Dominating Forces in SEC Football History

The University of Florida's 1996 football team made a strong case for being the most dominant force in Southeastern Conference (SEC) history, with statistics and records that stand alongside some of the greatest teams in the conference's past. However, like any great team, they had their flaws, and their image was tarnished by a rusty defense in their final four games. Meanwhile, the 1945 Alabama football team stands out for its unparalleled achievements, including an unbeaten and untied season and a crushing victory over Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl. Both teams demonstrate the qualities of greatness, but with distinct characteristics that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Key Takeaways:

• The 1996 Florida Gators scored 35, 45, 56, and 51 points against Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana State, and Auburn, the SEC's 2-3-4-5 finishing teams, respectively, and set SEC records for touchdowns (76) and points (559).
• Florida averaged 46.7 points against nine SEC foes, with an average margin of conquest of 31 points.
• The 1939 Tennessee Volunteers scored 212 points, with an average margin of victory of 21.2 to 0 in the regular season, but were defeated by Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl.
• The 1938 Tennessee team, which defeated Oklahoma 17-0 in the Orange Bowl, averaged a 27.6 to 1.6 margin of victory during the regular season.
• The 1961 Alabama national championship team gave up only 22 points in 10 games, the best SEC defensive effort in 22 years.
• The 1945 Alabama team, which was unbeaten and untied, crushed Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl and set 35 school and SEC individual and team records, many of which are still on the books.

Sources:

• "Tennessee Shows Why It Came Up Last Year Where It Did" by Bill Lumpkin, Scripps Howard News Service (exact date not specified)