When it comes to Florida Gators football, Steve Spurrier knows a thing or two. After winning the 1966 Heisman Trophy as quarterback for the Gators, he would go on to become their head coach between 1990 and 2001, winning six SEC championships and one national championship there. While he would coach South Carolina for a decade as well, Spurrier remains synonymous with UF and is now an ambassador for the athletic department.
So when Spurrier has something to say about the Gator’s chances this weekend against the mighty Alabam Crimson Tide, people listen. And Steve seems to like their chances of pulling the massive upset.
“It’s going to be one of the biggest games we’ve had around here in a long time,” Spurrier told Tony Barnhart of SI’s Fan Nation. “It’s going to be a loud one, that’s for sure. I really think we’ve got a chance.”
Spurrier would know something about beating No. 1 Alabama, too. While the Tide is 81-8 when playing as the No. 1 team in the nation under Nick Saban, Spurrier was responsible for one of those eight losses. Back in 2010, No. 1 Alabama traveled to Williams-Brice Stadium to play South Carolina as a 7.5-point favorite. The Gamecocks won 35-21 and their fans stormed the field in victory. It’s an outcome he’d love to see happen once again.
Not unlike the other time Spurrier coached a team to victory over a No. 1 squad. His Gators defeated No. 1 Florida State in 1997 as well.
“That was a big night for the Gators,” said Spurrier. “Maybe it could happen again. You never know.”
[SI]