Most Thrilling Wins in FSU History: First Semifinal

Just four remain in our series where you pick Florida State’s most thrilling football victory of all-time.

In a match-up of victories over Clemson on Monday, the 10th-seeded win over the Tigers in 2010 grabbed the final spot in the semifinals by getting 57 percent against the third-seeded victory in the contest known for “puntrooskie”.

Tuesday’s first semifinal features the top-seeded 1994 Orange Bowl against the 2003 win at Florida — our No. 4 seed. The 1994 Orange Bowl advanced by receiving 86 percent of the vote to beat the eighth-seeded win over Miami to open the 2005 season.

The thrilling 2003 victory at The Swamp received 54 percent over the 12th-seeded 2014 overtime win against Clemson in the closest of our match-ups thus far.

No. 1: Florida State 18, Nebraska 16 (1994 Orange Bowl)
Jan. 1, 1994
The 1994 Orange Bowl was ultimately the contest that handed Florida State its first national championship. Against No. 2 Nebraska, Florida State was a heavy favorite and led 15-7 entering the final quarter. After a Lawrence Phillips touchdown and a Byron Bennett field goal however, FSU found itself on the short end of a 16-15 score with 1:16 remaining. With Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward at the held, FSU drove deep into Nebraska territory to set up Scott Bentley’s 22-yard go-ahead field goal with 21 seconds remaining. With FSU head coach Bobby Bowden already doused with Gatorade after watching Nebraska’s Trumane Bell reach Florida State’s 28-yard-line as time expired, officials cleared the rushed field and put one second back on the clock, giving Bennett a chance to win the game for the Cornhuskers. Fortunately for the Seminoles, his kick sailed wide and FSU escaped.

No. 4: Florida State 38, Florida 34
Nov. 29, 2003
In a contest that had four lead changes in the second half, Florida State’s 2003 trip to Gainesville looked to be a lost cause as the Seminoles faced 4th-and-14 from their own 24-yard-line, down 34-31. Quarterback Chris Rix was able to keep the Seminoles’ hopes alive with a 24-yard strike to wide receiver Dominic Robinson to move the chains. One play later, Rix went for the jugular. Forced to roll to his right, Rix unloaded a pass toward the end zone. With Florida safety Guss Scott’s back turned, FSU wide receiver P.K. Sam was able to haul in the pass for a 52-yard touchdown with 55 seconds remaining. The Seminoles were able to tackle a scrambling Chris Leak, Florida’s quarterback, on the final play of the game to preserve the victory.

Make Your Pick

To pick which contest was more thrilling, click below to vote in our Twitter poll. If you do not have a Twitter account, you can vote by emailing TDN editor Mike Ferguson at Mike@TheDailyNole.com. You can also vote in the comment section below. The winner will be announced with the next semifinal match-up.