Florida–Kentucky rivalry

Florida–Kentucky rivalry
Florida Gators
Kentucky Wildcats
Sport

The Florida–Kentucky rivalry is a college sports rivalry between the University of Florida Gators and the University of Kentucky Wildcats. The rivalry between these schools, both founding members of the Southeastern Conference,[1] has existed since before the conference's founding. Both teams are historic basketball rivals, both winning multiple national championships and conference championships over the past 100 years. In recent years, the football rivalry between Kentucky and Florida has escalated due to Kentucky breaking a streak of 31 consecutive years where the Florida Gators had beaten them. Despite the lopsidedness of the football series, Kentucky has won four of the last six games between the two.

Due to each team enjoying large periods of time of dominance in their respective sports, the two team's fan bases are incredibly hostile towards each other. Examples of this include:

  • In 2017, several Kentucky football fans received backlash for displaying a sign making fun of Hurricane Irma. The sign said: "If Hurricane Irma didn't FUK (sic) you up, CATS will."[2][3]
  • In their February 2023 men's basketball meeting, an usher at Rupp Arena "Doug the Blue Coat" was fired by the University of Kentucky after showing his middle finger to several Florida Gators' fans. This firing resulted in a Kentucky student-led campaign to have the usher rehired under the hashtag "#FreeDoug."[4]
  • During that same game, 3 Florida fans were ejected after grabbing Kentucky guard Cason Wallace.[5]
  • In recent years, the University of Kentucky has licensed merchandise with companies that sell clothing that say "Gator Hater" or "Later Gator" on them.
  • While this rivalry is predominantly focused on men's sports, it's worth noting that in March 2023, a fight broke out between the Kentucky and Florida women's basketball teams. This fight resulted in 8 ejections.[6]
  • In the 2023 meeting between the two football teams, multiple different Florida fans would be ejected from Kroger Field for fighting Kentucky fans.[7]
Map
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Location of Kentucky and Florida

Men's basketball

Florida–Kentucky men's basketball rivalry
Florida Gators
Kentucky Wildcats
SportMen's Basketball
First meetingJanuary 23, 1927
Kentucky 44, Florida 36
Latest meetingJanuary 4, 2025
Kentucky 106, Florida 100
Next meeting2026
Kentucky at Florida
StadiumsRupp Arena (Kentucky) O'Connell Center (Florida)
Statistics
Meetings total152
All-time seriesKentucky, 110–42
Longest win streakKentucky, 18 (1942–1964)
Current win streakKentucky, 1 (2025–present)

In basketball, the two schools are permanent SEC rivals, meaning that they are scheduled to play twice a year in the SEC regular season while they rotate which four of the other 12 SEC teams they will play twice that season. Florida and Kentucky first met in 1927, with Kentucky winning 44–36. The two teams have played 149 times in total, with Kentucky holding a commanding 104–40 lead in the series. Despite Kentucky's lopsided series lead, this rivalry has produced many memorable games, including several match-ups in the SEC Tournament Championship Game (the most recent of which Florida defeated Kentucky 61–60, in 2014). Billy Donovan's arrival to Gainesville increased the competitiveness, with the rivalry placing seventh-best in college basketball on a 2013 ranking by Bleacher Report.[2] In addition, the Gators also hold the distinction of being the only team to ever defeat Kentucky seven straight times.[8]

Kentucky leads the overall series 111–42, and leads the SEC Championship Game series 3–2. However, the rivalry has become much more even lately in the 2000s and 2010s,[9] with Kentucky holding a 24–17 series lead since 2005, and Florida having a 2–1 advantage in the last three SEC Championship Game meetings. Kentucky victories are shaded blue, Florida victories are shaded orange. Games with * denote a meeting in the SEC Tournament, while games with ** denote a meeting in the SEC Tournament Championship Game.

Game results

Florida victoriesKentucky victoriesTie games
No.DateLocationWinnerScore
1 1927 Lexington, KY Kentucky 44–36
2 1931 Atlanta, GA Kentucky 56–36
3 1933 Atlanta, GA Kentucky 48–24
4 1934 Atlanta, GA Florida 38–32
5 1942 Louisville, KY Kentucky 42–36
6 1945 Louisville, KY Kentucky 37–35
7 1946 Louisville, KY Kentucky 69–32
8 1948 Louisville, KY Kentucky 87–31
9 1949 Louisville, KY Kentucky 73–36
10 1950 Lexington, KY Kentucky 85–37
11 1952 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 99–52
12 1954 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 97–55
13 1955 Lexington, KY Kentucky 87–63
14 1956 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 81–70
15 1957 Lexington, KY Kentucky 88–61
16 1958 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 78–56
17 1959 Lexington, KY Kentucky 94–51
18 1960 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 75–62
19 1961 Lexington, KY Kentucky 69–68
20 1962 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 81–69
21 1963 Lexington, KY Kentucky 94–71
22 1964 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 77–72
23 1965 Gainesville, FL Florida 84–68
24 1965 Lexington, KY Kentucky 78–61
25 1966 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 78–64
26 1966 Lexington, KY Kentucky 85–75
27 1966 Lexington, KY Florida 78–75
28 1967 Gainesville, FL Florida 89–72
29 1967 Lexington, KY Kentucky 99–76
30 1968 Gainesville, FL Florida 96–78
31 1969 Lexington, KY Kentucky 88–67
32 1968 Gainesville, FL Florida 82–81
33 1970 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 88–69
34 1970 Lexington, KY Kentucky 110–66
35 1971 Lexington, KY Kentucky 101–75
36 1971 Gainesville, FL Florida 74–65
37 1972 Gainesville, FL Florida 72–70
38 1972 Lexington, KY Kentucky 95–68
39 1973 Lexington, KY Kentucky 95–65
40 1973 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 94–83
41 1974 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 91–82
42 1974 Lexington, KY Florida 75–65
43 1975 Lexington, KY Kentucky 86–65
44 1975 Gainesville, FL Florida 66–58
45 1976 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 89–82
46 1976 Lexington, KY Kentucky 96–89
47 1977 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 73–71
48 1977 Lexington, KY Kentucky 104–78
49 1978 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 86–67
50 1978 Lexington, KY Kentucky 88–61
51 1979 Gainesville, FL Florida 76–65
52 1979 Lexington, KY Kentucky 87–81
53 1980 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 76–63
54 1980 Lexington, KY Kentucky 95–70
55 1981 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 69–56
56 1981 Lexington, KY Kentucky 102–48
57 1982 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 91–76
58 1982 Lexington, KY Kentucky 84–78
59 1983 Lexington, KY Kentucky 70–63
60 1983 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 73–61
61 1984 Gainesville, FL Florida 69–57
62 1984 Lexington, KY Kentucky 67–65
63 1985 Lexington, KY Florida 67–55
64 1985 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 76–68
65 1985 Birmingham, AL Florida 58–55
66 1986 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 72–55
67 1986 Lexington, KY Kentucky 80–69
68 1987 Lexington, KY Kentucky 67–62
69 1987 Gainesville, FL Florida 74–56
70 1988 Lexington, KY Florida 58–56
71 1988 Gainesville, FL Florida 83–76
72 1989 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 69–56
73 1989 Lexington, KY Florida 59–53
74 1990 Lexington, KY Kentucky 89–81
75 1990 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 78–74
76 1991 Lexington, KY Kentucky 81–65
77 1991 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 90–74
No.DateLocationWinnerScore
78 1992 Lexington, KY Kentucky 81–60
79 1992 Gainesville, FL Florida 79–62
80 1993 Lexington, KY Kentucky 71–48
81 1993 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 85–77
82 1994 Gainesville, FL Florida 59–57
83 1994 Lexington, KY Kentucky 80–77
84 1994 Memphis, TN Kentucky 73–60
85 1995 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 83–67
86 1995 Lexington, KY Kentucky 87–77
87 1995 Atlanta, GA Kentucky 86–72
88 1996 Lexington, KY Kentucky 77–63
89 1996 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 94–63
90 1996 New Orleans, LA Kentucky 100–76
91 1997 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 92–65
92 1997 Lexington, KY Kentucky 85–56
93 1998 Lexington, KY Florida 86–78
94 1998 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 79–54
95 1999 Lexington, KY Kentucky 93–58
96 1999 Gainesville, FL Florida 75–68
97 2000 Gainesville, FL Florida 90–73
98 2000 Lexington, KY Kentucky 85–70
99 2001 Lexington, KY Kentucky 71–70
100 2001 Gainesville, FL Florida 94–86
101 2002 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 70–68
102 2002 Lexington, KY Kentucky 70–67
103 2003 Lexington, KY Kentucky 70–55
104 2003 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 69–67
105 2004 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 68–65
106 2004 Lexington, KY Kentucky 82–62
107 2004 Atlanta, GA Kentucky 89–73
108 2005 Lexington, KY Kentucky 69–66
109 2005 Gainesville, FL Florida 53–52
110 2005 Atlanta, GA Florida 70–53
111 2006 Gainesville, FL Florida 95–80
112 2006 Lexington, KY Florida 79–64
113 2007 Lexington, KY Florida 64–61
114 2007 Gainesville, FL Florida 85–72
115 2008 Gainesville, FL Florida 81–70
116 2008 Lexington, KY Kentucky 75–70
117 2009 Lexington, KY Kentucky 68–65
118 2009 Gainesville, FL Florida 60–53
119 2010 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 89–77
120 2010 Lexington, KY Kentucky 74–66
121 2011 Gainesville, FL Florida 70–68
122 2011 Lexington, KY Kentucky 76–68
123 2011 Atlanta, GA Kentucky 70–54
124 2012 Lexington, KY Kentucky 78–68
125 2012 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 74–59
126 2012 New Orleans, LA Kentucky 74–71
127 2013 Gainesville, FL Florida 69–52
128 2013 Lexington, KY Kentucky 61–57
129 2014 Lexington, KY Florida 69–59
130 2014 Gainesville, FL Florida 84–65
131 2014 Atlanta, GA Florida 61–60
132 2015 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 68–61
133 2015 Lexington, KY Kentucky 67–50
134 2015 Nashville, TN Kentucky 64–49
135 2016 Lexington, KY Kentucky 80–61
136 2016 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 88–79
137 2017 Gainesville, FL Florida 88–66
138 2017 Lexington, KY Kentucky 76–66
139 2018 Lexington, KY Florida 66–64
140 2018 Gainesville, FL Florida 80–67
141 2019 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 65–54
142 2019 Lexington, KY Kentucky 66–57
143 2020 Lexington, KY Kentucky 65–59
144 2020 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 71–70
145 2021 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 75–58
146 2021 Lexington, KY Florida 71–67
147 2022 Lexington, KY Kentucky 78–57
148 2022 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 71–63
149 2023 Lexington, KY Kentucky 72–67
150 2023 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 82–74
151 2024 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 87–85
152 2024 Lexington, KY Florida 94–91OT
153 2025 Lexington, KY Kentucky 106–100
Series: Kentucky leads 111–42

Football

Florida–Kentucky football rivalry
Florida Gators
Kentucky Wildcats
SportAmerican football
First meetingNovember 29, 1917
Kentucky 52, Florida 0
Latest meetingOctober 19, 2024
Florida 48, Kentucky 20
Next meetingNovember 8, 2025
StadiumsKroger Field (Kentucky)
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Florida)
TrophyNone
Statistics
Meetings total75
All-time seriesFlorida leads, 54–21
Largest victoryFlorida, 73–7 (1994)
Longest win streakFlorida, 31 (1987–2017)
Current win streakFlorida, 1 (2024–present)

When the Southeastern Conference (SEC) split into geographical divisions in 1992,[10] Florida and Kentucky were both placed in the SEC East. This guarantees that both teams play each other every season, which they have done consecutively since 1967. The Gators and Wildcats will meet in 2024 despite the end of SEC divisions after the 2023 season.[11] The two teams have played 75 times, with Florida holding a 54–21 lead in the series. From 1987 to 2017, Florida won every single game between the two schools. This 31-year streak was the third longest in FBS history, and the longest in the Southeastern Conference's history. Since 2017, the series has become incredibly competitive with a 4–3 split between the two teams with the winning margin being 11.4 points on average. Because of these factors, this rivalry is relatively new even though the series dates back to 1917.

Former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier was notable for having a particular disdain for Kentucky. During his tenure at Florida, he was known for running up the score in non-competitive games. In his 12 years coaching the Gators, Spurrier never lost to Kentucky, winning by an average score of 32.7 points. Spurrier was famous for the comments he made about his opponents (often referred to as "Spurrierisms")[12][13] but he poked fun at Kentucky the most.[14] Even after leaving Florida after the 2001 season, Steve Spurrier would go out of his way to make comments at Kentucky's expense. In November 2004, Steve Spurrier accepted the head coaching job at the University of South Carolina.[15][16] In 2006, the South Carolina Gamecocks upset their rival, the Clemson Tigers. In the following week, Clemson would go on to lose to Kentucky in the 2006 Music City Bowl. Following the bowl game, Steve Spurrier said" "We thought we had done something good beating Clemson. And then Kentucky beat 'em."[17]

From 1967 to 1991, the game was played exclusively on either the second or third Saturday in November.[18][19] Since SEC expansion in 1992, the teams have, for the most part, played in September, with only five exceptions.[20][21] The 2007, 2008, 2021 and 2024 games were played in October while the 2020 game took place in November.[22]

Notable games

1917: First meeting | Kentucky 52 – Florida 0

The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators 52–0 in the first-ever meeting between the schools.[23][24] To date, this is Kentucky's largest margin of victory over Florida.[25][26]

1927: Florida's first win | Florida 27 – Kentucky 6

In the third all-time meeting in series history, the Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats by a score of 27–6.[27] This was Florida's first-ever football win over Kentucky.[28]

1951: Bear's bunch make it four in a row | Kentucky 14 – Florida 6

Led by head coach Bear Bryant, the Wildcats defeated the Gators by a score of 14–6 to earn their fourth straight win in the rivalry.[29] The four-game streak is Kentucky's longest in the history of the series.[30] Bryant would leave Kentucky two years later for Texas A&M's head coaching job before ultimately cementing his legacy as one of college football's greatest head coaches at Alabama.[31]

1967: Beginning of the annual series | Florida 28 – Kentucky 12

The Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats by a score of 28–12.[32][33] The Gators and Wildcats have met every year without interruption on the football field since 1967.[34][35]

1980: Collinsworth's catch | Florida 17 – Kentucky 15

Gators receiver Cris Collinsworth made a tiptoe catch on the sideline that was disputed by Wildcats head coach Fran Curci.[36] The catch helped set up kicker Brian Clark's game-winning 34-yard field goal in the closing seconds to win it for Florida.[37]

1986: Kentucky's last win of the century | Kentucky 10 – Florida 3

The Wildcats' "Wild Tackle 6" defense under head coach Jerry Claiborne held the Gators offense to just 220 total yards and three points as Kentucky won 10–3.[38] The weather was cold and misty throughout the day at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington.[39] This would be the Wildcats last win over the Gators in the 20th century and last until 2018.[40][41]

1987: The streak begins | Florida 27 – Kentucky 14

Gators wide receiver Stacey Simmons returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown and added a 39-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Kerwin Bell as Florida beat Kentucky by a score of 27–14.[42] This would be the first of Florida's 31 consecutive wins over Kentucky that wouldn't end until 2018.[43][44]

1993: Wuerffel to Doering | Florida 24 – Kentucky 20

Gators quarterback Danny Wuerffel hit wide receiver Chris Doering with a 28-yard touchdown pass with three seconds remaining as Florida overcame seven turnovers committed in the game to win 24–20, breaking the hearts of the Kentucky faithful who had anxiously hoped for an upset.[45] The seven turnovers forced by the Kentucky defense was a school record.[46] Wuerffel, a redshirt freshman, made his second career start in the 1993 game against the Wildcats.[47] Wuerffel would go on to win the Heisman Trophy in 1996.[48][49]

1994: "Disaster at every turn" | Florida 73 – Kentucky 7

In the 1994 meeting between Kentucky and Florida, the Gators dominated the Wildcats 73–7.[50][51] This 66-point rout was the worst defeat in 91 years for the Kentucky Wildcats. When asked about it, Kentucky head coach Bill Curry said: "It was just no contest...It was a disaster at every turn."[52] Florida head coach Steve Spurrier followed up by saying "Obviously it got out of hand there...We didn't really plan on it, but it just worked out that way."[53] Kentucky's season would produce more of the same, with the Wildcats going 1–10. Florida would enjoy a strong season, going 10–2–1 with an eventual loss to Florida State in the Sugar Bowl.

1996: "It proves we're better than Kentucky" | Florida 65 – Kentucky 0

In one of Florida's most dominant games, they beat Kentucky 65–0.[54][55] Led by star quarterback Tim Couch, Kentucky traveled to Gainesville with hopes of upsetting the No. 1 ranked team in the country.[56] Kentucky never stood a chance, gaining only 67 yards the entire game.[57] Following the game, Steve Spurrier was asked "What does this victory prove about your team?" He replied: "These sort of games don't prove very much. All it proves is we're better than Kentucky."[58][59] Later that season, Kentucky would fire their head coach, Bill Curry.[60][61] Steve Spurrier would conclude his 1996 season with a national championship, the first in Florida's history.

1997: Onside kick game | Florida 55 – Kentucky 28

Following the dismissal of Kentucky's Bill Curry, the Wildcats hired Hal Mumme as his replacement.[62] Hal Mumme was a primary architect of the modern Air raid offense, an offense notable for moving at a fast pace and throwing often.[63][64][65] Mumme would also be known for his particularly bad defenses.[66] In 1997 meeting between Kentucky and Florida, Kentucky's defense struggled mightily.[67] To prevent the defense from having to play, Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme called for several onside kicks throughout the game.[68][69] When asked about it after the game, Steve Spurrier remarked: "If I had a defense like Hal Mumme has, I would be trying them on every kickoff."[70][71][72] Kentucky would end their 1997 season 5–6, missing a bowl game. Florida would conclude their 1997 season going 10–2, beating Penn State in the Florida Citrus Bowl.

2000: Spurrier runs up the score | Florida 59 – Kentucky 31

In 2000, Kentucky quarterback Jared Lorenzen threw for 360 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Gators.[73][74] Spurrier responded by refusing to take a knee to end the game.[75] With 1:13 to go in the game, Florida quarterback Rex Grossman threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Florida wide receiver Jabbar Gaffney.[76] Spurrier faced backlash from the Kentucky fanbase, which he responded to by saying: "I guess they're upset about that pass. Well I called it. If there's 1:13 left, would that have been any nicer? They were padding their stats and I decided we were going to pad ours. Because ours were sufferin'. If Kentucky wants to be mad about it, we'll be up in Lexington next year, and they can do something about it then."[77][78] Kentucky would go on to only win 2 games in the 2000 season. Following the season's conclusion, Kentucky would part ways with head coach Hal Mumme as a result of a recruiting scandal.[79][80][81]

2003: Gators rally from 18 down in the fourth | Florida 24 – Kentucky 21

Gators running back Ran Carthon's one-yard touchdown run with 3:15 left in the fourth quarter capped another Florida win over Kentucky.[82] Trailing by 18 points in the fourth quarter, this marked the largest comeback in terms of deficit in the history of the Gators football program.[83] Notably, this was Gators quarterback Chris Leak's first career college start.[84][85] This was also Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks' first Florida–Kentucky football game, as he had taken over the Wildcats program prior to the 2003 season.[86]

2007: College GameDay appearance | Florida 45 – Kentucky 37

ESPN's College GameDay made an appearance in Lexington, Kentucky at the 2007 game between the Gators and Wildcats, the only time ESPN's flagship college football pre-game show has broadcast live at a Florida–Kentucky football game.[87][88] Both teams were playing good football entering the contest, with Kentucky fresh off a home upset of eventual national champion and then-top-ranked LSU in triple overtime and entering the game with a 6–1 record to start the season.[89][90] Florida, meanwhile, was 4–2 on the season and had lost to the same LSU team Kentucky had previously beaten.[91][92][93] The game proved to be a back and forth contest but the Gators ultimately prevailed with a 45–37 win, their 21st in a row over the Wildcats.[94]

2008: Gator beatdown | Florida 63 – Kentucky 5

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium during the 2008 Florida–Kentucky game in which Florida would win 63–5.

The Gators thoroughly dominated from start to finish, blocking two punts and scoring four touchdowns in the first quarter before the Wildcats even gained a first down en route to a 63–5 blowout victory.[95] This was the largest margin of victory for the Gators over the Wildcats in the modern history of the rivalry.[96] Defending Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow's two rushing touchdowns (to go along with two passing touchdowns) for the game tied him with Emmitt Smith for the most career rushing touchdowns by a single player in the history of the Florida football program.[97] The Gators would go on to win the 2008 SEC Championship as well as the 2008 BCS national championship, their third overall and most recent in school history.[98][99][100]

2009: Tebow injury | Florida 41 – Kentucky 7

The No. 1 ranked Florida Gators crushed the Kentucky Wildcats as the defending national champions won by 34 points.[101] Notably, former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow entered the game with a respiratory illness.[102][103] During the game, Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham hit Tebow, knocking him to the ground where he hit his head on a teammate's knee.[104] After hitting the ground, he remained "motionless".[105] He was later helped to the sidelines, where he vomited.[106] He was taken by ambulance to the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center,[107] where he stayed overnight and was diagnosed with a concussion.[108] Tim Tebow would go on to play in Florida's next game two weeks later,[109] and for the remainder of the season which saw Florida beat Cincinnati 51–24 in the Sugar Bowl.[110][111][112] Kentucky would also make a bowl appearance, which they would lose to Clemson 21–13.[113][114] This would be Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks' last Florida–Kentucky game, as he would retire following the conclusion of the 2009 season.[115]

2014: Triple overtime thriller | Florida 36 – Kentucky 30

The Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 36–30 in painful fashion as they win in triple overtime.[116] The game was close throughout, but had a controversial overtime frame. In the first frame of overtime, Florida converted on a 4th and 7 for a 9-yard touchdown score. Kentucky argued that Florida didn't start the play in time, and thus should have been penalized. Following the competition of the game, the SEC released a statement regarding the call:

"the conference office reviewed the fourth down play in the first overtime of the Kentucky-Florida game and has determined the officials applied the proper mechanics and guidelines that are in place to determine when a flag should be thrown for delay of game. The back judge is responsible for delay of game calls. The procedure for the back judge is for his eyes to stay on the clock when it nears zero. When the clock hits zero, he immediately looks from the clock to the ball. If the ball is moving, there is no delay of game. If the ball is stationary, a delay of game penalty is called."

As overtime continued, Kentucky missed a crucial 41-yard field goal. Florida followed this up with a 1-yard rushing touchdown to end the game. Florida would finish the season 7–5 with a bowl win over East Carolina.[117] Kentucky would finish 5–7, missing a bowl. This would be Florida head coach Will Muschamp's last Florida–Kentucky game, as he was fired at the end of the 2014 season.[118]

2017: Two blown coverages | Florida 28 – Kentucky 27

The Gators escaped with a 28–27 win in Lexington, overcoming a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to once again break the Wildcats' hearts.[119] Florida took advantage of two blown Kentucky coverages during the game to complete wide open passes to help seal the comeback.[120] The Wildcats still had a chance to win it late, but senior kicker Austin MacGinnis missed a 57-yard field goal as time expired.[121][122] This would be the last of Florida's 31 consecutive wins over Kentucky dating back to 1987.[123] This would also be Florida head coach Jim McElwain's last Florida–Kentucky game, as he and the university administration agreed to part ways amidst on-field struggles and off-field controversies five weeks later.[124]

2018: "The streak is broken!" | Kentucky 27 – Florida 16

By a score of 27–16, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators for the first time since 1986 (and for the first time in Gainesville since 1979).[125] At that point, it was the longest active streak of one team beating another in FBS. Also notably, this was the first SEC opener Florida has lost since 2004, a 13-year streak. Kentucky put up over 450 offensive yards compared to Florida's 360 as the Wildcats overwhelmed a solid Gators defense. Both teams would go on to have successful seasons, with both teams making a New Year's Six Bowl appearance (Kentucky making the Citrus Bowl[126] and Florida making the Peach Bowl).[127] This was Florida head coach Dan Mullen's first Florida–Kentucky game leading the Gators football program, as he had previously served as the Gators offensive coordinator from 2005 to 2008 under Urban Meyer.[128][129]

2021: Field storming | Kentucky 20 – Florida 13, Vacated win

Kroger Field during the 2021 Florida–Kentucky game in which Kentucky would win 20–13.

The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators in Lexington for the first time since 1986.[130] The game was notable for the atmosphere at Kroger Field, hosting 61,632 fans that disrupted the Florida offense.[131] Throughout the game, Florida suffered 15 penalties, 8 of which were false start penalties.[132] The game ended in dramatic fashion with Kentucky holding Florida on 7-straight goal line plays (Florida was able to get another set of downs after a 3rd and goal face mask call against Kentucky). At the completion of the game, Kentucky fans stormed the field, which resulted in a fine levied against the school by the SEC.[133] In the following weeks after the game, Florida would continue to struggle, resulting in the firing of head coach Dan Mullen.[134] Despite this, Florida would still make a bowl game, which they would lose.[135][136] Kentucky would enjoy a successful season, winning 10 games including their bowl game.[137] Mullen lost to Kentucky twice in his four seasons leading the Gators football program.[138][139]

Kentucky vacated this win in August 2024, however, both schools continue to accredit the win to Kentucky in the official record books.[140][141]

2022: Kentucky goes back to back | Kentucky 26 – Florida 16

The Wildcats defeated the Gators by a score of 26–16 to earn their second straight win over the Gators.[142] The win marked the first time Kentucky defeated Florida in consecutive meetings since their wins in 1976 and 1977.[143] The 2022 meeting was Florida head coach Billy Napier's first taste of the Florida–Kentucky football rivalry.[144]

2023: Ray's career day | Kentucky 33 – Florida 14

The Kentucky Wildcats blew out the Florida Gators 33–14 in Lexington behind Kentucky running back Ray Davis's career game.[145] In the game, Ray Davis rushed for 280 yards and scored 4-total touchdowns in a historic 33–14 victory for the Wildcats.[146][147] 280 yards is the third most in Kentucky football history for a single game (behind Moe Williams's 299 yards in 1995 and Lynn Bowden Jr's 284 yards in 2019) and is the most by any single player in the history of the Florida–Kentucky football rivalry. Notably, this victory was the first time the Kentucky Wildcats had beaten the Florida Gators in three straight meetings since 1949–1951.[148]

Game results

Florida victoriesKentucky victoriesTie games
No.DateLocationWinnerScore
1 November 29, 1917 Lexington, KY Kentucky 52–0
2 October 23, 1926 Jacksonville, FL Kentucky 18–13
3 October 15, 1927 Jacksonville, FL Florida 27–6
4 December 5, 1931 Jacksonville, FL Kentucky 7–2
5 November 9, 1935 Lexington, KY Kentucky 15–6
6 October 24, 1936 Lexington, KY Kentucky 7–0
7 December 4, 1937 Gainesville, FL Florida 6–0
8 November 13, 1948 Lexington, KY Kentucky 34–15
9 November 12, 1949 Tampa, FL #14 Kentucky 35–0
10 November 4, 1950 Lexington, KY #5 Kentucky 40–6
11 October 27, 1951 Gainesville, FL #17 Kentucky 14–6
12 December 6, 1952 Gainesville, FL #17 Florida 27–0
13 October 3, 1953 Lexington, KY Kentucky 26–13
14 October 16, 1954 Gainesville, FL Florida 21–7
15 October 22, 1955 Lexington, KY Kentucky 10–7
16 October 6, 1956 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 17–8
17 October 5, 1957 Lexington, KY Florida 14–7
18 November 18, 1967 Gainesville, FL Florida 28–12
19 November 16, 1968 Lexington, KY Florida 16–14
20 November 15, 1969 Gainesville, FL Florida 31–6
21 November 14, 1970 Tampa, FL Florida 24–13
22 November 13, 1971 Gainesville, FL Florida 35–24
23 November 18, 1972 Gainesville, FL Florida 40–0
24 November 17, 1973 Gainesville, FL Florida 20–18
25 November 16, 1974 Lexington, KY Kentucky 41–24
26 November 15, 1975 Gainesville, FL #14 Florida 48–7
27 November 13, 1976 Lexington, KY Kentucky 28–9
28 November 12, 1977 Gainesville, FL #7 Kentucky 14–7
29 November 18, 1978 Lexington, KY Florida 18–16
30 November 17, 1979 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 31–3
31 November 15, 1980 Lexington, KY #20 Florida 17–15
32 November 14, 1981 Gainesville, FL Florida 33–12
33 November 13, 1982 Lexington, KY Florida 39–13
34 November 12, 1983 Gainesville, FL #14 Florida 24–7
35 November 17, 1984 Lexington, KY #5 Florida 25–17
36 November 16, 1985 Gainesville, FL #11 Florida 15–13
37 November 15, 1986 Lexington, KY Kentucky 10–3
38 November 14, 1987 Gainesville, FL Florida 27–14
39 November 12, 1988 Lexington, KY Florida 24–19
No.DateLocationWinnerScore
40 November 18, 1989 Gainesville, FL Florida 38–28
41 November 17, 1990 Lexington, KY #6 Florida 47–15
42 November 16, 1991 Gainesville, FL #5 Florida 35–26
43 September 12, 1992 Gainesville, FL #4 Florida 35–19
44 September 11, 1993 Lexington, KY #7 Florida 24–20
45 September 10, 1994 Gainesville, FL #2 Florida 73–7
46 September 9, 1995 Lexington, KY #5 Florida 42–7
47 September 28, 1996 Gainesville, FL #1 Florida 65–0
48 September 27, 1997 Lexington, KY #1 Florida 55–28
49 September 26, 1998 Gainesville, FL #8 Florida 51–35
50 September 25, 1999 Lexington, KY #3 Florida 38–10
51 September 23, 2000 Gainesville, FL #3 Florida 59–31
52 September 22, 2001 Lexington, KY #2 Florida 44–10
53 September 28, 2002 Gainesville, FL #7 Florida 41–34
54 September 27, 2003 Lexington, KY #25 Florida 24–21
55 September 25, 2004 Gainesville, FL #16 Florida 20–3
56 September 24, 2005 Lexington, KY #5 Florida 49–28
57 September 23, 2006 Gainesville, FL #5 Florida 26–7
58 October 20, 2007 Lexington, KY #14 Florida 45–37
59 October 25, 2008 Gainesville, FL #5 Florida 63–5
60 September 26, 2009 Lexington, KY #1 Florida 41–7
61 September 25, 2010 Gainesville, FL #9 Florida 48–14
62 September 24, 2011 Lexington, KY #15 Florida 48–10
63 September 22, 2012 Gainesville, FL #14 Florida 38–0
64 September 28, 2013 Lexington, KY #20 Florida 28–7
65 September 13, 2014 Gainesville, FL Florida 36–303OT
66 September 19, 2015 Lexington, KY Florida 14–9
67 September 10, 2016 Gainesville, FL Florida 45–7
68 September 23, 2017 Lexington, KY #20 Florida 28–27
69 September 8, 2018 Gainesville, FL Kentucky 27–16
70 September 14, 2019 Lexington, KY #9 Florida 29–21
71 November 28, 2020 Gainesville, FL #6 Florida 34–10
72 October 2, 2021 Lexington, KY Kentucky*20–13
73 September 10, 2022 Gainesville, FL #20 Kentucky 26–16
74 September 30, 2023 Lexington, KY Kentucky 33–14
75 October 19, 2024 Gainesville, FL Florida 48–20
Series: Florida leads 54–21
*Kentucky vacated all 2021 wins in August 2024. However, both Kentucky
and Florida still accredit Kentucky's 2021 win to the record.

See also

References

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