The 1986 Auburn football game remains a flashpoint in the longstanding rivalry between the University of Georgia and Auburn University. During the game, a group of Auburn fans allegedly sprayed fans of the Georgia Bulldogs with hoses, an incident that has left a lasting impression on Bulldogs supporters. The event is believed to have involved current Auburn quarterback Gunner Stockton’s grandfather, adding a personal dimension to the lingering animosity.
Though nearly four decades have passed since the incident, Georgia fans have not forgiven the event. The memory of the hosing remains a sensitive topic in the rivalry, with many Bulldogs fans still referencing it as a moment that sparked long-standing resentment. The incident has become a symbol of the intensity and sometimes the hostility that can accompany college football rivalries, particularly in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Auburn’s actions during the 1986 game have been a subject of discussion among fans and historians. Some argue that the incident was a spontaneous outburst of fan frustration, while others see it as a more calculated provocation. Regardless of perspective, the event has left a mark on the relationship between the two schools, with the hosing incident often resurfaced in debates about the nature of college football rivalries. For Georgia fans, the incident remains a painful memory that has not been easily forgotten.