The History of Alabama vs Florida In The SEC Championship Game

Oct 10, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier runs off the field following a loss against the LSU Tigers in a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated South Carolina 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1996 Florida 45 – Alabama 30

1996 the year Steve Spurrier won a national championship.

Alabama entered the 9-2 after losses to Tennessee and Mississippi State, while Florida was 10-1, perfect in conference, but having  lost to their rivals Florida State.

The Gators were led by Danny Wuerffel, the decorated Heisman winner who also won the Maxwell, the Walter Camp, the Davey O’Brien, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.  Danny Wuerffel, a legend in his own time? It seems hard to remember him that way now doesn’t it.

Alabama was coming off a one point win over Auburn in the Iron Bowl and Coach Gene Stallings had an eye on another big year despite the two losses.  Stallings would of course retire after this year.

Alabama led 7-6 after the first quarter, but was outscored in the second quarter and then never caught up.  Steve Spurrier of course went on to lead his Florida Gators to a revenge win against Florida State with a 52-20 beat down in the Sugar Bowl.

It was another SEC Championship where the winner was destined for a national title.

Next: 1999