes, the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers, and the ACC's Florida State Seminoles. Florida has also shared past rivalries with the Auburn Tigers and Miami Hurricanes which have lessened in intensity in recent years.
The Gators' coach is Urban Meyer. He was announced as Florida Football's new head coach in December 2004. His first season in 2005 was an improvement at 9-3, including a bowl win against the Iowa Hawk Eyes. Though the team managed to sweep its three biggest rivals (Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida State) for just the fourth time in school history, they missed out on a chance to play in the SEC title game after a devastating loss to Spurrier's new team, South Carolina.
Florida Gators 2008 Season Preview
What do you consider the absolute best Florida Gators football game? Like to share it? We'll post your comments on this page if you'll scroll down to the Contact Us Form and send us your thoughts.
Return from Florida Gators Football to Sports Noses
|
They play home games in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field (dubbed The Swamp) located in Gainesville, Florida.
