Florida–Kentucky rivalry#Football
{{Short description|American college multi-sports rivalry}}{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox sports rivalry
| wide = yes
| name = Florida–Kentucky rivalry
| image = Kentucky - Florida Rivalry Headliner.png
| image_size =
| caption =
| team1 = Florida Gators
| team1logo = Florida Gators logo.svg
| team2 = Kentucky Wildcats
| team2logo = Kentucky Wildcats logo.svg
| sport = {{hlist|Basketball|Football}}
}}
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,{{Cite web |title=SEC History |url=https://www.secsports.com/article/12628010/sec-history |access-date=September 26, 2023 |website=www.secsports.com}} 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."{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2017 |title=LOOK: Kentucky fan creates offensive Hurricane Irma-related sign for Florida game |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/look-kentucky-fan-creates-offensive-hurricane-irma-related-sign-florida-game/ |access-date=October 1, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Dave |title=Kentucky Wildcats AD Barnhart: Hurricane Irma sign 'insensitive and offensive' |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/university-of-kentucky/2017/09/21/kentucky-wildcats-ad-barnhart-hurricane-irma-sign-insensitive-and-offensive/690282001/ |access-date=October 1, 2023 |website=The Enquirer |language=en-US}}
- 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."{{Cite web |last=Pharis |first=Tristan |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Kentucky Blue Coat Who Gave Florida 'The Bird', Let Go by UK Athletics, Movement Starts on Twitter |url=https://kyinsider.com/kentucky-blue-coat-flip-off-let-go-by-uk-athletics-020623/ |access-date=September 26, 2023 |website=KY Insider |language=en-us}}
- During that same game, 3 Florida fans were ejected after grabbing Kentucky guard Cason Wallace.{{Cite web |title=Kentucky basketball beats Florida: Fans ejected for grabbing Cason Wallace in 2nd half |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2023/02/22/kentucky-vs-florida-basketball-game-how-to-watch-stream-sec-game/69922027007/ |access-date=September 26, 2023 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}}
- 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.{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2023 |title=8 ejected after UK-Florida scuffle at SEC tourney |url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/35762482/eight-players-ejected-kentucky-florida-scuffle-sec-tourney |access-date=October 1, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}
- In the 2023 meeting between the two football teams, multiple different Florida fans would be ejected from Kroger Field for fighting Kentucky fans.{{Cite web |last=Blue |first=Nation of |date=September 30, 2023 |title=Watch: A shirtless Florida fan had his day cut short at Kroger Field – |url=https://www.nationofblue.com/watch-a-shirtless-florida-fan-had-his-day-cut-short-at-kroger-field/ |access-date=October 1, 2023 |language=en-US}}
{{OSM Location map
| coord = {{coord|34.328|-83.436}}
| zoom = 4
| width = 295
| height = 250
| caption = Location of Kentucky and Florida
| mark1 = Orange pog.svg
| label1 = Florida
| mark-coord1 = {{coord|29.64833|-82.34944}}
| label-pos1 = top
| label-color1 = black
| mark2 = Blue pog.svg
| label2 = Kentucky
| mark-coord2 = {{coord|38.033333|-84.5}}
| label-pos2 = bottom
| label-color2 = black
}}
Men's basketball
{{Infobox sports rivalry
| name = Florida–Kentucky men's basketball rivalry
| team1 = Florida Gators
| team1logo = Florida Gators logo.svg
| team2 = Kentucky Wildcats
| team2logo = Kentucky Wildcats logo.svg
| sport = Men's Basketball
| firstmeeting = January 23, 1927
Kentucky 44, Florida 36
| mostrecent = January 4, 2025
Kentucky 106, Florida 100
| nextmeeting = 2026
Kentucky at Florida
| stadiums = Rupp Arena (Kentucky)
O'Connell Center (Florida)
| total = 152
| series = Kentucky, 110–42
| longeststreak = Kentucky, 18 (1942–1964)
| currentstreak = Kentucky, 1 (2025–present)
}}
In basketball, the two schools are permanent SEC rivals until 2024, 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. With the additions of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC in the 2025 season, however, the teams play once a year (or twice in the regular season as part of the 13 "rotating" SEC teams), meaning they are not considered "permanent" rivals. 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.{{cite web|title=Kentucky's Record versus Florida
|url=http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Florida.html|access-date=March 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316211851/http://bigbluehistory.net/bb/statistics/Florida.html|archive-date=March 16, 2014|url-status=live}}
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,{{Cite web |last=Farrell |first=Brendan |title=The Gators travel to Kentucky with a lot on the line |url=https://www.alligator.org/sports/basketball/the-gators-travel-to-kentucky-with-a-lot-on-the-line/article_ccd65324-5468-11ea-887b-b39abf2ead79.html |access-date=June 20, 2020 |website=The Independent Florida Alligator |language=en}} 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=
{{sports rivalry series table
| series_summary = yes | cols = 2
| format = compact
| team1 = Florida
| team1style = {{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Florida Gators|border=0|color=white}}
| team2 = Kentucky
| team2style = {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats|border=0|color=white}}
| 1927 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 44 | Florida | 36
| 1931 | Atlanta, GA | Kentucky | 56 | Florida | 36
| 1933 | Atlanta, GA | Kentucky | 48 | Florida | 24
| 1934 | Atlanta, GA | Florida | 38 | Kentucky | 32
| 1942 | Louisville, KY | Kentucky | 42 | Florida | 36
| 1945 | Louisville, KY | Kentucky | 37 | Florida | 35
| 1946 | Louisville, KY | Kentucky | 69 | Florida | 32
| 1948 | Louisville, KY | Kentucky | 87 | Florida | 31
| 1949 | Louisville, KY | Kentucky | 73 | Florida | 36
| 1950 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 85 | Florida | 37
| 1952 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 99 | Florida | 52
| 1954 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 97 | Florida | 55
| 1955 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 87 | Florida | 63
| 1956 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 81 | Florida | 70
| 1957 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 88 | Florida | 61
| 1958 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 78 | Florida | 56
| 1959 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 94 | Florida | 51
| 1960 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 75 | Florida | 62
| 1961 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 69 | Florida | 68
| 1962 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 81 | Florida | 69
| 1963 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 94 | Florida | 71
| 1964 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 77 | Florida | 72
| 1965 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 84 | Kentucky | 68
| 1965 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 78 | Florida | 61
| 1966 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 78 | Florida | 64
| 1966 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 85 | Florida | 75
| 1966 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 78 | Kentucky | 75
| 1967 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 89 | Kentucky | 72
| 1967 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 99 | Florida | 76
| 1968 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 96 | Kentucky | 78
| 1969 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 88 | Florida | 67
| 1968 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 82 | Kentucky | 81
| 1970 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 88 | Florida | 69
| 1970 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 110 | Florida | 66
| 1971 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 101 | Florida | 75
| 1971 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 74 | Kentucky | 65
| 1972 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 72 | Kentucky | 70
| 1972 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 95 | Florida | 68
| 1973 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 95 | Florida | 65
| 1973 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 94 | Florida | 83
| 1974 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 91 | Florida | 82
| 1974 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 75 | Kentucky | 65
| 1975 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 86 | Florida | 65
| 1975 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 66 | Kentucky | 58
| 1976 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 89 | Florida | 82
| 1976 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 96 | Florida | 89
| 1977 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 73 | Florida | 71
| 1977 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 104 | Florida | 78
| 1978 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 86 | Florida | 67
| 1978 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 88 | Florida | 61
| 1979 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 76 | Kentucky | 65
| 1979 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 87 | Florida | 81
| 1980 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 76 | Florida | 63
| 1980 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 95 | Florida | 70
| 1981 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 69 | Florida | 56
| 1981 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 102 | Florida | 48
| 1982 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 91 | Florida | 76
| 1982 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 84 | Florida | 78
| 1983 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 70 | Florida | 63
| 1983 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 73 | Florida | 61
| 1984 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 69 | Kentucky | 57
| 1984 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 67 | Florida | 65
| 1985 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 67 | Kentucky | 55
| 1985 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 76 | Florida | 68
| 1985 | Birmingham, AL | Florida | 58 | Kentucky | 55
| 1986 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 72 | Florida | 55
| 1986 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 80 | Florida | 69
| 1987 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 67 | Florida | 62
| 1987 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 74 | Kentucky | 56
| 1988 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 58 | Kentucky | 56
| 1988 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 83 | Kentucky | 76
| 1989 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 69 | Florida | 56
| 1989 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 59 | Kentucky | 53
| 1990 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 89 | Florida | 81
| 1990 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 78 | Florida | 74
| 1991 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 81 | Florida | 65
| 1991 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 90 | Florida | 74
| 1992 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 81 | Florida | 60
| 1992 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 79 | Kentucky | 62
| 1993 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 71 | Florida | 48
| 1993 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 85 | Florida | 77
| 1994 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 59 | Kentucky | 57
| 1994 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 80 | Florida | 77
| 1994 | Memphis, TN | Kentucky | 73 | Florida | 60
| 1995 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 83 | Florida | 67
| 1995 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 87 | Florida | 77
| 1995 | Atlanta, GA | Kentucky | 86 | Florida | 72
| 1996 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 77 | Florida | 63
| 1996 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 94 | Florida | 63
| 1996 | New Orleans, LA | Kentucky | 100 | Florida | 76
| 1997 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 92 | Florida | 65
| 1997 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 85 | Florida | 56
| 1998 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 86 | Kentucky | 78
| 1998 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 79 | Florida | 54
| 1999 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 93 | Florida | 58
| 1999 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 75 | Kentucky | 68
| 2000 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 90 | Kentucky | 73
| 2000 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 85 | Florida | 70
| 2001 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 71 | Florida | 70
| 2001 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 94 | Kentucky | 86
| 2002 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 70 | Florida | 68
| 2002 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 70 | Florida | 67
| 2003 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 70 | Florida | 55
| 2003 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 69 | Florida | 67
| 2004 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 68 | Florida | 65
| 2004 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 82 | Florida | 62
| 2004 | Atlanta, GA | Kentucky | 89 | Florida | 73
| 2005 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 69 | Florida | 66
| 2005 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 53 | Kentucky | 52
| 2005 | Atlanta, GA | Florida | 70 | Kentucky | 53
| 2006 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 95 | Kentucky | 80
| 2006 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 79 | Kentucky | 64
| 2007 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 64 | Kentucky | 61
| 2007 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 85 | Kentucky | 72
| 2008 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 81 | Kentucky | 70
| 2008 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 75 | Florida | 70
| 2009 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 68 | Florida | 65
| 2009 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 60 | Kentucky | 53
| 2010 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 89 | Florida | 77
| 2010 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 74 | Florida | 66
| 2011 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 70 | Kentucky | 68
| 2011 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 76 | Florida | 68
| 2011 | Atlanta, GA | Kentucky | 70 | Florida | 54
| 2012 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 78 | Florida | 68
| 2012 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 74 | Florida | 59
| 2012 | New Orleans, LA | Kentucky | 74 | Florida | 71
| 2013 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 69 | Kentucky | 52
| 2013 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 61 | Florida | 57
| 2014 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 69 | Kentucky | 59
| 2014 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 84 | Kentucky | 65
| 2014 | Atlanta, GA | Florida | 61 | Kentucky | 60
| 2015 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 68 | Florida | 61
| 2015 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 67 | Florida | 50
| 2015 | Nashville, TN | Kentucky | 64 | Florida | 49
| 2016 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 80 | Florida | 61
| 2016 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 88 | Florida | 79
| 2017 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 88 | Kentucky | 66
| 2017 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 76 | Florida | 66
| 2018 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 66 | Kentucky | 64
| 2018 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 80 | Kentucky | 67
| 2019 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 65 | Florida | 54
| 2019 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 66 | Florida | 57
| 2020 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 65 | Florida | 59
| 2020 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 71 | Florida | 70
| 2021 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 75 | Florida | 58
| 2021 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 71 | Kentucky | 67
| 2022 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 78 | Florida | 57
| 2022 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 71 | Florida | 63
| 2023 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 72 | Florida | 67
| 2023 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 82 | Florida | 74
| 2024 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 87 | Florida | 85
| 2024 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 94 | Florida | 91OT
| 2025 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 106 | Florida | 100
}}
Football
{{Infobox sports rivalry
| name = Florida–Kentucky football rivalry
| team1 = Florida Gators
| team1logo = Florida Gators logo.svg
| team2 = Kentucky Wildcats
| team2logo = Kentucky Wildcats logo.svg
| sport = American football
| firstmeeting = November 29, 1917
Kentucky 52, Florida 0
| mostrecent = October 19, 2024
Florida 48, Kentucky 20
| nextmeeting = November 8, 2025
| stadiums = Kroger Field (Kentucky)
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Florida)
| trophy = None
| total = 75
| series = Florida leads, 54–21
| largestvictory = Florida, 73–7 (1994)
| longeststreak = Florida, 31 (1987–2017)
| currentstreak = Florida, 1 (2024–present)
}}
When the Southeastern Conference (SEC) split into geographical divisions in 1992,{{Cite web |last=Harwell |first=Hoyt |date=November 29, 1990 |title=Southeastern Conference Will Split Into 2 Divisions, Presidents Decide |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-11-29-sp-7788-story.html |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |title=SEC reveals 2024 football opponents and locations |url=https://www.secsports.com/article/37854660/sec-reveals-2024-football-opponents-locations |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=www.secsports.com}} 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"){{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2002/01/08/spurrierisms/|title=SPURRIERISMS|website=Tampa Bay Times|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2017/08/09/steve-spurrier-quotes-insults-best-lines-ranked|title=The definitive ranking of Steve Spurrier's best insults|first=Daniel|last=Rapaport|date=August 9, 2017|magazine=Sports Illustrated|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} but he poked fun at Kentucky the most.{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Drew |date= September 19, 2015|title=A Look Back At 28 Consecutive Years Of Losing To Florida |url=https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/a-look-back-at-28-consecutive-years-of-losing-to-florida/ |access-date=September 30, 2023 |website=www.on3.com |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |date=November 23, 2004 |title=Steve Spurrier Announced as New Head Football Coach at South Carolina |url=https://gamecocksonline.com/news/2004/11/23/steve-spurrier-announced-as-new-head-football-coach-at-south-carolina/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=University of South Carolina Athletics |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2004 |title=Spurrier takes over at South Carolina |url=https://www.deseret.com/2004/11/24/19863111/spurrier-takes-over-at-south-carolina |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Deseret News |language=en}} 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."{{Cite web |title=Top 25: Spurrier defeats Kentucky again {{!}} The Spokesman-Review |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2007/oct/05/top-25-spurrier-defeats-kentucky-again/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=www.spokesman.com}}
From 1967 to 1991, the game was played exclusively on either the second or third Saturday in November.{{cite web | last=Story | first=Mark | title=Florida is the marker that shows how far Mark Stoops has brought UK football | website=Lexington Herald Leader | date=September 30, 2023 | url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article279946094.html | access-date=December 6, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-kentucky/32|title=Football History vs University of Kentucky|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} Since SEC expansion in 1992, the teams have, for the most part, played in September, with only five exceptions.{{Cite web|url=https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/gallery/florida-football-schedule-history-kentucky-wildcats/|title=Florida Football 2021 Opponent History: Kentucky Wildcats|date=July 6, 2021|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/college/florida/football/florida-gators-kentucky-wildcats-info-odds-stream-2021|title=Gators vs. Wildcats: Info, Odds, Where to Watch and More|first=Zach|last=Goodall|date=October 2, 2021|website=Sports Illustrated Florida Gators News, Analysis and More|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} The 2007, 2008, 2021 and 2024 games were played in October while the 2020 game took place in November.{{Cite web|url=https://www.winsipedia.com/games/florida/vs/kentucky|title=Winsipedia – Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats football series history games list|website=Winsipedia|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}
=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.{{Cite web |date=July 6, 2021 |title=Florida Football 2021 Opponent History: Kentucky Wildcats |url=https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/gallery/florida-football-schedule-history-kentucky-wildcats/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Gators Wire |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Football History vs University of Kentucky |url=https://floridagators.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-kentucky/32 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Florida Gators |language=en}} To date, this is Kentucky's largest margin of victory over Florida.{{Cite web|url=https://www.winsipedia.com/florida/vs/kentucky|title=Winsipedia – Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats football series history|website=Winsipedia|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://ukathletics.com/news/2021/09/30/football-kentucky-returns-home-to-take-on-top-10-florida/|title=Kentucky Returns Home to Take on Top 10 Florida|date=September 30, 2021|website=UK Athletics|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}
== 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.{{cite web | title=Kentucky-Florida series | website=Lexington Herald Leader | date=September 24, 2011 | url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article44127540.html | access-date=October 7, 2023}} This was Florida's first-ever football win over Kentucky.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-kentucky/32|title=Football History vs University of Kentucky
|website=Florida Gators|access-date=October 7, 2023}}
== 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.{{cite web | last=Story | first=Mark | title=Five things you need to know from Kentucky's commanding 33–14 win over No. 22 Florida | website=Lexington Herald Leader | date=September 30, 2023 | url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article279939234.html | access-date=October 7, 2023}} The four-game streak is Kentucky's longest in the history of the series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/2023/09/29/kentucky-florida-series-history-bear-bryant-college-football-week-5/70986306007/|title=In a win vs. Florida, Kentucky football did something it hadn't done since Bear Bryant was coach|website=The Courier-Journal|access-date=October 7, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://bryantmuseum.com/traditions_alabama/coach_paul_bear_bryant/|title=Coach Paul Bear Bryant – Paul W Bryant Museum {{pipe}} The University of Alabama|access-date=October 7, 2023}}
== 1967: Beginning of the annual series | Florida 28 – Kentucky 12 ==
The Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats by a score of 28–12.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/sports/football/schedule/1967|title=1967 Football Schedule|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/9/30/23893896/florida-vs-kentucky-rivalry-history-who-has-won-more-games-the-streak-sec-spurrier-stoops-bryant|title=History of rivalry between Florida and Kentucky|first=Nick|last=Simon|date=September 30, 2023|website=DraftKings Network|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} The Gators and Wildcats have met every year without interruption on the football field since 1967.{{Cite web|url=https://www.winsipedia.com/games/florida/vs/kentucky|title=Winsipedia – Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats football series history games list|website=Winsipedia|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/florida-vs-kentucky-football-rivalry-history-h2h-records|title=Florida vs Kentucky football rivalry history: H2H, records and more|first=Priyam|last=Hazarika|date=September 29, 2023|website=www.sportskeeda.com|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}
== 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.{{Cite web|url=https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/lists/florida-football-history-kentucky-wildcats-weird-and-wild-games/|title=Looking back on the weird and wild ways Kentucky has lost to Florida|date=September 28, 2021|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} The catch helped set up kicker Brian Clark's game-winning 34-yard field goal in the closing seconds to win it for Florida.{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/11/15/Brian-Clark-redeemed-himself-and-shattered-Kentuckys-hopes-for/2867343112400/|title=Brian Clark redeemed himself and shattered Kentucky's hopes for... – UPI Archives|website=UPI|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}
== 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.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2018/9/5/football-history-lesson-31-years-ago-kentucky-10-florida-3|title=History Lesson: 32 Years Ago ... Kentucky 10, Florida 3|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=October 6, 2023}} The weather was cold and misty throughout the day at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington.{{cite web | title=The last time: Game story from Kentucky's 1986 win over Florida | website=Lexington Herald Leader | date=September 27, 2013 | url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/article44446014.html | access-date=October 6, 2023}} This would be the Wildcats last win over the Gators in the 20th century and last until 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2017/09/19/kentucky-hasn-t-beaten-florida-1986-three-decades-facts-about/15773786007/|title=Kentucky hasn't beaten Florida since 1986. Three decades of facts about the streak.|first=Phillip|last=Heilman|website=The Florida Times-Union|accessdate=October 6, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2018/09/09/streak-is-over-gators-lose-to-kentucky-for-first-time-in-32-years/10807297007/|title=The streak is over: Gators lose to Kentucky for the first time in 32 years|website=The Florida Times-Union|accessdate=October 6, 2023}}
== 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-11-15-sp-20869-story.html|title=COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Southeast Roundup : 94-Yard Return Gets Florida Started, 27–14|first=L. A. Times|last=Archives|date=November 15, 1987|website=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=October 6, 2023}} This would be the first of Florida's 31 consecutive wins over Kentucky that wouldn't end until 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2018/09/05/31-and-counting-inside-floridas-winning-streak-vs-kentucky/10843016007/|title=31 and counting: Inside Florida's winning streak vs. Kentucky|first=Garry|last=Smits|website=The Florida Times-Union|accessdate=October 6, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2013/9/27/1512|title=Before the streak: A look back at Kentucky's last win vs. Gators|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=October 6, 2023}}
== 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-09-12-sp-34356-story.html|title=Florida Overcomes Seven Interceptions|first=L. A. Times|last=Archives|date=September 12, 1993|website=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} The seven turnovers forced by the Kentucky defense was a school record.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2012/9/11/1031|title=On this date in Gators history: Sept. 11, 1993|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} Wuerffel, a redshirt freshman, made his second career start in the 1993 game against the Wildcats.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1993/09/12/florida-beats-uk-with-02-remaining/|title=Florida beats UK with :02 remaining|website=Tampa Bay Times|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} Wuerffel would go on to win the Heisman Trophy in 1996.{{Cite web|url=https://theheismanwinners.com/danny-wuerffel|title=Danny Wuerffel 1996 Heisman Winner|date=November 2, 2016|website=theheismanwinners.com|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{cite news| title=Wuerffel captures Heisman|newspaper=The Washington Post | date=December 15, 1996 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/12/15/wuerffel-captures-heisman/c863eb2c-e8f3-4669-89c8-cf6ac2c4b66b/ | access-date=October 7, 2023}}
== 1994: "Disaster at every turn" | Florida 73 – Kentucky 7 ==
In the 1994 meeting between Kentucky and Florida, the Gators dominated the Wildcats 73–7.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=September 11, 1994 |title=Dean Helps Florida Make a Case, 73–7 : SEC: Quarterback has four touchdown passes for No. 2-ranked Gators in rout of Kentucky. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-09-11-sp-37282-story.html |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Florida 73, Kentucky 7 – UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/09/10/Florida-73-Kentucky-7/1852779169600/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=UPI |language=en}} 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."{{Cite web |last= |date=September 11, 1994 |title=FORGET THE POLLS; GATORS LOOK LIKE NO. 1 |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1994/09/11/forget-the-polls-gators-look-like-no-1/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US}} 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."{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/09/10/Florida-73-Kentucky-7/1852779169600/|title=Florida 73, Kentucky 7 – UPI Archives|website=UPI|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web |last= |date=September 29, 1996 |title=NO. 1 GATORS PILE IT ON OUTMANNED WILDCATS |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1996/09/29/no-1-gators-pile-it-on-outmanned-wildcats/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=September 29, 1996 |title=Florida Has a Field Day in Defeating Kentucky |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-09-29-sp-48812-story.html |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times}} Led by star quarterback Tim Couch, Kentucky traveled to Gainesville with hopes of upsetting the No. 1 ranked team in the country.{{Cite web |title=On this date in Gators history: Sept. 28, 1996 |url=https://floridagators.com/news/2012/9/28/1072.aspx |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Florida Gators}} Kentucky never stood a chance, gaining only 67 yards the entire game.{{cite web | last=Rowland | first=Justin | title=The Swamp has been a House of Horrors for Kentucky | website=kentucky.rivals.com| date=September 9, 2016 | url=https://kentucky.rivals.com/news/the-swamp-has-been-a-house-of-horrors-for-kentucky#:~:text=28%2C%201996%20-%20Florida%2065%2C,slowed%20down%20in%20any%20respect | access-date=October 3, 2023}} 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."{{Cite web |title=On Behalf of Gator Nation: Thank You, Coach Spurrier |url=https://floridagators.com/news/2015/10/13/31462 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Florida Gators |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cavanah |first=Duncan |title=Steve Spurrier or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Ol' Ball Coach |url=https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/steve-spurrier-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-ol-ball-coach/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=www.on3.com |language=en}} Later that season, Kentucky would fire their head coach, Bill Curry.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 22, 1996 |title=Kentucky to Fire Curry After Season |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-22-sp-56439-story.html |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=UK's Curry out at season's end |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/10/22/uk-s-curry-out-at-season-s-end/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Times}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wdrb.com/former-uk-football-coach-hal-mumme-in-dec-1996/image_6baeec14-ddd2-11ec-a6ed-a7cee1bb5ac0.html|title=Former UK football coach Hal Mumme in Dec. 1996|date=October 2, 2023|website=WDRB|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} Hal Mumme was a primary architect of the modern Air raid offense, an offense notable for moving at a fast pace and throwing often.{{Cite web|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/2017/01/07/air-raid-offense-football-revolutionized-iowa-wesleyan-hal-mumme/95760820/|title=How football's Air Raid offense was revolutionized in Iowa|first=Mike|last=Kilen|website=The Des Moines Register|accessdate=October 3, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?category=&article_id=6496&output=article|title=American Football Monthly – Hal Mumme – The Godfather of the Air Raid Offense|website=www.americanfootballmonthly.com|accessdate=October 3, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30053200/mike-leach-air-raid-offense-return-kentucky|title='Basketball on grass': The origin of Mike Leach's Air Raid offense|date=October 7, 2020|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} Mumme would also be known for his particularly bad defenses.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/ncf/s/mumme.html|title=ESPN.com: NCF – Mumme has no one but himself to blame|website=ESPN|access-date=October 3, 2023}} In 1997 meeting between Kentucky and Florida, Kentucky's defense struggled mightily.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/24/sports/college-football-kentucky-s-no-1-challenge.html|title=COLLEGE FOOTBALL; Kentucky's No. 1 Challenge|first=Samantha|last=Stevenson|date=September 24, 1997|accessdate=October 3, 2023|via=NYTimes.com}} To prevent the defense from having to play, Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme called for several onside kicks throughout the game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/09/28/no-1-florida-at-kentucky-taylor-hits-100-again-lauds-line/|title=NO. 1 FLORIDA AT KENTUCKY // Taylor hits 100 again, lauds line|website=Tampa Bay Times|accessdate=October 3, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://ukathletics.com/news/1998/09/21/55ae8fc3e4b0b398a220aae7-131468170644693695/|title=Wildcats Football Takes on Florida|date=September 21, 1998|website=UK Athletics|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} 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."{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2015 |title=College football's most quotable coach: Steve Spurrier's best jabs |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-footballs-most-quotable-coach-steve-spurriers-best-jabs/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Great Moments In Steve Spurrier History |url=https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/great-moments-in-steve-spurrier-history/amp/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=www.on3.com |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006223229/https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/great-moments-in-steve-spurrier-history/amp/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite news |last=Drape |first=Joe |date=August 29, 1999 |title=1999 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW; Home Grown and Ready for the Picking |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/29/sports/1999-college-football-preview-home-grown-and-ready-for-the-picking.html |access-date=October 3, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/ncf/2000/20000923/recap/kkdffa.html|title=Kentucky Kentucky/Florida Florida College Football recap on ESPN|website=ESPN|access-date=October 3, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/sports/2000/9/23/2980_boxscore_27.aspx|title=2000 Football Boxscore Notes vs Kentucky 2000-09-23|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} Spurrier responded by refusing to take a knee to end the game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/09/24/look-for-spurrier-in-center-of-storm/|title=Look for Spurrier in center of storm|website=Tampa Bay Times|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} With 1:13 to go in the game, Florida quarterback Rex Grossman threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Florida wide receiver Jabbar Gaffney.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2000/09/25/spurrier-ire-directed-at-fourth-down-conversions/|title=Spurrier ire directed at fourth-down conversions|website=Tampa Bay Times|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} 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."{{Cite web |title=Spurrier's greatest hits: Head Ball Coach at his snarkiest when it came to Kentucky |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article42640182.html |access-date=October 2, 2023 |website=KentuckySports}}{{Cite web |last=Franklin |first=Drew |title=Great Moments In Steve Spurrier History |url=https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/great-moments-in-steve-spurrier-history/ |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=www.on3.com |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Mumme out after 4 years at Kentucky |url=https://www.espn.com/ncf/news/2001/0206/1065526.html#:~:text=LEXINGTON,%20Ky.,NFL%20playing%20and%20coaching%20experience |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=ESPN}}{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2001 |title=MUMME RESIGNS AS KENTUCKY COACH |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-02-07-0102070131-story.html |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=Chicago Tribune}}{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=February 7, 2001 |title=PLUS: COLLEGE FOOTBALL; Mumme Resigns As Kentucky Coach |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/07/sports/plus-college-football-mumme-resigns-as-kentucky-coach.html |access-date=October 3, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}
== 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/232700096|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109005809/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/232700096|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 9, 2023|title=Florida 24–21 Kentucky (Sep 27, 2003) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2003/9/27/5965.aspx|title=Football Posts Largest Road Come-From-Behind Win|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} Notably, this was Gators quarterback Chris Leak's first career college start.{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2003/09/27/leak-gets-his-chance/28767609007/|title=Leak gets his chance|first=Mic|last=Huber|website=Sarasota Herald-Tribune|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2006/05/29/no-97-florida-24-kentucky-21bremsept-27-2003em/31485207007/|title=No. 97 – Florida 24, Kentucky 21 Sept. 27, 2003|first=Robbie Andreu/Pat|last=Dooley|website=Gainesville Sun|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} 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.{{cite web | title=UK Blows 18-Point Lead in Latest Loss to Florida | website=Lexington Herald Leader | date=July 14, 2008 | url=https://www.kentucky.com/news/databases/article43969356.html | access-date=December 6, 2023}}
== 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/college-gameday-locations-all-time-appearances-most-times-hosting|title=College GameDay: Locations, all-time appearances, most times hosting|website=www.ncaa.com|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://awfulannouncing.com/2007-articles/gameday-heads-to-university-of-kentucky-for-the-first-time-ever.html|title=Gameday Heads To University Of Kentucky For The First Time Ever|first=Brian|last=Powell|date=November 30, 2007|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/272860096|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815144114/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/272860096|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 15, 2021|title=Kentucky 43–37 LSU (Oct 13, 2007) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}{{cite web | last=Lapointe | first=Joe | title=In a Shootout, Florida Brings Kentucky Back to Earth | website=The New York Times | date=October 21, 2007 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/21/sports/ncaafootball/21kentucky.html | access-date=December 6, 2023}} Florida, meanwhile, was 4–2 on the season and had lost to the same LSU team Kentucky had previously beaten.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/272790099|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180308/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/272790099|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 7, 2023|title=LSU 28–24 Florida (Oct 6, 2007) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/4079-florida-gators-2007-season-review|title=Florida Gators' 2007 Season Review|first=Daniel|last=Young|website=Bleacher Report|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2007/10/21/12792.aspx|title=No. 14 Florida Football Downs No. 8 Kentucky|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/272930096|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180412/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/272930096|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 7, 2023|title=Florida 45–37 Kentucky (Oct 20, 2007) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=December 6, 2023}}
== 2008: Gator beatdown | Florida 63 – Kentucky 5 ==
File:End zone at Florida Gators 2 (October 25, 2008).jpg 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.{{Cite web|url=https://ukathletics.com/news/2008/10/25/55aeb65ee4b05936b8465a41-131468052530012522/|title=No. 5 Florida 63, Kentucky 5|date=October 25, 2008|website=UK Athletics}} This was the largest margin of victory for the Gators over the Wildcats in the modern history of the rivalry.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/local/2008/10/25/blocks-spark-gators-to-63-5-rout-over-kentucky/31583408007/|title=Blocks spark Gators to 63-5 rout over Kentucky|first=Kevin Brockway Sun sports|last=writer|website=Gainesville Sun}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2008/10/25/14700.aspx|title=No. 5 Florida Tops Kentucky, 63-5, on Homecoming|website=Florida Gators}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2009/1/9/15086.aspx|title=Florida Tops Oklahoma, 24-14, to Capture 2008 BCS National Championship|website=Florida Gators}}{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Tom |date=2009-01-09 |title=Florida Beats Oklahoma, 24-14, For BCS Title |url=https://www.npr.org/2009/01/09/99147693/florida-beats-oklahoma-24-14-for-bcs-title |website=NPR}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/fanho-bcs-national-championship-2009-florida-gators-24-oklahoma-sooners-14/1889066/|title=BCS National Championship 2009: Florida Gators 24, Oklahoma Sooners 14|date=January 9, 2009}}
== 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/292690096|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006223229/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/292690096|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 6, 2023|title=Florida 41–7 Kentucky (Sep 26, 2009) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} Notably, former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow entered the game with a respiratory illness.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4505534|title=UF QB Tebow starts despite respiratory illness|date=September 26, 2009|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=October 3, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2009/09/26/tebow-2-other-uf-players-ill/15971909007/|title=Tebow, 2 other UF players ill|first=Michael|last=DiRocco|website=The Florida Times-Union|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} 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.{{cite web | last=DiRocco | first=Michael | title=Tebow returns from Kentucky, is 'doing fine,' coach says | website=Florida Times-Union | date=September 28, 2009 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2009/09/28/tebow-returns-from-kentucky-is-doing-fine-coach-says/15971857007/#:~:text=%22His%20CT%20scans%20came%20back,that%20Tim%20suffered%20a%20concussion | access-date=October 3, 2023}} After hitting the ground, he remained "motionless".{{Cite web|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/collegefootball/2009/09/floridas_tim_tebow_hospitalize.html|title=Florida's Tim Tebow hospitalized after hit against Kentucky|agency=Associated Press|date=September 27, 2009|website=oregonlive|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} He was later helped to the sidelines, where he vomited.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-sep-27-sp-florida-kentucky27-story.html|title=Tebow leaves blowout after taking hit to head|first=L. A. Times|last=Archives|date=September 27, 2009|website=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} He was taken by ambulance to the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center,{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2009 |title=UF QB Tebow taken to hospital after hard sack |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4507101 |access-date=September 26, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} where he stayed overnight and was diagnosed with a concussion.{{Cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E5D91539F934A1575AC0A96F9C8B63|title=Florida 41, Kentucky 7: Tebow Leaves Rout After a Blow to the Head|agency=Associated Press|website=The New York Times|access-date=October 3, 2023}} Tim Tebow would go on to play in Florida's next game two weeks later,{{Cite web|url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/college/2009/10/11/tim-tebow-s-return-uplifting/7438392007/|title=Tim Tebow's return an uplifting one for Florida Gators|first=Ben|last=Volin|website=The Palm Beach Post|accessdate=October 3, 2023}} and for the remainder of the season which saw Florida beat Cincinnati 51–24 in the Sugar Bowl.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2010/1/2/17182.aspx|title=Football Claims Sugar Bowl With 51–24 Win Over Cincinnati|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://gobearcats.com/news/2010/1/2/No_4_Cincinnati_Falls_to_No_5_Florida_in_Sugar_Bowl|title=No. 4 Cincinnati Falls to No. 5 Florida in Sugar Bowl|website=University of Cincinnati Athletics|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/college/florida-qb-tim-tebow-sets-record-in-51-24-win-over-cincinnati-sugar-bowl/|title=Florida QB Tim Tebow sets record in 51–24 win over Cincinnati {{pipe}} Sugar Bowl|date=January 1, 2010|website=The Seattle Times|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} Kentucky would also make a bowl appearance, which they would lose to Clemson 21–13.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/293610228|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527181329/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/293610228|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 27, 2022|title=Kentucky 13–21 Clemson (Dec 27, 2009) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-clemson-wins-music-city-bowl-beats-kentucky-21-13-2009dec27-story.html|title=Clemson wins Music City Bowl, beats Kentucky 21–13|first1=Teresa M.|last1=Walker|first2=AP Sports|last2=Writer|date=December 28, 2009|website=San Diego Union-Tribune|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} This would be Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks' last Florida–Kentucky game, as he would retire following the conclusion of the 2009 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=4794795|title=Kentucky coach Brooks announces retirement|date=January 4, 2010|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}
== 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.{{Cite web |title=Kentucky 30–36 Florida (Sep 13, 2014) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400548388 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=ESPN |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400610228|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504045722/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400610228|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 4, 2022|title=East Carolina 20–28 Florida (Jan 3, 2015) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2014/11/16/gators-coach-will-muschamp-fired-after-four-seasons-leading-uf/|title=Gators coach Will Muschamp fired after four seasons leading UF|date=November 16, 2014|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}
== 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400933866 | title=Florida 28–27 Kentucky (Sep 23, 2017) Game Recap }} Florida took advantage of two blown Kentucky coverages during the game to complete wide open passes to help seal the comeback.{{cite web | url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/watch-kentucky-blows-another-coverage-gives-gators-game-winning-td/ | title=WATCH: Kentucky blows another coverage, gives Gators game-winning TD | date=September 23, 2017 }} The Wildcats still had a chance to win it late, but senior kicker Austin MacGinnis missed a 57-yard field goal as time expired.{{Cite web |title=30 plus one for the ages: Florida rallies to extend streak against Kentucky |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article175113441.html |website=KentuckySports}}{{cite web | url=https://floridagators.com/news/2017/9/23/football-quick-slant-gators-kentucky | title=The Quick Slant: Gators 28, Kentucky 27 }} This would be the last of Florida's 31 consecutive wins over Kentucky dating back to 1987.{{cite web | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2018/09/09/streak-is-over-gators-lose-to-kentucky-for-first-time-in-32-years/10807297007/ | title=The streak is over: Gators lose to Kentucky for the first time in 32 years }} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/college/uf-gators/2017/10/29/mcelwain-fired-university-florida-football-coach/15778095007/|title=McElwain fired as University of Florida football coach|first=Garry|last=Smits|website=The Florida Times-Union|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}
== 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).{{Cite web |title=Kentucky 27–16 Florida (Sep 8, 2018) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401012263 |access-date=October 3, 2023 |website=ESPN |language=en}} 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 bowl appearance (Kentucky making the Citrus Bowl{{cite web | last=Story | first=Mark | title=Instant Analysis: Who's up, who's down after UK's 27–24 Citrus Bowl win over Penn State | website=Lexington Herald Leader | date=January 1, 2019 | url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article223768955.html | access-date=October 7, 2023}} and Florida making the Peach Bowl).{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401032076|title=Florida 41–15 Michigan (Dec 29, 2018) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aseaofblue.com/2018/9/8/17833926/uf-gators-football-dan-mullen-kentucky-florida-streak|title=Dan Mullen breaks down Kentucky, the Florida streak and more|first=Aaron|last=Gershon|date=September 8, 2018|website=A Sea Of Blue|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/college/football/2018/09/12/gators-have-accepted-coach-dan-mullens-get-tough-challenge/10614150007/|title=Gators have accepted coach Dan Mullen's 'get-tough' challenge|first=Robbie|last=Andreu|website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}
== 2021: Field storming | Kentucky 20 – Florida 13, Vacated win ==
File:Kroger Field during a Kentucky Football game.png
The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators in Lexington for the first time since 1986.{{cite magazine |author1=Nick Selbe |title=Kentucky Beats Florida at Home for First Time Since 1986 |url=https://www.si.com/college/2021/10/03/kentucky-beats-florida-first-time-since-1986#:~:text=Kentucky%20Beats%20Florida%20at%20Home%20for%20First%20Time%20Since%201986&text=The%20Wildcats%27s%20defense%20stood%20tall,remaining%20to%20secure%20the%20win |access-date=October 7, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=October 2, 2021}} The game was notable for the atmosphere at Kroger Field, hosting 61,632 fans that disrupted the Florida offense.{{cite web | last=Story | first=Mark | title='The fans were killing them.' The night the BBN helped the Cats take down Florida. | website=Lexington Herald Leader | date=October 3, 2021 | url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/mark-story/article254689057.html | access-date=December 6, 2023}} Throughout the game, Florida suffered 15 penalties, 8 of which were false start penalties.{{Cite web|url=https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/2021/10/03/florida-football-kentucky-wildcats-upset-penalties/|title=Penalties doom Florida on the road against Kentucky|date=October 3, 2021|accessdate=December 6, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2021/10/04/kentucky-football-fined-sec-storming-field-after-florida-win/5994626001/
|title=Kentucky fined $250,000 by Southeastern Conference for fans storming field after Florida win|first=Jon|last=Hale|website=USA TODAY|access-date=December 6, 2023}} In the following weeks after the game, Florida would continue to struggle, resulting in the firing of head coach Dan Mullen.{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32682644/dan-mullen-florida-gators-football-coach-sources-say | title=Florida fires Mullen, looking for sustained success | date=November 21, 2021 }} Despite this, Florida would still make a bowl game, which they would lose.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401331216|title=UCF 29–17 Florida (Dec 23, 2021) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ucf.edu/news/sunshine-state-ment-knights-get-gasparilla-bowl-win-over-gators/|title=Sunshine State-ment: Knights Get Gasparilla Bowl Win Over Gators {{pipe}} University of Central Florida News|date=December 24, 2021|website=University of Central Florida News {{pipe}} UCF Today|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} Kentucky would enjoy a successful season, winning 10 games including their bowl game.{{cite web | title=Photo slideshow: Kentucky defeats Iowa 20–17 in the Citrus Bowl | website=Lexington Herald Leader | date=January 1, 2022 | url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article256987607.html | access-date=October 7, 2023}} Mullen lost to Kentucky twice in his four seasons leading the Gators football program.{{cite web | url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/florida-football/dan-mullen-hammered-on-social-media-after-his-2nd-loss-to-kentucky-in-4-years/ | title=Dan Mullen hammered on social media after his 2nd loss to Kentucky in 4 years | date=October 2, 2021 }}{{cite magazine| url=https://www.si.com/college/florida/football/florida-gators-takeaways-kentucky-wildcats-loss | title=Takeaways from the Florida Gators Crushing Loss to Kentucky |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}
Kentucky vacated this win in August 2024, however, both schools continue to accredit the win to Kentucky in the official record books.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-02 |title=Kentucky will vacate wins as NCAA investigation finds football players received 'impermissible benefits' |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/kentucky-will-vacate-wins-as-ncaa-investigation-finds-football-players-received-impermissible-benefits/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Football History vs University of Kentucky |url=https://floridagators.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-kentucky/32 |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Florida Gators |language=en}}
== 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.{{Cite news |title=Florida Gators Fall Back to Earth with 26–16 Loss to Kentucky – Sports Illustrated Florida Gators News, Analysis and More |language=en |work=Sports Illustrated Florida Gators News, Analysis and More |url=https://www.si.com/college/florida/football/florida-gators-football-fall-back-to-earth-loss-kentucky-2022 |access-date=October 3, 2023}} The win marked the first time Kentucky defeated Florida in consecutive meetings since their wins in 1976 and 1977.{{Cite web |title=Final statistics from No. 20 Kentucky football's 26–16 win at No. 12 Florida|access-date=October 2, 2023 |url=https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-football/article265607206.html|website=KentuckySports}} The 2022 meeting was Florida head coach Billy Napier's first taste of the Florida–Kentucky football rivalry.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gatorsports.com/story/columns/david-whitley/2022/09/10/florida-football-kentucky-wildcats-uf-gators-harsh-reality-check-billy-napier-anthony-richardson/7996903001/|title=Losing to Kentucky shows Florida Gators they have a long way to go {{pipe}} David Whitley|first=David|last=Whitley|website=Gator Sports|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}
== 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401520282|title=Florida 14–33 Kentucky (Sep 30, 2023) Game Recap|website=ESPN|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} In the game, Ray Davis rushed for 280 yards and scored 4-total touchdowns in a historic 33–14 victory for the Wildcats.{{Cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/news/2023/9/30/football-final-quick-slant-florida-kentucky-sept-30-2023.aspx|title=FINAL: Kentucky 33, No. 22 Florida 14|website=Florida Gators|accessdate=October 7, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/09/30/gators-florida-football-kentucky-billy-napier-mark-stoops-ray-davisrd-straight-loss-to-wildcats/|title=Gators overrun at Kentucky, suffer third straight loss to Wildcats|date=September 30, 2023|accessdate=October 7, 2023}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Florida 14–33 Kentucky (Sep 30, 2023) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401520282 |access-date=September 30, 2023 |website=ESPN |language=en}}
=Game results=
{{Sports rivalry series table
| series_summary = yes
| cols = 2
| format = compact
| team1 = Florida
| team1style = {{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Florida Gators|border=0|color=white}}
| team2 = Kentucky
| team2style = {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Kentucky Wildcats|border=0|color=white}}
| November 29, 1917 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 52 | Florida | 0
| October 23, 1926 | Jacksonville, FL | Kentucky | 18 | Florida | 13
| October 15, 1927 | Jacksonville, FL | Florida | 27 | Kentucky | 6
| December 5, 1931 | Jacksonville, FL | Kentucky | 7 | Florida | 2
| November 9, 1935 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 15 | Florida | 6
| October 24, 1936 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 7 | Florida | 0
| December 4, 1937 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 6 | Kentucky | 0
| November 13, 1948 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 34 | Florida | 15
| November 12, 1949 | Tampa, FL | #14 Kentucky | 35 | Florida | 0
| November 4, 1950 | Lexington, KY | #5 Kentucky | 40 | #17 Florida | 6
| October 27, 1951 | Gainesville, FL | #17 Kentucky | 14 | Florida | 6
| December 6, 1952 | Gainesville, FL | #17 Florida | 27 | #19 Kentucky | 0
| October 3, 1953 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 26 | Florida | 13
| October 16, 1954 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 21 | Kentucky | 7
| October 22, 1955 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 10 | Florida | 7
| October 6, 1956 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 17 | Florida | 8
| October 5, 1957 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 14 | Kentucky | 7
| November 18, 1967 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 28 | Kentucky | 12
| November 16, 1968 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 16 | Kentucky | 14
| November 15, 1969 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 31 | Kentucky | 6
| November 14, 1970 | Tampa, FL | Florida | 24 | Kentucky | 13
| November 13, 1971 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 35 | Kentucky | 24
| November 18, 1972 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 40 | Kentucky | 0
| November 17, 1973 | Gainesville, FL | Florida |20 | Kentucky |18
| November 16, 1974 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 41 | #9 Florida | 24
| November 15, 1975 | Gainesville, FL | #14 Florida | 48 | Kentucky | 7
| November 13, 1976 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 28 | #15 Florida | 9
| November 12, 1977 | Gainesville, FL | #7 Kentucky | 14 | Florida | 7
| November 18, 1978 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 18 | Kentucky | 16
| November 17, 1979 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 31 | Florida | 3
| November 15, 1980 | Lexington, KY | #20 Florida | 17 | Kentucky | 15
| November 14, 1981 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 33 | Kentucky |12
| November 13, 1982 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 39 | Kentucky | 13
| November 12, 1983 | Gainesville, FL | #14 Florida | 24 | Kentucky | 7
| November 17, 1984 | Lexington, KY | #5 Florida | 25 | Kentucky | 17
| November 16, 1985 | Gainesville, FL | #11 Florida | 15 | Kentucky | 13
| November 15, 1986 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 10 | Florida | 3
| November 14, 1987 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 27 | Kentucky | 14
| November 12, 1988 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 24| Kentucky | 19
| November 18, 1989 | Gainesville, FL |Florida | 38 | Kentucky | 28
| November 17, 1990 | Lexington, KY | #6 Florida | 47 | Kentucky | 15
| November 16, 1991 | Gainesville, FL | #5 Florida | 35 | Kentucky | 26
| September 12, 1992 | Gainesville, FL | #4 Florida | 35 | Kentucky | 19
| September 11, 1993 | Lexington, KY | #7 Florida | 24 | Kentucky | 20
| September 10, 1994 | Gainesville, FL | #2 Florida | 73 | Kentucky | 7
| September 9, 1995 | Lexington, KY | #5 Florida | 42 | Kentucky | 7
| September 28, 1996 | Gainesville, FL | #1 Florida | 65 | Kentucky | 0
| September 27, 1997 | Lexington, KY | #1 Florida | 55 | Kentucky | 28
| September 26, 1998 | Gainesville, FL | #8 Florida | 51 | Kentucky | 35
| September 25, 1999 | Lexington, KY | #3 Florida | 38 | Kentucky | 10
| September 23, 2000 | Gainesville, FL | #3 Florida | 59 | Kentucky | 31
| September 22, 2001 | Lexington, KY | #2 Florida | 44 | Kentucky | 10
| September 28, 2002 | Gainesville, FL | #7 Florida | 41 | Kentucky | 34
| September 27, 2003 | Lexington, KY | #25 Florida | 24 | Kentucky | 21
| September 25, 2004 | Gainesville, FL | #16 Florida | 20 | Kentucky | 3
| September 24, 2005 | Lexington, KY | #5 Florida | 49 | Kentucky | 28
| September 23, 2006 | Gainesville, FL | #5 Florida | 26 | Kentucky | 7
| October 20, 2007 | Lexington, KY | #14 Florida | 45 | #8 Kentucky | 37
| October 25, 2008 | Gainesville, FL | #5 Florida | 63 | Kentucky | 5
| September 26, 2009 | Lexington, KY | #1 Florida | 41 | Kentucky | 7
| September 25, 2010 | Gainesville, FL | #9 Florida | 48 | Kentucky | 14
| September 24, 2011 | Lexington, KY | #15 Florida | 48 | Kentucky | 10
| September 22, 2012 | Gainesville, FL | #14 Florida | 38 | Kentucky | 0
| September 28, 2013 | Lexington, KY | #20 Florida | 28 | Kentucky | 7
| September 13, 2014 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 36 | Kentucky | 303OT
| September 19, 2015 | Lexington, KY | Florida | 14 | Kentucky | 9
| September 10, 2016 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 45 | Kentucky | 7
| September 23, 2017 | Lexington, KY | #20 Florida | 28 | Kentucky | 27
| September 8, 2018 | Gainesville, FL | Kentucky | 27 | #25 Florida | 16
| September 14, 2019 | Lexington, KY | #9 Florida | 29 | Kentucky | 21
| November 28, 2020 | Gainesville, FL | #6 Florida | 34 | Kentucky | 10
| October 2, 2021 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky*| 20 | #10 Florida | 13
| September 10, 2022 | Gainesville, FL | #20 Kentucky | 26 | #12 Florida | 16
| September 30, 2023 | Lexington, KY | Kentucky | 33 | #22 Florida | 14
| October 19, 2024 | Gainesville, FL | Florida | 48 | Kentucky | 20
| note = *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
{{Reflist}}
{{Florida Gators men's basketball navbox}}
{{Florida Gators football navbox}}
{{Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball navbox}}
{{Kentucky Wildcats football navbox}}
{{Southeastern Conference football rivalry navbox}}
{{Southeastern Conference men's basketball rivalry navbox}}
{{NCAA Division I all sports rivalry navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Florida-Kentucky rivalry}}
Category:College basketball rivalries in the United States
Category:College football rivalries in the United States
Category:Florida Gators men's basketball
Category:Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball