University of Miami

Bad blood in the UM vs. UF football rivalry? See for yourself

By Miami Herald Archives

Gators vs. Hurricanes. It’s a rivalry that has been filled with drama, bitterness — and some great football games.

When the University of Miami and the Univesity of Florida take the field Saturday, Sept. 20, at Hard Rock Stadium, they will be trailed by that history.

Like in 1971, when UF’s defense purposely let UM score so the Gators quarterback could get the ball back and break a passing record. UF coach Fran Curci was so enraged that he refused to shake UF coach Doug Dickey’s hand, calling it “the worst thing I’ve ever seen in football.’’

Or in 1983, when UF soundly beat UM 28-3, only to see the Hurricanes win every other game in the season and then the national championship against Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

Then there was the time a former UF quarterback transferred to UM. Not only did Brock Berlin beat the Gators as a Hurricane in 2003 and ‘04, he orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in Canes history.

Old-time Hurricanes might know that former UM player and coach Walter Kichefski spawned the “Gator Hater’’ phrase. Kichefski played in that first game at Gainesville in 1938, a 19-7 UM victory, and refused to refer to Florida’s football team as anything but “The Gator.’’

So what has this rivalry looked like through the years? Let’s go through the Miami Herald photo archives:

"Florida Flop" in 1971, when the Florida defense hit on the ground, allowing University of Maimi to score so the Gators could get the ball back to set an NCAA passing record.
"Florida Flop" in 1971, when the Florida defense hit on the ground, allowing University of Maimi to score so the Gators could get the ball back to set an NCAA passing record. Miami Herald File
UF players celebrate in the Orange Bowl end zone after winning the Gator Flop game in 1971.
UF players celebrate in the Orange Bowl end zone after winning the Gator Flop game in 1971. Miamki Herald File
Miami Hurricane back Gary Mick jumps for a pass against the Gators in the Miami Orange Bowl in 1968
Miami Hurricane back Gary Mick jumps for a pass against the Gators in the Miami Orange Bowl in 1968 Miami Herald File
Action in 1975 game with UM hosting UF, back in the days when the Canes wore green jerseys and helmets.
Action in 1975 game with UM hosting UF, back in the days when the Canes wore green jerseys and helmets. John Pineda Miami Herald File
University of Florida quarterback Don Gaffney runs for a first down in the rain against the University of Miami.
University of Florida quarterback Don Gaffney runs for a first down in the rain against the University of Miami. Miami Herald File
The Gators and the Canes on the field during a rivalry game.
The Gators and the Canes on the field during a rivalry game. Miami Herald File
A 1976 game between the UF Gators and the UM Hurricanes.
A 1976 game between the UF Gators and the UM Hurricanes. Miami Herald File
UM’s Willis McGahee gets a first down before being tackled by UF’s Robert Cromartie in Gainesville in 2002.
UM’s Willis McGahee gets a first down before being tackled by UF’s Robert Cromartie in Gainesville in 2002. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
The University of Miami against the University of Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville in 2002.
The University of Miami against the University of Florida at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville in 2002. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
In 2002, UM quarterback Ken Dorsey goes back to pass in the fourth quarter against UF in Gainesville.
In 2002, UM quarterback Ken Dorsey goes back to pass in the fourth quarter against UF in Gainesville. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (#4) celebrates with teammate McCormick (#84) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville in 2024.
Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (#4) celebrates with teammate McCormick (#84) after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville in 2024. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
In 2001, Clinton Portis of UM is brought down by Todd Johnson of UM in the third quarter of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
In 2001, Clinton Portis of UM is brought down by Todd Johnson of UM in the third quarter of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. David Bergman Miami Herald File
On Dec., 31, 2004, the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators faced off in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
On Dec., 31, 2004, the Miami Hurricanes and Florida Gators faced off in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Jared Lazarus Miami Herald File
UF vs. UM in 1969.
UF vs. UM in 1969. Miami Herald File
Canes quarterback Brock Berlin hoists the Peach Bowl trophy in 2004 after UM defeated the UF Gators.
Canes quarterback Brock Berlin hoists the Peach Bowl trophy in 2004 after UM defeated the UF Gators. Al Diaz Miami Herald File
Sebastian the Ibis, a well-chronicled mischief maker, made the end of that 1987 game fitful for UF fans and hilarious for Hurricanes when, with about 30 seconds left, he “took a giant inflatable alligator and strung it up on the goal post in the open end zone of the Orange Bowl.’’
Sebastian the Ibis, a well-chronicled mischief maker, made the end of that 1987 game fitful for UF fans and hilarious for Hurricanes when, with about 30 seconds left, he “took a giant inflatable alligator and strung it up on the goal post in the open end zone of the Orange Bowl.’’ John Routh Miami Herald File
Sebastian the Ibis holding the Gators on Sept. 7, 2002.
Sebastian the Ibis holding the Gators on Sept. 7, 2002. walter michot/mhs

This story was originally published September 17, 2025 at 11:11 AM.

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