Five most memorable opening day wins in Florida Football history

1982 - Miami

Once upon a time, Florida and Miami squared off far more frequently. The rivalry was relegated to one-off appearances when the SEC expanded the 12 teams.

In 1982, both teams entered the swamp ranked in the top 20. It was a low-scoring affair, and with under two minutes to go, the Gators were trailing 14-10. It was then that quarterback Wayne Peace found fullback James Jones for a one-handed catch to put the Gators on top 17-14.

Florida would go on to finish the season 8-4. Miami finished 7-4, but would win the 1983 national title. Fun fact: Miami’s lone loss in the 1983 season was to Florida.

1990 - Oklahoma State

Florida’s opener in 1990 isn’t notable because of the game or the team they beat. Oklahoma State wasn’t very good during this time frame, and the Gators won 50-7 in a complete blowout.

But this game makes the list because it marked Steve Spurrier's debut as head coach in the Orange and Blue. Their season opener highlighted a new era in Florida football that is still remembered to this day.

On the opening drive the Gators and Shane Matthews marched 80 yards and six plays utilizing a no huddle offense, something that wasn’t common in 1990.

Florida would go on to finish the season 9-2, just one year after they were 7-5. The Gators would have won the SEC title in 1990, but we’re ineligible to do so due to prior sanctions on the program.