Miami. The U. The orange and green. That silly pelican.
These images extract a nauseating reaction from Florida fans. Although currently in rebuilding mode, Miami’s place in history as one of the most successful college football programs is undeniable. Five national championships. Countless impact players that have gone on to successful, if not Hall of Fame careers in the NFL: Jim Kelly, Steve Walsh, Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Ray Lewis, Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne, Clinton Portis and of course, Frank Gore.
Gator fans have a particularly ill relationship with ‘Canes fans… for perennially, we’ve been on the receiving end of the whoopin’.
Years ago, Miami and Florida played each other annually, as UF does now with its other in-state rival, Florida State. The game traditionally took place at the beginning of the season. But when Florida got tired of starting each year with a loss, it adjusted its schedule and removed Miami from the slate entirely. As a result, Florida hasn’t beaten Miami since 1985. Kerwin Bell was still their quarterback.
In 2002-03, the schools decided to once again reunite for a home and away. The Gators were clobbered in that first contest in the Swamp by a score of 41-16. Ken Dorsey passed for four touchdowns and Willis McGahee rushed for over 200 yards. But the following year, the Gators were in perfect position to exorcise their demons and beat Miami, in the Orange Bowl no less.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The Don Calvino and I were watching the game at the Bellagio sportsbook in Las Vegas. With the Gators up by three scores, the game was well in hand. A young Chris Leak looked like he was the second coming, the quarterback who would finally push us over the edge and ensure that a generation of long-suffering Gator fans would no longer have to listen to the relentless taunts of the ‘Canes. Miami in turn had Brock Berlin under center. The same Brock Berlin who had been recruited by Steve Spurrier. The same Brock Berlin who later transferred because he couldn’t fit the scheme. The same Brock Berlin who reportedly scored the lowest of all NFL draftees on the Wonderlic test. And yes, the same Brock Berlin who led the Miami Hurricanes from down 33-10 in the third quarter to defeat the Gators, 38-33. Berlin played the game of his life that night, passing for 340 yards and having the last laugh. It also helped that he had Frank Gore rush for 127 yards on 25 carries. Not even the Bellagio’s finest bourbon could get that taste out of my mouth.
This weekend, the Florida Gators once again face their most hated, in-state rival. No offense to Seminole fans, but in the past four years, that game has somewhat lost its luster. While Gator Nation should never look past the Seminoles, we’ve at least beaten them. I came to Gainesville in 1987. We haven’t beaten Miami that entire time. We’ve beaten Tennessee, Auburn, LSU, Florida State, Ohio State, Alabama, teams that have all won national championships in that time span. We have yet to beat the ‘Canes. It has been a LONG time comin’.
I say this not to jinx the higher-ranked Florida Gators going into this weekend’s match-up, but rather to remind Gator fans how important this non-conference game really is. Although Miami is unranked and Florida is a national title contender, Miami for decades has had our number in both the regular and post-season. I am here to say turnabout is fair play.
A victory against a less talented Miami club will do more than just add another win to Urban Meyer’s already impressive record. It will officially establish the University of Florida as the state’s premier program. It will remind the talented high school kids in South Florida that there’s a new sheriff in town. And his name is Urban Meyer. Until that victory, despite our recent success, we will remain in the shadow of the Hurricanes.
The Gators are three touchdown favorites against Miami on Saturday. I will once again be watching this highly anticipated football contest with the Don Calvino, but this time in the friendly confines of the Swamp. Bourbon will again be the beverage of choice.
We expect Florida to make us proud and continue their quest for a conference, and perhaps national title. Florida has the speed, talent and mystique Miami once had. We are the new state powerhouse. We just have to prove it on the field, once and for all.
And remember…. you can’t spell ‘scum’ without UM.
