Florida to Play Miami in Orlando in 2019: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
The Florida Gators announced Tuesday they're officially renewing their football rivalry with the Miami Hurricanes.
The two teams will face off in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, to begin the 2019 season. The Orlando Sentinel's Mike Bianchi originally reported in October that Florida and Miami were in negotiations for a potential game.
"We are pleased to have partnered with Florida Citrus Sports and ESPN Events to kick off the 2019 season against Miami," said Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley in the school's press release. "Orlando is a great Gator city and we look forward to playing in front of our fans from all over the state of Florida and beyond."
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
The Palm Beach Post's Matt Porter noted a number of particulars remain unknown:
Billy Corben, who directed both of the Hurricanes-centric ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries, is already antagonizing the opposition:
According to Sports-Reference.com, the Gators and Hurricanes have played 55 times, with the latter owning a slim 29-26 edge. As an annual event, the rivalry essentially ceased in 1987, and the schools have only met on a handful of occasions since:
| Jan. 2, 2001 | Miami, 37-20 |
| Sept. 7, 2002 | Miami, 41-16 |
| Sept. 6, 2003 | Miami, 38-33 |
| Dec. 31, 2004 | Miami, 27-10 |
| Sept. 6, 2008 | Florida, 26-3 |
| Sept. 7, 2013 | Miami, 21-16 |
The allure of Florida vs. Miami has lessened somewhat with the Hurricanes' fall from the nation's elite. The Gators also looked to be stagnating as a program until head coach Jim McElwain arrived last year. With Mark Richt taking over at Miami, the school is in a good position to return to a level closer to its peak in the 1980s and late 1990s-early 2000s.
By the time 2019 rolls around, the Gators and Hurricanes' clash will likely be one of the most highly anticipated on the college football calendar.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
