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Part of the appeal of college football is that every game matters. But some matter more than others, especially when revenge is involved.
Each SEC East school had at least one game last year where it didn’t play well, or just missed out on what would have been a season-changing victory.
The 2016 season brings a chance for redemption, and here’s a list of each SEC East school’s “revenge” game:
FLORIDA AT FLORIDA STATE
Date: Nov. 26
Location: Doak Campbell Stadium
Last year: Florida State 27, Florida 2
Late last season, Florida’s offense sputtered, but the unit hit its low-water mark in a lopsided loss to the Seminoles at The Swamp. The Gators struggled to move the ball, recording only 262 yards and no offensive points.
It was the third consecutive win in the series for Florida State, and the third time in as many tries that the Seminoles won in Gainesville.
The fact that FSU’s Dalvin Cook scored from 29 yards out with less than 30 seconds left hasn’t likely been forgotten in the Florida locker room, either.
GEORGIA VS. FLORIDA
Date: Oct. 29
Location: EverBank Field, Jacksonville
Last year: Florida 27, Georgia 3
Faton Bauta’s first career start was a day to forget as the Gators thumped the Bulldogs to basically salt away the SEC East title. In addition to Bauta’s four interceptions, Georgia — without Nick Chubb — rushed for a season-low 69 yards in the game.
Bauta won’t be around to get any payback (he’s now at Colorado State), but you can bet the rest of the Bulldogs will be looking for some come late October. Having a little more stability at the quarterback position will surely help.
VANDERBILT AT KENTUCKY
Date: Oct. 8
Location: Commonwealth Stadium
Last year: Vanderbilt 21, Kentucky 17
After posting a 5-7 record and missing out on a bowl, Wildcat fans spent the off-season wondering “what if?” Some of those thoughts had to turn to last year’s frustrating loss in Nashville.
The Wildcats had six trips inside the Commodores’ 20-yard line, gave up an interception return for a touchdown and gave up another score on a trick play.
Mark Stoops agreed when a reporter referred to the loss as “a low point,” so it’s safe to say this game is circled on his calendar this season.
GEORGIA AT MISSOURI
Date: Sept. 17
Location: Faurot Field
Last year: Georgia 9, Missouri 6
Missouri’s first drive of the game began on the Georgia 1-yard line after an Ian Simon interception return, but the Tigers managed only a field goal and didn’t find the end zone the rest of the day in a frustrating 9-6 loss. The Tigers held Georgia — again, without Chubb — to three Marshall Morgan field goals, but the offense only gained 164 yards in its 48 plays.
Of course, this was part of a 33-day touchdown drought for the Tigers’ offense. So this game was one of many to forget for that side of the ball.
TENNESSEE AT SOUTH CAROLINA
Date: Oct. 29
Location: Williams-Brice Stadium
Last year: Tennessee 27, South Carolina 24
South Carolina battled back from a 17-0 first-half deficit, only to fall short when Jerell Adams lost control of the football deep in Tennessee territory as the Gamecocks were driving to tie or win the game.
The past four games in this series have been decided by 11 points, with the Volunteers winning the past three. The coaching staff might be new, but the players will certainly be looking to turn their luck around against Tennessee.
FLORIDA AT TENNESSEE
Date: Sept. 24
Location: Neyland Stadium
Last year: Florida 28, Tennessee 27
It was 4th-and-14. With a six-point lead and 1:26 left on the clock, one play stood between Tennessee and a win at The Swamp. That play turned out to be a 63-yard catch and run for a score by Antonio Callaway, and the Gators held on for a crucial SEC East victory.
There usually isn’t any reason for Tennessee to find extra motivation for a game against Florida, but there probably is a little this season.
FLORIDA AT VANDERBILT
Date: Oct. 1
Location: Vanderbilt Stadium
Last year: Florida 9, Vanderbilt 7
In the midst of Florida’s offensive struggles last season, the Commodores had a prime opportunity for a program-boosting win in The Swamp. Despite hold a slim 7-6 lead for much of the game, Florida’s Austin Hardin converted a 43-yard field goal with 2:22 left to push the Gators to a 9-6 win.
A 74-yard touchdown run from Gainesville’s Ralph Webb was all the offense Vanderbilt could muster in the game, as the Commodores only had 30 yards passing in the contest.
Randy Capps is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, South Carolina and Georgia.
