While I agree with the general sentiment, there actually was one such year: 1994. In 1994, they finished 4th, 6th, and 7th. Miami played against the eventual national champion Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, Florida was the preseason #1, and FSU was the defending national champion. FSU's lone loss of that season was, in fact, Miami and of course there was also that famous Choke at the Doak tie with Florida.
But yes, you're generally correct. While we were treated to some top-ranked showdowns at the end of the year between the Noles and Gators in the mid-90's, finding such showdowns in other states in other eras is really hard. In fact you can literally count the number of such showdowns between Texas and aggy on one hand. Same goes for the Iron Bowl, same goes for the Apple Cup, Civil War, etc. Those are hard to come by, I absolutely agree.