If you're a sports junkie like me, then you can understand that the best part about sports is the rivalries. When the two teams with fans that can't stand each other square off, it's the best thing in the world. College rivalries are infamous for getting really heated. Just take a look at the biggest rivalry in the state of Florida: FSU vs. UF.
College rivalries are definitely fun to watch, but pro sports have entertaining rivalries too. Seeing as how I've lived my whole life in Florida, I've seen first hand how intense it can be with some of Florida's pro teams. Here are the top four Florida rivalries between professional sports teams:
1. Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat
The rivalry between the only two NBA teams in the state of Florida has been one that has been going on since both teams entered the league in the late 1980's. Miami leads the all-time regular season record against the Magic at 61-46. The two teams met in the post season only once in 1997 and the Heat bested the Magic in a 3-2 first round five game series. Both teams have never experienced peak periods at the same time, but that doesn’t stop Heat and Magic fans from taking this rivalry very seriously.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins
The Jaguars have only been in the NFL since 1996, but have managed to strike up an in-state rivalry with fellow AFC team, the Miami Dolphins. The two teams have met in the regular season seven times and the Dolphins have the 4-3 edge over the Jaguars. The Jag’s most recent victory over the Dolphins in 2015 was the closest contest between the two teams, with the final score coming out to 23-20. However, the most memorable game between these two teams was their one playoff game together when the Jaguars steamrolled the Dolphins in the second round of the 1999 NFL playoffs. The final score was 62-7 and was Miami superstar Dan Marino’s final game in the NFL.
3. Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
This is certainly a very unusual rivalry. Even though both teams have never crossed paths in the NHL postseason, the Lightning have performed better than the Panthers in the playoffs, and even the regular season. Yet the Panthers have a distinct advantage over the lightning when it comes to head to head match-ups. The all-time record between these two teams is 62-38-10-12 in Florida’s favor.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins
As Florida’s two oldest NFL teams, these two clubs have had 40 years to butt heads with each other. Both teams have only squared off with each other 10 times, resulting in a 5-5 tie. This is largely due to in part that the Bucs are in the NFC South and the Dolphins are in the AFC East. However, both teams have played each other in the post season 29 times, and the Dolphins have a 17-12 advantage. The only way these two teams could meet in the playoffs would be if they both made the Super Bowl, but neither team has ever made it that far in the same year. Though, the year that happens, it will only add fuel to this longstanding rivalry.
