Muschamp will experience rivalry with Ga. from unique perspective

Florida coach Will Muschamp returned to one of his old college stomping grounds Friday night — the stadium along the St. Johns River once known as the Gator Bowl. He does not have any fond memories. “They weren't good,” he said before speaking at the Jacksonville Gator Gathering at EverBank Stadium. Not as a player at least. Muschamp was a strong safety at Georgia in the early 1990s (1991-94) and was 0-for-3 against Steve Spurrier's Gators in Jacksonville. He also was 0-1 in Gainesville.

But Muschamp does have some good memories of this place as a Florida fan. He grew up a Gator fan in Gainesville, and made the short trip to the Florida-Georgia game several times with his family, including to the 1984 game — one of the biggest Gator victories in the rivalry.

“I watched that one,” he said. “I sure did. I remember it well.”

Having the unique opportunity to experience this rivalry from both sides, Muschamp says it's something special — and something that needs to stay at this neutral site. “There's no environment like it coming into the stadium,” he said. “Obviously, growing up in Gainesville, my mom and dad came over to this game. I came to several. And I remember coming as a young man and playing in the game. “The excitement of the Florida-Georgia game, there is a certain buzz at practice. You're going to feel it. It's a great rivalry. I'm for it always being in Jacksonville. You go back through the history of the games, it's a lot of fun.”

The two schools recently renewed their contract with Jacksonville, and the agreement runs through the 2016 season.

by Robbie Andreau