Florida football: 5 best seasons in program history
By John Buhler
840. No. 1 Coaches/No. 1 AP. 2006 (13-1). 3. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. National Champions/SEC Champions. player
In the mid-to-late 2000s, it was a great time to be a Florida Gator. The men’s basketball team was at its apex under former head coach Billy Donovan, winning back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007. On the gridiron, Urban Meyer had returned the program to greatness less than a decade after Steve Spurrier left for the Washington Redskins.
Florida went 13-1 (7-1) that season, navigating the toughest schedule in college football. The Gators beat five teams ranked in the top 25, including three in the top 10. Their only loss came on the road at Jordan-Hare to No. 11 Auburn. After that mid-season defeat down on The Plains, Florida wouldn’t lose again.
With wins over division rivals Tennessee and Georgia, Florida cakewalked to the SEC Championship where the Gators would face Houston Nutt‘s No. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks featuring legendary running back Darren McFadden. After defeating the Hogs, Florida would then face the top-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes in the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale.
Florida obliterated the Buckeyes, crushing their souls to the tune of 41-14. The Gators won their second national title in program history and the first under Meyer. 2006 was a special year for the Florida program because it was the 10 year anniversary of their first national title under Spurrier, as well as their 100th season in program history. What a way to celebrate!