I am sure this has been answered before, but I cannot find it - Can someone tell me why Florida is on our schedule every year?
It's a conspiracy. Way back in 1953, the SEC main office (in Birmingham) new that the conference would expand to 12 teams and split into 2 divisions in 1992. They also knew that Florida was going to go from a history of mediocrity to being very good in the early 90's. So they made LSU and Florida play each other every year since '53. That way it looks like a traditional thing come '92. Giving LSU the toughest permanant opponent from the East, thus making it easier for Bama to win the west every year. That's the reason Auburn and UGA started playing each other over 100 years ago as well.
While I am now convinced that Nutriaitch has supplied the true story, some research found another possibility. I feel smarter now. I hope some of you find it enlighting too. From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeastern_Conference#History
Florida is a traditional LSU opponent. We've played them in every season since 1952 except for 1968-69-70 for some reason. They were made our permanent East division opponent because of this. It has worked out well. Florida was a doormat in this league until Spurrier came, they never won an SEC championship until then.
I've never noticed it before, but these permanent East / West matchups are all pretty even. I mean, Vandy is not playing Auburn nor is Georgia playing Ole Miss. They all seem to be on an equal tier, with the best of the West playing the best of the East. Funny how that worked out...I wonder if the yearly competition had something to do with it. Personally, I love it. I look forward to the Florida / LSU rivalry every year. Well...every other year, because I hate the Swamp (probably about as much as Florida fans hate Death Valley).
