Florida football: Miami-Gator rivalry renewal a great idea, and here’s why

The powers that be could be interested in reigniting the rivalry between Florida football and Miami.

That haven’t played each other since 2013, and before that, the rivalry between Florida football and Miami reached a pinnacle in the 1980s before being shelved in the 90s and early 2000s.

Both schools, however, could be open to bringing that rivalry back.

As it stands now, the Aug. 24 season-opening meeting between Florida and Miami at Camping World Stadium in Orlando is the last on the books.

However, the Orlando Sentinel reported both schools could be looking at a home-and-home series starting up as soon as 2023.

Miami leads the season series with the Gators, 26-23 and the Hurricanes have won eight of the last 10 meetings between the schools, dating back to 1984.

The Gators did have a run from 1971 to 1977 where they handled the Hurricanes each year.

One thing you have to remember is before 2001, Miami and Florida faced each other every year since the series began in 1938.

Both schools have suggested needing to upgrade their non-conference schedule, although the Gators really didn’t show that with their 2020 non-conference schedule that includes the likes of Eastern Washington, South Alabama and New Mexico State.

In all, this is a great idea. If, for no other reason, than to strengthen Florida football’s schedule and this potential rivalry.

I know some of you younger members of Gator Nation won’t remember, but who could forget the 28-3 routing of Miami in 1983? Their only loss en route to a national championship.

Then, there’s this:

More recently, you have to remember the 26-3 spanking of Miami in 2008. Of course, the win was overshadowed by then-Gators coach Urban Meyer electing to kick a field goal on fourth down with 25 seconds left to play and up 23-3.

While the yearly rivalry with Florida State is the pinnacle, adding Miami to the mix on a yearly basis only does good for both programs.

It eliminates one patsy on the schedule (I see you South Alabama) and adds something very exciting that fans, players and coaches can really get up for.

I mean, where else do you have three Division I schools with such deep-rooted history with each other? In the same state???

This is perfect.

If Miami plays Florida State, you have a “state champion” if you will.

Now, I know fans of Central Florida, South Florida, Florida International and Florida Atlantic may cry foul here, but seriously, Florida, Florida State and Miami have considerably more history, conference titles and national championships to make this three-way race for the best in Florida credible.

But, for now, onward and upward to Aug. 24!!!