The Daily Nole

20-Year Nole Anniversary: Warrick’s TD Sparks Second Half Comeback vs. Florida

Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons/Allsport/Getty Images

The week of the Florida-Florida State game has a way of provoking great memories from contests past for both fan bases. On this day 20 years ago came a game-changing play from one of the more dynamic playmakers ever to don the garnet and gold in a 23-12 victory for the Seminoles.

The Nov. 21, 1998 match-up of No. 4 Florida and No. 5 FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium was intense even prior to kickoff as multiple players were suspended during a pregame altercation at midfield. FSU was 10-1 and Florida was 9-1 coming in as both teams hoped to make a final push for a national championship. The big question for FSU centered around quarterback Marcus Outzen, a redshirt sophomore making just his second career start in place of the injured Chris Weinke.

It was the Gators who would deliver the first blow as Travis McGriff managed to get behind FSU cornerback Tay Cody and score on a 50-yard scoring strike from Doug Johnson. Florida led 7-0 about five and a half minutes in, but that would be its only touchdown of the day. Still, Florida seemed in charge heading to the locker room.

The Gators held a 12-6 lead after two quarters. The Seminoles were able to muster only a pair of Sebastian Janikowski field goals in the first half. Florida looked to have scored a defensive touchdown while leading 7-6 on a sack of Outzen, but officials ruled that FSU recovered in the end zone, which resulted in a safety. Florida kicker Jeff Chandler’s 22-yard field goal concluded the first half scoring.

FSU’s first lead came on its opening drive of the third quarter on a play that would change the complexion of the contest. With FSU at the Florida 32-yard-line, Outzen fired a pass that looked initially as though it may go the other way for a Florida touchdown. The ball instead bounced off the hand of safety Marquand Manuel and into the hands of FSU wide receiver Peter Warrick who weaved in and out of defenders for the go-ahead touchdown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhFIibNBnmY

FSU would add to its lead with some trickeration early in the fourth quarter as Warrick found an open Ron Dugans for a 46-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 20-12. The Florida State defense would pitch a second half shutout, holding Florida to just 207 yards of offense for the game. Janikowski’s third field goal — a 41-yard make — with under four minutes to go capped the scoring.

As for Warrick, he would finish the day with 161 all purpose yards, including 119 receiving on eight catches. Outzen passed for 167 yards in the win while Travis Minor anchored the Seminoles’ ground attack with 127 yards rushing on 30 carries.

Defensively, Lamont Green led the Seminoles with six tackles and one for loss. Brian Allen had the only sack of the game for FSU while Reggie Durden, Sean Key and Mario Edwards all came away with interceptions.

The victory snapped a 2-game skid to rival Florida and ultimately prompted FSU into a national championship match-up with Tennessee in the Fiesta Bowl. Many — especially in Gainesville — still ponder how the contest might have been different if Manuel would have been able to snag the Outzen pass. Instead, Warrick turned a would-be turnover into a game-changing touchdown and he did so on this day 20 years ago.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson

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