Thursday marks 95 days until the first game of the Willie Taggart era at Florida State. As part of the offseason wait, we’re doing a countdown that highlights players, games, and specific moments from FSU football history. On Wednesday, it was the 96 hours between Jimbo Fisher’s departure and Willie Taggart’s hiring.
Today, it’s the 1995 Sugar Bowl, where the Seminoles beat the Florida Gators 23-17 in a rematch of the regular season finale. The rematch is otherwise known as the “Fifth Quarter in the French Quarter”.
Most remember the regular season match-up that took place in November 1994. In the famous “Choke at Doak”, the Florida Gators entered the fourth quarter up 31-3 at Doak Campbell Stadium. They proceeded to give up 28 unanswered points for a final 31-31 tie.
The tie was effectively a loss for the No. 4 ranked Gators, who dropped to No. 6 for their SEC Championship contest against Alabama. Despite their eventual victory, Florida was unable to vault itself back in to the national championship discussion.
Instead, it was chosen for a Sugar Bowl rematch against its extra-motivated rivals. The Seminoles had just barely missed an opportunity to win the game in the regular season match-up. They were now in the Louisiana Superdome with a chance to claim full bragging rights and finish the season with another major bowl victory.
The Seminoles capitalized early, going up 17-3 thanks to some stellar play calling. Shortly after trading field goals, running back Warrick Dunn threw a 73-yard touchdown pass to ‘Omar Ellison on a trick play in the second quarter. Florida State’s defense then came up with a fourth down stop and had Danny Kanell take advantage of good field position. He found Kez McCorvey in the end zone with under eight minutes left in the half.
Florida responded with a deep pass of its own. Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel connected with Ike Hilliard for an 82-yard strike and put the Gators back in the game. FSU would tack on a field goal before halftime to make it 20-10.
The defenses turned it up a notch in the second half. Florida State’s lone score came in the first minute of the third quarter after Rock Preston returned the second half kickoff to the Florida 30-yard-line. Dan Mowrey chipped in another field goal and the Seminoles went up 23-10.
The final score of the game happened in the fourth quarter when the Gators went on a 17-play, 80-yard drive to pull within six. Wuerffel dove in for a touchdown and it was 23-17 with under four minutes remaining.
Florida State was unable to muster anything on the ensuing possession, giving Wuerffel and the Gators a chance with 2:27 left to play.
Linebacker Derrick Brooks ended the Gators’ hopes shortly afterwards. The FSU defense came with pressure and forced an errant throw from Wuerffel that fell into Brooks’ grasp. Florida State ran out the clock to preserve the 23-17 victory.
Warrick Dunn earned game MVP honors after totaling 182 yards: 58 rushing, 51 receiving, and 73 passing. The FSU defense forced three turnovers and sacked Wuerffel five times.
The Sugar Bowl win marked an NCAA record 10th straight bowl victory. Florida State also finished in the AP top 5 for an eighth consecutive year.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login