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1996 Florida Gators football team

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1996 Florida Gators football
Consensus national champion
SEC champion
SEC Eastern Division champion
Sugar Bowl champion
ConferenceSoutheastern Conference
DivisionEastern Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 1
APNo. 1
Record12–1 (8–0 SEC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorCarl Franks (2nd season)
Offensive schemeFun and gun
Defensive coordinatorBob Stoops (1st season)
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumBen Hill Griffin Stadium[1]
Seasons
← 1995
1997 →
1996 Southeastern Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Eastern Division
No. 1 Florida x$   8 – 0     12 – 1  
No. 9 Tennessee   7 – 1     10 – 2  
South Carolina   4 – 4     6 – 5  
Kentucky   3 – 5     4 – 7  
Georgia   3 – 5     5 – 6  
Vanderbilt   0 – 8     2 – 9  
Western Division
No. 11 Alabama xy   6 – 2     10 – 3  
No. 12 LSU x   6 – 2     10 – 2  
No. 24 Auburn   4 – 4     8 – 4  
Mississippi State   3 – 5     5 – 6  
Ole Miss   2 – 6     5 – 6  
Arkansas   2 – 6     4 – 7  
Championship: Florida 45, Alabama 30
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1996 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 1996 NCAA Division I-A football season. The 1996 season was the team's seventh under head coach Steve Spurrier. The Gators competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and played their home games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on the university's Gainesville, Florida campus.

The Gators posted a 12–1 record and won their fifth consecutive SEC Eastern Division title, their fourth straight SEC Championship Game, and their first national championship in team history, with a 52–20 Sugar Bowl rout of their in-state rivals, the Florida State Seminoles.

The Gators used coach Spurrier's pass-heavy "fun 'n gun" offense".[2] Quarterback Danny Wuerffel won the Heisman Trophy. Wuerffel as well as his wide receivers Ike Hilliard and Reidel Anthony were consensus All-Americans.

The Gators outscored their opponents 612–221.

Before the season

[edit]

The Gators started the season ranked fourth[3] as they aimed for a fourth consecutive SEC title.[4]

Schedule

[edit]
DateOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
August 31Southwestern Louisiana*No. 4
W 55–2185,050[5]
September 7No. 14 (I-AA) Georgia Southern*No. 4
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
  • Gainesville, FL
SSW 62–1484,963[6]
September 21at No. 2 TennesseeNo. 4
CBSW 35–29107,608[7]
September 28KentuckyNo. 1
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
  • Gainesville, FL (rivalry)
CBSW 65–085,422[8]
October 5at ArkansasNo. 1
JPSW 42–752,318[9]
October 12No. 12 LSUdaggerNo. 1
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
  • Gainesville, FL (rivalry)
CBSW 56–1385,567[10]
October 19No. 16 AuburnNo. 1
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
  • Gainesville, FL (rivalry)
CBSW 51–1085,697[11]
November 2vs. GeorgiaNo. 1
CBSW 47–784,103[12]
November 9at VanderbiltNo. 1
JPSW 28–2140,249[13]
November 16South CarolinaNo. 1
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
  • Gainesville, FL
ESPNW 52–2585,701[14]
November 30at No. 2 Florida State*No. 1
ABCL 21–2480,932[15]
December 7vs. No. 11 AlabamaNo. 4
ABCW 45–3074,132[16]
January 2, 1997vs. No. 1 Florida State*No. 3
ABCW 52–2078,344[17]
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

[18]

Game summaries

[edit]

Southwestern Louisiana

[edit]
1 234Total
SW Louisiana 0 0147 21
• Florida 7 28713 55
  • Date: August 31
  • Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
  • Game attendance: 85,050
Scoring summary
113:34FLATerry Jackson run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-0
214:40FLALawrence Wright fumble return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 14-0
28:51FLAIke Hilliard pass from Brian Schottenheimer (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 21-0
28:29FLAIke Hilliard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 28-0
26:16FLAFred Weary fumble return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 35-0
39:32SWLBuford pass from Delhomme (Deach kick)FLA 35-7
37:13FLABrown interception return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 42-7
33:18SWLJackson fumble return (Deach kick)FLA 42-14
414:22SWLRichard pass from Delhomme (Deach kick)FLA 42-21
49:54FLABart Edmiston field goalFLA 45-21
47:28FLAFred Weary interception return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 52-21
42:03FLABart Edmiston field goalFLA 55-21

In the season opener at the Swamp, Florida beat Southwestern Louisiana 55–21.[19]

Bob Stoops's Gator defense held the Cajuns scoreless in the first half, and scored four touchdowns (as much as the offense).[19] Cornerback Fred Weary himself accounted for two touchdowns.[19]

Georgia Southern

[edit]
1 234Total
Ga. Southern 7 070 14
• Florida 14 21207 62
  • Date: September 7
  • Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
  • Game attendance: 84,962
Scoring summary
112:09FLAReidel Anthony pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-0
14:35GSURussell run (Stalnaker kick)7-7
12:26FLATerry Jackson run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 14-7
210:38FLATerry Jackson run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 21-7
29:57FLADavis fumble return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 28-7
24:52FLAElijah Williams run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 35-7
313:26FLAJacquez Green pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 42-7
37:02GSUCunningham run (Stalnaker kick)FLA 42-14
35:17FLAMcCaslin run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 49-14
30:01FLABrian Schottenheimer run (kick failed)FLA 55-14
43:36FLAMcCaslin run (Cooper kick)FLA 62-14

In the second week of play, the Gators romped with a 62–14 defeat of Georgia Southern.[20] The offense was back after misfiring in the opener as Danny Wuerffel had a near perfect game, completing 15 of 16 passes for and two touchdowns.[20]

The defense underperformed, giving up 311 yards to Georgia Southern's flexbone attack.[20]

Tennessee

[edit]
1 234Total
• Florida 14 2100 35
Tennessee 0 61013 29
Scoring summary
112:00FLAReidel Anthony pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-0
110:34FLATerry Jackson pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 14-0
211:57FLAIke Hilliard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 21-0
211:03FLAJacquez Green pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 28-0
210:06FLAAnthone Lott fumble return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 35-0
29:47TENPeerless Price pass from Peyton Manning (two-point conversion failed)FLA 35-6
311:14TENJeff Hall field goalFLA 35-9
32:21TENAndy McCullough pass from Peyton Manning (Jeff Hall kick)FLA 35-16
48:01TENEric Lane pass from Peyton Manning (two-point conversion failed)FLA 35-22
40:10TENAndy McCullough pass from Peyton Manning (Jeff Hall kick)FLA 35-29

The third game was a showdown between No. 4 Florida and No. 2 Tennessee. Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning had not beaten the Gators in two previous attempts, and after a second-half meltdown a year earlier in Gainesville, the Volunteers were looking to exact revenge on their SEC East rival in Knoxville. The game featured two of the top quarterbacks in college football, Manning and Florida's Danny Wuerffel. Both teams featured strong aerial attacks, but Florida's Fred Taylor and Tennessee's Jay Graham were among the SEC's best tailbacks. ESPN's College Gameday was on hand to broadcast their pregame show live from Knoxville.[21]

The tone for the game was set on Florida's first drive, as Spurrier spurned the punt team on a 4th and 10 from the UT 35, and Wuerffel connected with Reidel Anthony for a touchdown to put the Gators up 7–0. Teako Brown intercepted Manning on the Volunteers' first drive, and it took Wuerffel only one play to find the end zone again, hitting Terry Jackson from out to extend the lead to 14–0.[22] Florida doubled their lead in a 52-second stretch early in the 2nd quarter, as Ike Hilliard and Jacquez Green became the third and fourth different receivers with touchdown receptions on the afternoon, sandwiched around a James Bates interception of Manning. Anthone Lott's fumble return stretched the lead to 35–0, before Manning finally got the Vols on the scoreboard before halftime on a strike to Peerless Price.[22]

External videos
video icon Tennessee game, YouTube video.

With Florida switching to a more conservative offensive game plan in the second half, Manning cut the lead to 35–22 with 8 minutes left with 2 more touchdown tosses, including a second to Price. Andy McCellough's reception brought the Vols within 35–29 with 10 seconds to play, but Florida recovered the ensuing onside kick to hang on for a six-point win on a rainy Knoxville afternoon.[22][n 1] Florida limited tailback Jay Graham to on 12 carries, while Manning threw for a school-record .[23]

Kentucky

[edit]
1 234Total
Kentucky 0 000 0
• Florida 21 20177 65
  • Date: September 28
  • Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
  • Game attendance: 85,422
Scoring summary
113:57FLAIke Hilliard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-0
1FLABart Edmiston field goalFLA 10-0
14:24FLAReidel Anthony pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 17-0
10:10FLABart Edmiston field goalFLA 20-0
210:54FLAReidel Anthony pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 34-0
27:33FLAFred Taylor run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 34-0
20:00FLAElijah Williams run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 41-0
312:17FLAJacquez Green punt return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 48-0
39:17FLAJacquez Green punt return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 55-0
33:13FLABart Edmiston field goalFLA 58-0
49:56FLARichardson pass from Doug Johnson (Cooper kick)FLA 65-0

Coming off a big win in Knoxville the week before and being ranked #1 for the first time since 1994, the Gators were looking for somewhat of an easy home game against the Kentucky Wildcats. This would prove true as the Gators posted their first shutout since a 31–0 drubbing of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1994, with Florida defeating Kentucky 65–0.[24]

The Gators scored just 63 seconds into the game with a touchdown pass from Danny Wuerffel to Ike Hilliard. Wuerffel would have 3 touchdown passes in all, but the day belonged to Jacquez Green. In the 3rd quarter, Green took a punt back for a touchdown. On Kentucky's next possession, they would punt again and Green, who was still breathing heavy from his first return, weaved his way for another score. In all, the Gators amassed over 300 return yards from punts and kickoffs.[24] Fred Taylor made his season debut with 45 yards on six attempts.[25]

Arkansas

[edit]
1 234Total
• Florida 14 01414 42
Arkansas 0 700 7
Scoring summary
111:55FLAReidel Anthony 56-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-0
10:39FLATerry Jackson 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 14-0
25:07ARKBurks 1-yard run (Latourette kick)FLA 14-7
310:03FLAReidel Anthony 23-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 21-7
35:34FLAReidel Anthony 6-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 28-7
414:55FLAIke Hilliard 7-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 35-7
48:52FLAMcCaslin 18-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 42-7

Florida traveled to Fayetteville and beat Arkansas 42–7. The Gators had an abysmal second quarter, but recovered and Danny Wuerffel threw for a then-school record of 462 yards.[26]

A defensive stand and missed field goal by Arkansas to start the second half "jolted the Gators back to life."[26] Wuerffel then passed for three touchdowns.[26]

LSU

[edit]
1 234Total
LSU 0 607 13
• Florida 14 28014 56
  • Date: October 12
  • Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
  • Game attendance: 85,567
Scoring summary
112:53FLAReidel Anthony 13-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-0
14:29FLADanny Wuerffel 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 14-0
213:34LSUFoster 8-yard pass from Tyler (Kick blocked)FLA 14-6
211:40FLATerry Jackson 2-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 21-6
27:26FLAJacquez Green 7-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 28-6
26:27FLAIke Hilliard 7-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 35-6
23:27FLAElijah Williams 45-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 42-6
414:36FLAIke Hilliard 8-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 49-6
411:58LSUMealey 2-yard run (Richie kick)FLA 49-13
46:13FLAMcCaslin 5-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 56-13

With Florida winning so convincingly all season, the next two weeks might have proved a challenge for the Gators, with #12 LSU and #16 Auburn coming to town. It was business as usual for the Gators. The Gators proved themselves worthy of the #1 ranking as they first thumped the LSU Tigers 56–13.[27]

LSU came in undefeated on the campaign and featured an offense that scored 38 points per game. Florida, however, was not thinking upset, as Danny Wuerffel threw three touchdowns, two of them to Ike Hilliard, and ran for another score as the Gators proved to have the better offense.[27] Fred Taylor had a breakout game, running for 107 yards on 16 carries.[25]

Their defense came to play as well as they forced two turnovers and recorded 7 sacks and held the LSU offense to just 28 rushing yards.[27]

Auburn

[edit]
1 234Total
Auburn 7 300 10
• Florida 7 141614 51
  • Date: October 19
  • Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
  • Game start: 3:30 p. m.
  • Game attendance: 85,697
Scoring summary
112:00FLAReidel Anthony 24-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-0
13:52AUBCooper 7-yard run (Holmes kick)7-7
214:58FLADanny Wuerffel 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 14-7
212:00FLATerry Jackson 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 21-7
23:17AUBHolmes 41-yard field goalFLA 21-10
311:57FLABart Edmiston 25-yard field goalFLA 24-10
3FLAReidel Anthony 8-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Kick failed)FLA 30-10
37:26FLAElijah Williams 14-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 37-10
48:32FLAIke Hilliard 18-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 44-10
45:16FLATerry Jackson 10-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 51-10

Next was another ranked team, as 16th ranked Auburn came to Gainesville. The first half may have been closer than most would have expected, as Auburn kicked a field goal late to trail just 21–10. But that would be it for the Tigers as the Gators reeled off 30 unanswered points en route to a 51–10 win.[28]

Like the LSU game, the Gators scored quick and often, amassing over 600 yards of offense and holding Auburn to just 173 yards. Danny Wuerffel again threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another for the red-hot Florida offense.[29] Taylor ran for 110 yards on 14 carries.[25]

Georgia

[edit]
See also: 1996 Georgia Bulldogs football team and Florida–Georgia football rivalry
#1 Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Florida 20 14 01347
Georgia 0 0 077

at Alltel Stadium • Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: November 2
  • Game attendance: 84,103
  • USA Today
Game information

Top ranked Florida was coming in looking to win its 7th consecutive game against Georgia in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. At the end of the day, Alltel Stadium was half teal (teal seats in the stadium representing the primary color of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars) and half orange and blue as the Gators won 47–7. By this point in the season, Florida was bruising their opponents by an average score of 52–12.[30]

Danny Wuerffel again would have an outstanding game, bolstering his Heisman Trophy candidacy, with 279 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. The Gators also amassed over 200 yards rushing. The Gator defense held the Dawgs to just 272 yards and one touchdown on the day.[30]

Vanderbilt

[edit]
1 234Total
• Florida 7 1470 28
Vanderbilt 3 0117 21
  • Date: November 9
  • Location: Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
  • Game attendance: 40,249
Scoring summary
110:54VANBrett Speakman 27-yard field goalVAN 3-0
18:30FLAReidel Anthony 14-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-3
214:51FLAJacquez Green 28-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 14-3
28:36FLAIke Hilliard 31-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 21-3
310:00VANBrett Speakman 27-yard field goalFLA 21-6
37:04FLAJacquez Green 9-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 28-6
32:07VANJamie Duncan 31-yard fumble return (Allen pass to Todd Yoder)FLA 28-14
413:21VANJason Dunnavant 34-yard run (Brett Speakman kick)FLA 28-21

Hampered by penalties throughout, the Gators survived a scare with the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville 28–21.[31]

After an injury to tackle Zach Piller, Vanderbilt sacked and stripped Danny Wuerffel, and Jamie Duncan returned the fumble for a touchdown.[31] A 2-point conversion on a pass to Todd Yoder brought the score to 28–14 and inspired the Commodores.[31] Early in the fourth quarter, Vanderbilt back Jason Dunnavant broke off a 34-yard touchdown run and the score was 28–21.[31] Vanderbilt missed a field goal, and one final drive was stopped at its own 47-yard line.[31]

Overcoming five sacks, Wuerffel passed for 283 yards and four touchdowns.[31]

South Carolina

[edit]
1 234Total
South Carolina 6 973 25
• Florida 14 14717 52
  • Date: November 16
  • Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
  • Game attendance: 85,701
Scoring summary
18:57SCWright 7-yard run (Run failed)SC 6-0
15:20FLAFred Taylor 5-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-6
13:20FLAJacquez Green 56-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 14-6
214:48FLAReidel Anthony 52-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 21-6
29:59SCWright 8-yard run (Run failed)FLA 21-12
26:53FLATerry Jackson 4-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 28-12
20:02SCMorton 27-yard field goalFLA 28-15
313:28FLAPeterson 9-yard blocked punt return (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 35-15
30:51SCWilliams 2-yard run (Leavitt kick)FLA 35-22
413:13FLABart Edmiston 21-yard field goalFLA 38-22
48:06FLAFred Taylor 27-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 45-22
43:49FLAFred Taylor 25-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 52-22
40:03SCLeavitt 32-yard field goalFLA 52-25

The Gators struggled despite a 52–25 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks.[32] Wuerffel had an off-day, especially late, and never failed to find a passing rhythm;[33] but was helped by Fred Taylor to lift Florida over the Gamecocks.[25] Spurrier became the Gators' all-time winningest coach, surpassing Ray Graves' 70 career wins.[34] Spurrier gave Graves a game ball, who gave a talk to the team.[35]

Early on in the game, Wuerffel threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to Jacquez Green and a 52-yard touchdown pass to Reidel Anthony.[32] Taylor ran for 139 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries on the day.[25]

Florida State

[edit]
1 234Total
Florida 0 1407 21
• FSU 17 007 24
  • Date: November 30
  • Location: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Game attendance: 80,932
Scoring summary
1FSUBentley 26-yard field goalFSU 3-0
1FSUWilliams 3-yard run (Bentley kick)FSU 10-0
1FSUPearsall 1-yard pass from Thad Busby (Bentley kick)FSU 17-0
2FLAJacquez Green 1-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FSU 17-7
2FLAJacquez Green 9-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FSU 17-14
4FSUWilliams 1-yard run (Bentley kick)FSU 24-14
4FLAReidel Anthony 2-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Cooper kick)FSU 24-21

The rival Florida State Seminoles defeated the Gators 24–21, seemingly ending Florida's chance at a national title. For the first time in series history, both squads were an undefeated 10–0.[36] The Seminoles scored 17 straight points in the first quarter and Warrick Dunn rushed for a career-best 185 yards.[36]

"We just hit to the echo" said FSU coach Bobby Bowden (pictured)

The Seminoles also had one of the best defenses in the nation, with a savage pass rush which included All-Americans Peter Boulware and Reinard Wilson.[37] The Seminoles had been flagged for roughing the passer twice during the game, and Spurrier had the UF video staff compile footage which he claimed showed FSU players tackling Wuerffel late a half-dozen additional times.[38] Gator receiver Reidel Anthony still managed career bests in receptions (11) and yards gained (193). "If Danny would have had more time, we would have killed them. I was getting past them all the time with all kinds of routes."[39] Florida had 443 yards of offense, but Wuerffel threw three interceptions and was sacked six times.[36]

External videos
video icon FSU game, YouTube video.

The third quarter was scoreless as both teams played well on defense.[40] FSU's "Pooh Bear" Williams got the ball into the endzone to put the Seminoles up 24–14 midway through the fourth quarter.[36] Down late, Florida went 80 yards in eight plays, including a 31-yard pass to Anthony, down to the 3-yard line.[36] A short pass to Anthony brought Florida within a field goal with just over a minute left.[36] The subsequent onside kick went out of bounds, and the game was sealed when Dunn ran for a first down.[36] Spurrier continued to complain to the press about the late hits while FSU coach Bobby Bowden responded that he thought the hits in question were clean while admitting that "we just hit to the echo (of the whistle), instead of the whistle."[41]

Postseason

[edit]

Alabama

[edit]
SEC Championship
1 234Total
Alabama 7 7142 30
• Florida 6 18147 45
  • Date: December 7
  • Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
  • Game attendance: 74,132
Scoring summary
18:52ALARiddle 36-yard pass from Kitchens (Brock kick)ALA 7-0
13:11FLAIke Hilliard 46-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (kick blocked)ALA 7-6
214:37FLAReidel Anthony 21-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Anthony pass from Wuerffel)FLA 14-7
212:35FLAElijah Williams 45-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Cooper kick)FLA 21-7
27:29FLACooper 35-yard field goalFLA 24-7
20:39ALAVaughn 8-yard pass from Kitchens (Brock kick)FLA 24-14
39:12ALARiddle 5-yard run (Brock kick)FLA 24-21
35:14FLAReidel Anthony 13-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Cooper kick)FLA 31-21
34:06ALAVaughn 94-yard pass from Kitchens (Brock kick)FLA 31-28
33:09FLAJacquez Green 85-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Cooper kick)FLA 38-28
414:54FLAReidel Anthony 21-yard pass (Cooper kick)FLA 45-28
44:32ALASafety, Wuerffel ran out of endzoneFLA 45-30

The Gators beat the Alabama Crimson Tide 45–30 in the SEC Championship, as Wuerffel passed for six touchdowns.[42] A 94-yard touchdown pass from Alabama to pull within 3 was answered by an 85-yard touchdown to Jacquez Green.[42]

Texas also upset Nebraska in the inaugural Big 12 Championship, securing the Gators a spot in the Sugar Bowl. To have a shot at a national title, the Gators needed Ohio State to beat second-ranked Arizona State—the only team to go through the regular season undefeated—in the Rose Bowl, which they did with seconds left, setting up the Sugar Bowl as the Bowl Alliance national championship game.

Florida State

[edit]
Sugar Bowl
1 234Total
• Florida 10 141414 52
FSU 3 1430 20
Scoring summary
19:48FLAIke Hilliard 9-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 7-0
17:49FSUBentley 43-yard field goalFLA 7-3
12:44FLABart Edmiston 32-yard field goalFLA 10-3
211:28FLAFred Taylor 2-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 17-3
27:28FSUE. C. Green 29-yard pass from Thad Busby (Bentley kick)FLA 17-10
25:18FLAIke Hilliard 31-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 24-10
20:40FSUWarrick Dunn 12-yard run (Bentley kick)FLA 24-17
310:45FSUBentley 45-yard field goalFLA 24-20
35:43FLAIke Hilliard 7-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 31-20
30:13FLADanny Wuerffel 16-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 38-20
48:52FLATerry Jackson 42-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 45-20
42:12FLATerry Jackson 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)FLA 52-20

The Gators used the shotgun formation to give Wuerffel more time to throw[43] and defeated FSU in a rematch 52–20, for their first national title.[44]

Hilliard scored once on a "stop and pop" where he stopped on a dime to avoid Seminole defenders, then ran into the endzone.[45] A 42-yard Terry Jackson touchdown run sealed the victory.[46]

Awards and honors

[edit]

National award winners

[edit]

Along with a national title, quarterback Danny Wuerffel was awarded the Heisman Trophy, annually awarded to college football's top player.[47] He was also awarded the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Davey O'Brien Award,[48] Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, as well as the Draddy Trophy, National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar, and College Football Association Scholar-Athlete Team. Lawrence Wright won the Jim Thorpe Award,[49] and was on the College Football Association Scholar-Athlete Team. Jeff Mitchell was an Outland Trophy semi-finalist.

External videos
video icon 1997 Sugar Bowl, YouTube video.

Wuerffel, Ike Hilliard, and Reidel Anthony all were consensus All-Americans.[50]

NFL draft

[edit]

Ike Hilliard was selected 7th overall by the New York Giants, and Reidel Anthony was selected 16th by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers[51]

Personnel

[edit]

Depth chart

[edit]
Offense
WR WR
Reidel Anthony Jamie Richardson
Nafis Karim Travis McGriff
 
LT LG C RG RT
Zach Piller Ryan Kalich Jeff Mitchell Donnie Young Mo Collins
Donnie Young Deac Story Corey Yarbrough Cheston Blackshear Scott Bryan
 
TE
Tremayne Allen
Teras Ross
Erron Kinney
WR
Ike Hilliard
Jacquez Green
 
QB
Danny Wuerffel
Brian Schottenheimer
Doug Johnson
Noah Brindise
FB
Dwayne Mobley
Jerome Evans
Terry Jackson
TB
Fred Taylor
Elijah Williams
Terry Jackson
Eugene McCaslin
Defense
CB
Fred Weary
Shea Showers
DE DT DT DE
Tim Beauchamp Ed Chester Reggie McGrew Anthony Mitchell
Willie Rodgers Keith Council Mike Moten Cameron Davis
CB
Anthone Lott
Tony George
Ronnie Battle
FS
Shea Showers
Teako Brown
Mike Harris
WLB MLB SLB
Johnny Rutledge James Bates Mike Peterson
Keith Kelsey Dwayne Thomas Jevon Kearse
SS
Lawrence Wright
Demetric Jackson

[52]

Roster

[edit]
1996 Florida Gators roster

Quarterbacks

Running backs

  • 6 Daymon Carroll – Freshman

Tailbacks

Fullbacks

  • 34 Jerome Evans – Senior
  • 35 Ernie Dubose – Junior
  • 36 Jayme Campbell – Freshman
  • 40 Rod Frazier – Freshman

Tight ends

  • 80 Shawn Nunn – Senior
  • 82 Dwight Edge – Freshman
  • 88 Taras Ross – Junior
  • 89 Erron Kinney – Freshman
  • 91 Tremayne Allen – Senior

Wide receivers

  • 3 Travis McGriff – Sophomore
  • 5 Jacquez Green – Sophomore
  • 8 Nafis Karim – Sophomore
  • 15 Reidel Anthony – Junior
  • 18 Jamie Richardson – Freshman
  • 19 Ike Hilliard – Junior
  • 20 Tyrone Baker – Junior
  • 31 Craig Dudley – Freshman
  • 83 Jason Dean – Senior
  • 84 David Nabavi – Senior
  • 85 Ian Skinner – Freshman
  • 67 Henry Kupczyk – Senior

Offensive line

  • 51 Ryan Kalich – Freshman
  • 57 Scott Bryan - Freshman
  • 59 Wyley Ritch – Junior
  • 62 Corey Yarbrough – Freshman
  • 65 Sean Ladd – Sophomore
  • 69 Zach Piller – Sophomore
  • 70 Cooper Carlisle – Freshman
  • 71 Jeff Mitchell – Senior
  • 72 Deac Story – Sophomore
  • 73 Pat Browning – Sophomore
  • 74 Zac Zedalis – Freshman
  • 75 Donnie Young – Senior
  • 77 Cheston Blackshear – Freshman
  • 78 Todd Holland – Junior
  • 79 Mo Collins – Sophomore

Defensive line

  • 53 Thaddeus Bullard – Freshman
  • 54 Willie Rodgers – Junior
  • 55 Willie Cohens – Sophomore
  • 56 Cameron Davis – Senior
  • 61 Buck Gurley – Freshman
  • 64 Derrick Chambers – Freshman
  • 66 Keith Council – Junior
  • 90 Mike Moten – Junior
  • 92 Reggie McGrew – Freshman
  • 93 Tim Beauchamp – Sophomore
  • 94 Ed Chester – Sophomore
  • 96 Ernie Badeaux – Freshman
  • 98 Anthony Mitchell – Freshman
  • 99 McDonald Ferguson – Senior

Linebackers

  • 22 Terry Jackson – Sophomore
  • 29 Mike Peterson – Sophomore
  • 30 Daryl Owens – Freshman
  • 39 Teddy Sims – Freshman
  • 41 Keith Kelsey – Freshman
  • 42 Jevon Kearse – Sophomore
  • 44 James Bates – Senior
  • 46 Xavier McCray – Junior
  • 49 Zuri Buchanan – Freshman
  • 50 Kavin Walton – Junior
  • 52 Dwayne Thomas – Junior
  • 58 Johnny Rutledge – Sophomore
  • 64 Jason Perry – Sophomore

Cornerbacks

  • 2 Shea Showers – Senior
  • 9 Anthone Lott – Senior
  • 10 Ronnie Battle – Junior
  • 24 Fred Weary – Junior
  • 28 Dock Pollard – Freshman
  • 48 Cedric Warren – Freshman

Defensive backs

  • 38 Demetrius Lewis – Freshman

Safeties

  • 1 Tony George – Sophomore
  • 4 Lawrence Wright – Senior
  • 13 Mike Harris – Junior
  • 26 Jon Xynidis – Junior
  • 27 Demetric Jackson – Senior
  • 33 Teako Brown – Sophomore
  • 37 Reggie Davis – Freshman
  • 47 Rod Graddy – Freshman
  • 38 James Gray – Sophomore

Punters

  • 43 Matt Teague – Senior
  • 87 Robby Stevenson – Sophomore

Kickers

  • 14 Bart Edmiston – Senior
  • 43 Matt Teague – Senior

Long snappers

  • 76 Mike Younkin – Freshman
  • 68 Scott Wise – Freshman
  • 60 Fred Hagberg – Junior

Coaching staff

[edit]
  • Steve Spurrier (Florida '67)– Head coach
  • Rod Broadway (North Carolina '77) – Defensive tackles
  • Jim Collins (Elon College '74) – Recruiting coordinator, Will and Mike Linebackers
  • Dwayne Dixon (Florida '85) – Assistant head coach, Wide receivers
  • Carl Franks (Duke '82) – Assistant offensive coordinator, Running backs
  • Lawson Holland (Clemson '76) – Tight ends
  • Bob Sanders (Davidson '76) – Assistant defensive coordinator, Defensive Ends
  • Jerry Schmidt (Nebraska '86) – Strength and conditioning coordinator
  • Steve Spurrier Jr. (Duke '93) – Graduate assistant
  • Jimmy Ray Stephens (Florida '77) – Offensive line
  • Bob Stoops (Iowa '83) – Assistant head coach, Defensive Coordinator, Secondary
  • Barry Wilson (Georgia '65) – Special teams Coordinator, Sam Linebackers

[53]

Team statistics

[edit]
UF OPP
Scoring 559 201
Points per Game 46.6 16.8
First Downs 303 192
Rushing 118 81
Passing 167 87
Penalty 18 24
Total Offense 6047 3373
Avg per Play 7.1 4.1
Avg per Game 503.9 281.1
Fumbles-Lost 16-7 27-14
Penalties-Yards 125-1095 90-748
Avg per Game 91.3 62.3
UF OPP
Punts-Yards 38-1475 86-3477
Avg per Punt 38.8 40.4
Time of Possession/Game 28:42 31:18
3rd Down Conversions 59/145 49/189
4th Down Conversions 12/19 8/23
Touchdowns Scored 76 26
Field Goals-Attempts 10-18 7-11
PAT-Attempts 71-75 20-22
Attendance 512424 281107
Games/Avg per Game 6/85404 4/70277

Scores by quarter

[edit]
1 2 3 4 Total
Opponents 57 45 66 60 228
Gators 148 220 117 127 612

Player statistics

[edit]

Offense

[edit]
Rushing
[edit]
Name # GP Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G
Wiliams, E. 25 12 106 690 19 671 6.3 4 46 55.9
Taylor, F. 21 9 104 650 21 629 6.0 5 30 69.9
Jackson, T. 22 12 79 398 10 388 4.9 8 34 32.3
McCaslin, E. 32 9 41 301 11 290 7.1 4 63 32.2
Baker, T. 20 11 16 80 0 80 5.0 0 18 7.3
Hilliard, I. 19 11 4 33 0 33 8.3 0 13 3.0
Anthony, R. 15 12 4 27 0 27 6.8 0 21 2.3
Green, J. 5 12 6 24 3 21 3.5 1 10 1.8
Mobley, D. 23 12 2 17 0 17 8.5 0 10 1.4
Evans, J. 34 12 2 11 0 11 5.5 0 9 0.9
Dubose, E. 35 12 2 9 0 9 4.5 0 6 0.8
Schottenheimer, B. 16 9 7 10 7 3 0.4 1 3 0.3
Richardson, J. 18 9 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0
Johnson, D. 12 7 3 2 12 -10 -3.3 0 1 -1.4
Brindise, N. 17 3 1 0 10 -10 -10.0 0 0 -3.3
Wuerffel, D. 7 12 63 126 226 -100 -1.6 2 18 -8.3
Team Total 12 442 2378 338 2040 4.6 25 63 170.0

Passing

[edit]
Name # GP Effic Atm-Cmp-Int Pct Yds TD Lng Avg
Wuerffel, D. 7 12 170.61 360-207-13 57.5 3625 39 85 302.1
Johnson, D. 12 7 99.87 27-12-3 44.4 171 2 27 24.4
Schottenheimer, B. 16 9 155.22 21-13-0 61.9 194 1 34 21.6
Brindise, N. 5 3 114.27 3-2-0 66.7 17 0 15 5.7
Jackson, T. 22 12 0.00 1-0-0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0
Team Total 12 164.37 412-234-16 56.8 4007 42 85 333.9

Receiving

[edit]
Name # GP No. Yds Avg TD Long Avg/G
Anthony, R. 15 12 72 1293 18.0 18 56 107.8
Hilliard, I. 19 11 47 900 19.1 10 46 81.8
Green, J. 5 12 33 626 19.0 9 85 52.2
Williams, E. 25 12 14 253 18.1 1 45 21.1
McGriff, T. 3 8 14 167 11.9 0 27 20.9
Jackson, T. 22 12 13 163 12.5 1 43 13.6
Taylor, F. 21 9 8 120 15.0 0 38 13.3
Allen, T. 91 12 7 118 16.9 1 32 9.8
Richardson, J. 18 9 5 75 15.0 1 34 8.3
Ross, T. 88 12 4 93 23.3 1 45 7.8
Mobley, D. 23 12 4 51 12.8 0 19 4.3
Karim, N. 8 9 3 47 15.7 0 27 5.2
McCaslin, E. 3 9 3 40 13.3 1 19 4.4
Kinney, E. 83 11 3 40 13.3 0 15 3.6
Dubose, E. 35 12 1 9 9.0 0 9 0.8
Dean, J. 83 5 1 5 5.0 0 5 1.0
Nabavi, D. 84 9 1 5 5.0 1 5 0.6
Schiralli, N. 81 4 1 2 2.0 0 2 0.5
Total 12 234 4007 17.1 42 85 333.9

Defense

[edit]
Name # GP Tackles Sacks Pass Defense Fumbles
Solo Ast Total TFL-Yds No-Yds BrUp QBH Int.-Yds TD Rcv-Yds FF Blkd Kick
Bates, J. 44 11 51 74 125 6.0-23 2.0-14 1 6 1-9
Rutledge, J. 58 11 40 59 99 12.0-58 5.0-39 5 1-0 4
Wright, L. 4 11 40 31 71 2.5-15.5 2.5-15.5 3 3 2-12 1TD 1
Showers, S. 2 11 52 16 68 1.0-1 3 1-0 1
Peterson, M. 29 9 27 18 45 3.5-10.5 0.5-1.5 2 3
Lott, A. 9 11 36 8 44 1.0-6 1.0-6 6 2-25 2-26 1TD 1
Kearse, J. 42 10 27 16 43 8.5-38.5 2.5-11.5 2 4 2 1
Chester, E. 94 10 21 20 41 9.0-35 5.0-28 19 1-0 1
McGrew, R. 92 11 23 15 38 3.0-4 1.0-2 1 7 1-0
Weary, F. 24 11 22 10 32 6 5-117 1 1-64 1TD
Harris, M. 13 9 16 14 30 1
Moten, M. 90 11 11 16 27 2.0-7 1.0-5 6
Mitchell, A. 98 10 13 12 25 3.0-14 3.0-14 1 5
Rodgers, W. 54 10 13 9 22 8.0-33.5 4.0-24.5 1 9 1-0 2
Jackson, D. 27 11 13 7 20 1.0-1 4 1 1-0 1-0
Kelsey, K. 41 8 9 10 19 4.0-17 1.0-9 2
Thomas, D. 52 11 12 7 19
Beauchamp, T. 93 10 7 11 18 7.0-43 6.0-40 9 1-6 1
Davis, C. 56 10 6 8 14 9.5-45 5.5-38 7 1-40 1TD 1
Brown, T. 33 6 7 4 11 3 3-73 1
Council, K. 66 10 3 6 9 2.0-9 1.0-7 1 3 1-0
Ferguson, M. 99 8 1 5 6
George, T. 1 11 5 2 7 1.0-7 1.0-7 1 1 1-2
Sims, T. 39 2 1 4 5 1
Owens, D. 30 2 2 1 3 1 1
Cohens, W. 55 3 2 2 1.0-4 1.0-4 2
Jackson, T. 22 11 1 1 2 1
McCray, X. 46 11 2 2
Perry, J. 64 4 2 2
Walton, K. 50 6 2 2
Badeaux, E. 96 6 1 1
Xynidis, J. 26 10 1 1 1
Battle, R. 10 11 1
Lewis, D. 38 10
Pollard, D. 28 6 1-0
Baker, T. 20 9
Total 11 467 386 853 85-372 43-266 37 93 14-226 2 14-148 4TD 15 3

Defense statistics reflect regular season games only

Special teams

[edit]
Kicking
[edit]
Name # Punting Kicking
No. Yds Avg Long Blkd FG XP
Cooper, C. 70 1-1 7-9
Edmiston, B. 14 9-17 64-66
Stevenson, R. 87 35 1475 42.1 64 0
Teague, M. 43
Total 38 1475 38.8 64 3 10-18 71-75
Returns
[edit]
Name # Punt Returns Kick Returns
No. Yds Avg TD Long No. Yds Avg TD Long
Green, J. 5 25 324 13.0 2 79 10 216 21.6 0 40
Anthony, R. 1 8 90 11.3 0 30 7 113 16.1 0 22
Richardson, J. 18 4 46 11.5 0 20 3 79 26.3 0 28
Hilliard, I. 19 1 10 10.0 0 10 5 144 28.8 0 40
Xynidis, J. 26 1 28 28.0 0 28
Jackson, T. 22 1 25 25.0 0 25 1 15 15.0 0 15
Lott, A. 9 1 0 0.0 0 0
Peterson, M. 29 0 9 0.0 1 9
Dubose, E. 35 2 18 9.0 0 16
Total 41 532 13.0 3 79 28 585 20.9 0 36

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Tennessee bounced back to stay in the national title picture at 6–1 before being stunned on the road at Memphis, and finished 10–2, defeating Northwestern in the Citrus Bowl.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ University of Florida Sports Information Department. "Florida 1996 Football Guide" (PDF). floridagators.com. University Athletic Association, Inc. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
  2. ^ Maisel, Ivan (October 13, 2015). "Steve Spurrier's Fun 'n' Gun brought football evolution to the SEC". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  3. ^ Dwight Collins (August 31, 1996). "Gators have the makings of a four-peat in SEC". Ocala Star-Banner. p. 6C – via Google News Archive Search.
  4. ^ Cecil Hurt (August 25, 1996). "Spurrier, Gators aiming for SEC four-peat". The Tuscaloosa News. p. 7-I – via Google News Archive Search.
  5. ^ "UF happily accepts a D". The Orlando Sentinel. September 1, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Gators cruise 62–14". Fort Myers News-Press. September 8, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Florida staggers Vols". The Commercial Appeal. September 22, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Florida has reason to crow". The Tennessean. September 29, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "No. 1 Florida passes another test". The Knoxville News-Sentinel. October 6, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Gators thump No. 11 LSU 56–13". Pensacola News Journal. October 13, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ "Gators send scary message in 51–10 mauling of Auburn". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. October 20, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Gators wallop Bulldogs". The Montgomery Advertiser. November 3, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ "Gators fend off Vanderbilt". The Jackson Sun. November 10, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Carolina swamped by Gators in second half". Anderson Independent-Mail. November 17, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "'Noles' defensive materpiece puts Gators on canvas". The Courier-Journal. December 1, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "SECond chance Gators?". The Tampa Tribune. December 8, 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "Such sweet revenge". Austin American-Statesman. January 3, 1997. Retrieved February 10, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
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  19. ^ a b c "Gators put bite on Cajuns". Ocala Star-Banner. September 1, 1996 – via Google News Archive Search.
  20. ^ a b c "Exhibitions over, bring on the Vols". Ocala Star-Banner. September 8, 1996 – via Google News Archive Search.
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  22. ^ a b c Robbie Andreu. "Gators conquer Rocky Top". Ocala Star-Banner. pp. 1C, 4C.
  23. ^ "Florida 35, Tennessee 29". Chicago Tribune. September 22, 1996.
  24. ^ a b "Kelsey, Taylor have stylish returns". Gainesville Sun. September 26, 1996 – via Google News Archive Search.
  25. ^ a b c d e Collins, Dwight (November 17, 1996). "Taylor gaining more than yards". Gainesville Sun.
  26. ^ a b c Robbie Andreu (October 6, 1996). "From Doubt to rout, Gators roll". Ocala Star-Banner – via Google News Archive Search.
  27. ^ a b c Robbie Andreu (October 13, 1996). "LSU No test for top ranked Gators". Ocala Star-Banner – via Google News Archive Search.
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  29. ^ "Florida defense serves Craig his words". The Tuscaloosa News. October 19, 1996 – via Google News Archive Search.
  30. ^ a b "Another routine rout for Gators". Ocala Star-Banner. November 3, 1996 – via Google News Archive Search.
  31. ^ a b c d e f Robbie Andreu (November 10, 1996). "Close Call". Gainesville Sun. pp. 1C, 6C – via Google News Archive Search.
  32. ^ a b Robbie Andreu (November 17, 1996). "Gators struggle, but still whip Gamecocks". Gainesville Sun. pp. 1C, 7C – via Google News Archive Search.
  33. ^ David Wasson. "Wuerffel wasn't quite himself". Gainesville Sun. p. 6C.
  34. ^ Pat Dooley (November 17, 1996). "Milestones & Memoirs". Gainesville Sun – via Google News Archive Search.
  35. ^ "Spurrier's top 10 home game memories at Florida".
  36. ^ a b c d e f g Dwight Collins (December 1, 1996). "Gators Dunn In". Ocala Star-Banner. pp. 1C, 13C – via Google News Archive Search.
  37. ^ Dwight Collins (December 1, 1996). "'Noles defense sacks Gators' title hopes". Ocala Star-Banner. p. 6C.
  38. ^ Moran, Malcolm (January 2, 1997). "A Backpedaling Spurrier Expects a Clean Sugar Bowl". The New York Times.
  39. ^ David Wasson (December 1, 1996). "Anthony's heroics overshadowed by loss". Ocala Star-Banner. p. 9C.
  40. ^ Buddy Martin (December 1, 1996). "Bowden Enjoys Defensive Third Quarter". Ocala Star-Baner. pp. 1C, 8C.
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  43. ^ "ESPN – NCAA College Football – The Moment".
  44. ^ Robbie Andreu (January 3, 1997). "Champs". Gainesville Sun – via Google News Archive Search.
  45. ^ Hutchins, Andy (August 29, 2014). "Florida's 48 for 2014, No. 19: The Stop and Pop" – via www.alligatorarmy.com.
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  49. ^ James Alder. "College Football Awards – Jim Thorpe Award". About.com Sports. Archived from the original on April 2, 2016. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
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  51. ^ "1997 NFL Draft". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
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