From 1990-2001, the schools met with both in the top 10 on 10 occasions; both teams were ranked in all 12 meetings. For perspective on the scale of just how elite Florida and Tennessee were in that stretch, the Iron Bowl has never had such a streak where both schools were so highly ranked the game had such national significance — neither has Georgia-Auburn or Florida-Georgia.
It’s the 9th time College GameDay has covered a Florida-Tennessee game, which ties the Gators and Vols for 3rd all-time, trailing only Alabama-LSU and Ohio State-Penn State (11).
Heupel said he found out how big the Florida game was to Vols fans “about 30-60 seconds after I arrived on campus.” Saturday’s game certainly is that big.