Saturday will mark the 120th anniversary of the first time Florida football and Georgia met on the football field as rivals. However, there is a discrepancy between the two schools about when this first meeting actually took place. The Bulldogs claim that the first game occurred on Oct. 15, 1904, in Macon, Georgia, where they beat the Florida Agricultural College 52-0. On the other hand, the Gators argue that the first-ever matchup between the Gators and Bulldogs happened on Nov. 6, 1915, in Jacksonville.
This disagreement in the historical records has led to different all-time series records for the two schools. According to the Gators, Georgia leads the series 55-44-2, while Georgia claims a 56-44-2 advantage. As a result, depending on which side you ask, Saturday’s game will be either the 102nd or 103rd meeting between the SEC foes. However, both schools agree that the games have been played in Jacksonville since 1933.
The University of Florida, as we know it today, was not founded until 1905, with the first football team being fielded in 1906. Before that, the institution was known as the Florida Agricultural College, based in Lake City. The confusion arises from the fact that the University of Georgia’s opponent in the 1904 game was referred to as the University of Florida, even though it was a different entity.
According to Florida’s website, the university traces its beginnings back to 1853 when the East Florida Seminary acquired the Kingsbury Academy in Ocala. After the Civil War, the seminary was moved to Gainesville and eventually became the University of Florida in 1905. The Gainesville campus was chosen in 1906, where classes began for 102 students.
The history books may not agree on the details of the first meeting between Florida and Georgia, but one thing is certain – the rivalry between the Gators and Bulldogs runs deep. As fans gear up for the 2024 matchup, they can reflect on the rich history and tradition that has defined this storied rivalry for over a century. Whether it’s the disputed 1904 game or the more recent clashes on the gridiron, Florida vs. Georgia is a game that captures the hearts and minds of college football fans across the country.