Florida football’s top 60 plays of the last six decades

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Over the past few weeks, Gators Online has chronicled the greatest plays in Florida football history. The top 60 from the last six decades are now ranked, along with 10 bonus plays and 60 honorable mentions. Plays were picked based their impressiveness and uniqueness, the opponent and magnitude of the matchup, and the implications of the play on a game, series, season, and, in some cases, a championship and career. In order to list as many highlights as possible, my top 60 features multiple 2-for-1 inclusions where a sequence of key plays or moments from a game were ranked together, such as the picks for No. 24, 27, 36 and 47. 60. Errict Rhett reverses field in Sugar Bowl Percy Harvin had a memorable reverse touchdown against Tennessee, but a TD run by Errict Rhett in his final collegiate game mirrors that play. And Florida’s all-time leading rusher deserves a shoutout. After helping the Gators win their first of four straight SEC titles, Rhett took a helmet to the back in the first quarter of the 1994 Sugar Bowl and came out of the game. After checking back in, West Virginia players were targeting him with late hits and cheap shots. On third-and-goal with UF trailing 7-0, Rhett reversed field, stiff-armed a defender and ran past two more for his first of three touchdowns. He won MVP with 105 rushing yards. The Gators scored 41 unanswered points to beat No. 3 WVU, earned their first 11-win season and finished in the top five for the first time since 1985. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 1, 2026 59. Kyle Pitts catches his 4th TD Kyle Pitts launched his John Mackey Award campaign with a record showing in Florida’s 2020 opener at Ole Miss. He caught eight passes for 170 yards and four touchdowns, tying a single-game school record for receiving scores. He matched the performances of Ike Hilliard (1995 against Tennessee) and Jack Jackson (1994 against New Mexico State), both of whom played receiver. Pitts’ final TD was the play of the game and clinched the 51-35 win. Kyle Trask threw into double coverage, but Pitts made the catch over both defenders and wrestled the ball away from one of the Rebels in the end zone. The score showcased the athleticism and strength of Pitts, who became Florida’s all-time leader for receiving yards by a tight end. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 3, 2026 58. Jack Youngblood’s goal-line stop For a couple decades, this was one of Florida’s greatest defensive plays ever. Though not one of the hardest hits in school history, it’s an incredible individual effort by Hall of Famer and Ring of Honor member Jack Youngblood. In 1970, he single-handedly turned the Georgia game around with his goal-line stop and turnover. The Bulldogs were up 17-10 in the fourth quarter and had a chance to take a two-score lead, but Youngblood stuffed Georgia’s Ricky Lake, pried the ball away and recovered the fumble. Florida quarterback John Reaves then threw a pair of touchdown passes to Carlos Alvarez in the final five minutes to give the Gators to a 24-17 comeback win. “I just snatched it away from them,” Youngblood said of his famous strip. “Heck, they do it all the time in the pros.” 57. Jack Jackson’s juggling act Jack Jackson made a number of notable catches during his college career, but this one — even in a losing effort — takes the cake. It came in the 1993 regular season finale against No. 1 Florida State, which won the national championship that year. The Seminoles led by 13 points in the fourth quarter when Jackson made it a one-score game with an incredible juggling touchdown catch. Terry Dean underthrew his pass on a corner route with two FSU players in coverage, but Jackson came back for the ball, tipped it to himself a couple times before making the 31-yard TD reception. Florida State pulled out the win, handing Steve Spurrier his first loss at home. Jackson was the 1994 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 3, 2026 56. Fee Bartley levels Todd Kinchen One of the defining hits of the Steve Spurrier era occurred during the 1990 season in his first rivalry game in The Swamp. The Gators hosted LSU and led 20-5 with a minute left in the first half. Tigers freshman quarterback Chad Loup threw on second down to wide receiver Todd Kinchen, who got rocked. Florida linebacker Ephesians “Fee” Bartley closed in and leveled Kinchen. The play drew oohs from the crowd, which then turned silent as he laid motionless on the field for almost a minute. The most notable aspect of the hit is that Bartley knocked Kinchen’s face mask loose. He eventually made his way to the sideline and was evaluated there, while the Gators went on to win 34-8. Bartley earned All-SEC honors in 1991 along with fellow linebacker Tim Paulk, both of whom had several big hits in Spurrier’s first two years. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 9, 2026 55. Vernell Brown III goes OBJ Becoming just the third true freshman wide receiver to start on opening day for the Gators, former five-star recruit Vernell Brown III introduced himself to the college football world last year in Florida’s season-opening 55-0 win over Long Island. Brown made the play of the game — and a candidate for the catch of the year — late in the first half. UF quarterback DJ Lagway scrambled right and launched his longest pass of the night, which traveled nearly 50 yards in the air. It was almost overthrown, but Brown adjusted to the ball while falling backwards and extended all the way out to make a one-handed grab for 41 yards. It was similar to the spectacular play Odell Beckham Jr. made in 2014. Brown became the first true freshman in program history to lead the team in catches and receiving yards. He earned All-SEC Freshman honors at wide receiver, all-purpose and return specialist, becoming just the fifth SEC player and first Gator to do so. 54. Brandon James’ 78-yard punt return at Tennessee The best punt returner in Florida history is Brandon James, who owns the school records for punt return yards in a career, season and game. His top highlight took place on Rocky Top. James had an 83-yard punt return against Tennessee at The Swamp in 2007, but the Vols were brave enough to kick his way again the following year. The Gators led 10-0 in the first quarter when James blew the game open with his sensational 78-yard return. He shook off five defenders and outraced the rest for a touchdown. “I thought the one against Hawaii was the best one I’d seen. He topped it with this one,” Urban Meyer said. “He even said to me that might have been his best.” Florida opened SEC play with a 30-6 win. Green and James are tied for the most career punt return touchdowns (4). 53. Tim Tebow seals the Heisman Tim Tebow had his Heisman moment with the seven-touchdown performance at South Carolina, but his first TD run against Florida State — and the 45-12 win — sealed the 2007 award. With the Gators down 3-0 midway through the first quarter, Tebow made one of the best plays of his iconic season and career. FSU should’ve sacked him, but he slipped passed two defenders in the backfield, cut to the middle inside the 20 and then bulldozed through four more Seminoles for a 23-yard touchdown. The Gators never trailed again as Tebow scored five total TDs, threw for 262 yards and rushed for 89. He broke his hand in the third quarter but finished the game. Two weeks later, Tebow became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy and had a cast on. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 1, 2026 52. Adrian White clinches 1984 SEC title For many years, this was one of the most meaningful interceptions for Florida fans because it clinched the 1984 SEC title. In the last conference game at Kentucky, the Gators were clinging to a 25-17 lead with the Wildcats deep in UF territory. UK threw a touchdown on second-and-goal to set up a game-tying two-point attempt, but the score was waved off due to a penalty. When the Wildcats repeated the down, Florida safety Adrian White jumped in front of a sideline pass and picked it off for the game-clinching turnover to beat Kentucky. White’s interception gave the Gators their first league championship in program history, which was later vacated. UF defeated No. 12 Florida State the following week to finish 9-1-1. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 51. Danny Wuerffel to Jacquez Green for 85-yard TD This is tied for the eighth-longest pass in school history, but it’s the longest by Florida in an SEC Championship Game and a career long for Danny Wuerffel. It wasn’t the longest TD pass that night, however. Alabama had just grabbed momentum with a 94-yard score from Freddie Kitchens to Michael Vaughn — an SEC title game record — and cut the deficit to 31-28. But on the ensuing drive, after Wuerffel took a first-down sack, UF fired back with an 85-yard bomb to Jacquez Green. He had a step on the Tide cornerback and outraced him to the end zone after Wuerffel’s perfect pass hit him in stride around midfield. The long ball put the Gators back up by 10 points en route to their 45-30 win over Alabama in 1996, which punched their ticket to the Sugar Bowl and set them up for the program’s first national championship. With 85 days til kickoff in the Swamp, here's @DannyWuerffel breaking down his 85-yard bomb to @JacquezGreen in the 1996 SEC Championship.#GatorMade #GoGators pic.twitter.com/SLnUpYo2sr— Florida Vault (@FloridaVault) June 8, 2018 50. Rex Grossman turns errant snap into six Rex Grossman made several impressive passes at Florida, but this was his most spectacular throw on a play that spelled disaster. Coming off their first loss of the 2000 season at Mississippi State, the Gators dropped from No. 3 to No. 12 and faced unranked LSU the following week at home. UF led just 10-3 late in the first half and faced third-and-goal with 36 seconds left. The snap sailed over Grossman’s head, but he corralled the ball at the 23-yard line and threw it — with two defenders sandwiching him — from the right hash to the left corner of the end zone for a touchdown pass to Jabar Gaffney. The Gators beat LSU 41-9 and won their last five SEC regular season games en route to their first conference title since 1996. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) June 24, 2026 49. Jacquez Green ends a 12-year drought The Gators have been blessed with some great return specialists over the last three decades, but before Jacquez Green, there was a scoring drought with punt returners. Florida had not brought back a punt for a touchdown in 12 years before Green put on a show against Kentucky in 1996. In the third quarter, Green ended the drought of a dozen years with his 66-yard punt return for a touchdown. He ran toward the UF sideline before breaking a would-be tackle and weaving his way past several players to break free. Three minutes later, Green was back on the field for another UK punt. He juked the first defender, cut back to avoid two more Wildcats and reversed field again for a 79-yard touchdown. Green is still the only Gator to return two punts for touchdowns in a game. Back in 1996, @JacquezGreen returned 2 punts for TD's against KY. His first one, a 66-yarder, was the 1st punt return TD by a #Gator since 1984. Quezi didn't stop there, adding a 79 yard return TD to set the SEC single-game record for punt return yards. #GatorMade #GoGators pic.twitter.com/Us8RA3PwSs— Florida Vault (@FloridaVault) April 11, 2018 48. Will White’s three INT game Florida safety Will White made 14 career interceptions, which is tied with Teako Brown for the second most by a Gator (Fred Weary, 15). Three of White’s 14 came in one game, and it was a big one: the 1990 SEC opener at Alabama. His second pick of the day set up one of the best passes in school history and led to Steve Spurrier’s first conference win, a 17-13 victory that was pivotal to the early trajectory of his program. With under four minutes left in the third quarter, the Crimson Tide were up 10-7 and driving for a potential two-score lead. On third-and-5 from the Florida 14, Alabama QB Gary Hollingsworth threw to Lamonde Russell in the end zone, but White stepped in front of the pass for the pick. Shane Matthews hit Ernie Mills for a 70-yard bomb on the ensuing play. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 47. Vosean Joseph’s denial, part of two goal-line stands In one of the most dramatic meetings in the Florida-LSU rivalry, the Gators won the 2016 game — and the SEC East for the second straight season — with two goal-line stands in the second half. The contest was moved from Gainesville in October to Baton Rouge in November due to Hurricane Matthew, with the Tigers refusing to give up a home game after both programs had to buy out non-league opponents to reschedule their matchup. LSU led in the third quarter with a chance to take a 14-3 lead but Florida forced a turnover on downs with three stops inside its own 3-yard line, including this touchdown-saving hit by Vosean Joseph. On the ensuing series, Austin Appleby threw a 98-yard score to Tyrie Cleveland. The Gators punched their ticket to Atlanta with a game-winning fourth-down stop on Derrius Guice. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 10, 2026 46. Fred Taylor’s 61-yard TD run vs. FSU Facing No. 1 Florida State and its top-ranked rushing defense in 1997, the Gators trailed 20-18 in the third quarter with just 51 yards on the ground. On third-and-2, Fred Taylor more than doubled UF’s rushing’s total with the longest run of his college career. He took a toss sweep, broke a tackle, cut back inside and outran the FSU defense for a 61-yard touchdown. Late in the fourth, Taylor’s 16-yard run after “Green is behind the defense!” set up his game-winning score. Florida’s 32-29 upset derailed the Seminoles’ national title hopes and Taylor was on a tear at the end of his senior season. After 170 rushing yards and three TDs at South Carolina, he rushed for 162 and four TDs vs. FSU before a career-high 234 yards against Penn State. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 1, 2026 45. Percy Harvin’s 70-yard TD vs. LSU After suffering a close 28-24 loss at LSU in 2007, the Gators wanted revenge the following year. The Tigers came to Gainesville as the nation’s No. 3 team and left with a 30-point loss. The rout was on from the opening series when Percy Harvin set the tone with an electrifying catch-and-run. On third-and-12, Tim Tebow’s pass was deflected by LSU defensive back Danny McCray, but Harvin tipped the ball to himself with his left hand and outraced two more Tigers on his way to a 70-yard touchdown. It was longest reception of Harvin’s career and the second-longest throw by Tebow. The 51-21 win was one of 10 straight victories by the Gators to close out 2008 and capture their second national title in three years. 44. Larry Kennedy pick six vs. Vols Florida finished with the best SEC record (6-1) in 1990 but didn’t win the league due to NCAA probation. The conference championship was awarded instead to Tennessee (5-1-1), which beat the Gators 45-3 in Knoxville that season. UF finally won the school’s first official SEC title in 1991 — and got its revenge against the Vols in Gainesville. Florida led by 10 points with the Vols trying to rally late in the fourth quarter. QB pressure from Kevin Carter forced a high throw into the hands of cornerback Larry Kennedy. He made a fantastic 44-yard interception return for the touchdown to seal the 35-18 win for the Gators over No. 4 Tennessee. UF went undefeated in SEC play (7-0) for the first time, which has only happened since then in 1995, 1996 and 2008. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 43. Wes Chandler’s one-hander vs. UGA One of the best wide receivers in school history, Wes Chandler, was 0-3 against Georgia heading into his senior season in 1977. The Bulldogs were the defending SEC champions and had robbed Florida of the conference title in 1975. The Gators snapped the losing streak in the rivalry with a 22-17 win in Jacksonville, led by the performance from Chandler. He scored more points than the Bulldogs, accounting for all three UF touchdowns while catching three passes for 50 yards and rushing 15 times for 57 yards in an emotional win for Florida. His best play was a one-handed catch in the end zone that tied the game in the second quarter. “That was one of the most gratifying moments of my college career,” Chandler said. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 3, 2026 42. Antonio Morrison knocks out EJ Manuel You know the lumber was laid when a player is knocked out of a game. That’s what happened to FSU quarterback EJ Manuel in 2012. With the Gators trailing 20-16 in the fourth quarter, Manuel tried to maneuver in the pocket and freshman linebacker Antonio Morrison delivered a knockout blow. The hit caused a fumble, which Dominque Easley recovered, and forced Manuel to the bench. On the following play, Mike Gillislee’s 37-yard touchdown run put Florida in front. The Seminoles went three-and-out on their next drive with backup QB Clint Trickett, and UF added two more fourth-quarter touchdowns as Manuel later returned. The Gators’ 37-26 win marked the program’s first victory in Tallahassee since 2008 and first 11-win season since 2009, punching their ticket to the Sugar Bowl. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 10, 2026 41. Keiwan Ratliff celebrates hat trick Five players have had three-interception games at Florida, including Bruce Bennett against Georgia in 1963 and Joe Brodsky against Mississippi State in 1956 when he returned two of his three picks for touchdowns, including a school-record 100-yard return. Keiwan Ratliff earns a spot because his three-INT game helped him set the school record for interceptions in a season. Ratliff had a pair of picks in UF’s 19-7 upset at No. 6 LSU and then a hat trick in the win at No. 11 Arkansas. He took his last interception to the house for a 44-yard TD run and threw the ball into the stands with the Gators up 33-7 in the fourth. After Florida’s 16-13 win over No. 4 Georgia, Ratliff broke the INT record vs. Vandy the following week with his 52-yard pick six. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 40. The Leap by Lee McGriff vs. Georgia The Florida-Georgia rivalry was dominated by the Bulldogs in the 1970s and early 80s, with UGA winning six straight and 11 of 13 games from 1971-83. The only UF wins came in 1977 and 1973 courtesy of big performances by Chandler and Lee McGriff, whose game-winning touchdown catch is affectionately known as “The Leap.” He made two memorable plays on the late scoring series, including a diving catch down the sideline that started the drive. McGriff finished it off with a leaping grab in the end zone, using every inch of his vertical jump to haul in a high pass from Don Gaffney for the score. Instead of kicking the extra point to tie it up, the Gators went for two and won the game, 11-10, on a pass to Hank Foldberg. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 3, 2026 39. Tommy Durrance’s 62-yard TD run at Miami This run by Tommy Durrance from Florida’s 35-16 win at rival Miami in 1969 was brought to our attention by a Gators Online subscriber. Durrance had his lip “almost torn off completely” according to UF quarterback John Reaves, who said Durrance told trainers to just stop the bleeding and put a Band-Aid over it instead of stitching him up. On his first play back in the lineup, Durrance made the longest run of his career. He bounced outside, evaded three tackle attempts before bouncing off a fourth and breaking free for a 67-yard touchdown. “Most guys would have called it a day, but he wanted back in the game and he made an incredible run,” Reaves said. “That’s the kind of guy he was.” Durrance was one of the “Super Sophs” and scored 12 rushing touchdowns that season, which ranks ninth in school history. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 1, 2026 38. Ricky Pearsall defies physics Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall made college football’s catch of the year in 2023. Pearsall, who returned for his senior season to boost his draft stock, caught the attention of NFL teams with an unreal one-handed grab in Florida’s 22-7 win over Charlotte. After his 47-yard punt return was negated before Florida’s second series, he brought UF into 49ers territory two plays later. Pearsall snagged a 25-yard pass from QB Graham Mertz by jumping up and palming the ball with his right hand. Even more impressive was him hanging on to it after getting sandwiched by two defenders. Pearsall finished with 99 receiving yards, one of six games that season with at least 90 yards, and had 965 receiving yards on the year before going in the first round. 37. Percy Harvin’s 67-yard TD run vs. Arkansas Harvin had several highlight runs as a Gator, including his career-long 80-yard touchdown against South Carolina and his 52-yarder vs. Oklahoma, but this play stands out above the rest. The longest run of his true freshman season came against No. 8 Arkansas in the 2006 SEC Championship Game. On a counter, Harvin hit the hole, made an explosive cut upfield and took it to the house for a 67-yard touchdown to the give the Gators a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. He rushed for 105 yards on six carries and also made five catches for 62 yards and a TD. It marked his first career game scoring multiple touchdowns. With the 38-28 victory over the Hogs, UF earned a berth in the BCS national title game and won its second championship. 36. Fumble recovery TD after fake punt in 2006 SEC title Harvin’s long TD run came after the most consequential special teams sequence in program history. In the 2006 SEC Championship Game, the Gators trailed 21-17 in the third quarter after Chris Leak’s shovel pass was intercepted for a pick six. UF went three-and-out on the next series and Arkansas had all the momentum. On fourth-and-10 from his own 15-yard line, Meyer called a fake punt with Jemalle Corneilus and he gained 17 yards on the reverse. The gamble led to a go-ahead touchdown, but not by Florida’s offense. The unit failed to move the sticks and had to punt again, but Eric Wilbur’s 58-yard bomb was muffed by receiver Reggie Fish and UF cornerback Wondy Pierre-Louis recovered it in the end zone for the lead. The Gators scored two fourth-quarter TDs to win 38-28. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 13, 2026 35. Chris Rainey’s 75-yard TD run at Arkansas This game followed Florida’s 2008 loss to Ole Miss and Tebow’s Promise Speech. After Harvin ran wild against Arkansas in Atlanta, Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey tag-teamed the Hogs in Fayetteville to get the Gators back on track. Demps and Rainey both rushed for 103 yards and three total touchdowns, becoming the first UF backs to eclipse 100 yards in the same game since Fred Taylor and Bo Carroll in 1997. Rainey put the Razorbacks away with a 75-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. After a great spin move, he cutback to escape five Razorbacks before turning on the jets and diving into the end zone. The 38-7 victory started a 10-game winning streak for the Gators on the way to their third national title and second in three years. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 1, 2026 RELATED: Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey debate legendary street race at Florida 34. Brandon Spikes pick six vs. LSU Brandon Spikes owns a school record that may not be broken any time soon. And if it is, it won’t be by a linebacker. Spikes has the most career interception returns for a touchdown, with his four pick sixes topping Ahmad Black and Chauncey-Garnder Johnson, both of whom have three apiece. The best one — and longest — from Spikes was in Florida’s 51-21 win over No. 3 LSU. With UF up by 20 points on the first play of the fourth quarter, he put the game away with his second interception of the night. Spikes read of the eyes of quarterback Jarrett Lee, picked him off and punted the ball in the end zone after his 52-yard touchdown return. Spikes is the only player in school history with two pick sixes in a season twice — South Carolina (2008), Georgia (2009) and FIU (2009). — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 33. Neal Anderson’s 80-yard TD run at Tennessee In addition to Demps and Rainey at Arkansas, here’s another great performance by a pair of UF backs: Neal Anderson and John L. Williams at Tennessee in 1984. After a season-opening loss to Miami and a tie against LSU in the home opener, Florida responded with three straight wins before traveling to Rocky Top for a shootout. The Gators and Vols combined for 1,060 yards and 83 points, with UF pulling out a 43-30 win for its first victory at Neyland Stadium since 1976. Florida rushed for 308 yards and Anderson led the way with 178, including this 80-yard touchdown. Williams went for 101 yards and broke loose for a 47-yard TD run with under a minute left to ice the game. There have been seven 80-yard TD runs in program history, but this one is the most impactful. Why? UF closed out the year with nine wins in a row and won its first SEC title (later vacated). 32. Reggie Nelson 70-yard pick six vs. Alabama Reggie Nelson, aka “The Eraser”, made multiple big hits and interceptions during his two-year UF career. Nelson’s most memorable takeaway came against Alabama in 2006, which was his first and only touchdown return. Florida had an eight-point lead late in the fourth quarter, but the Crimson Tide had marched past midfield for a potential game-tying drive. On second-and-10 from the UF 46, Alabama QB John Parker Wilson sailed a pass over his intended receiver’s head and it was snagged out of the air by Nelson, whose 70-yard pick six gave the Gators a 28-13 win. They went on their win their second national title and Nelson finished the season with six interceptions, which is tied for the fourth most in school history. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 31. Jeff Demps’ 84-yard TD run at Kentucky Speed kills, and this might be the fastest run ever by a Florida player in a game. Jeff Demps, a U.S. Olympian and two-time NCAA Indoor 60m champion and NCAA Outdoor 100m champion, showed off his track speed on this run at Kentucky in 2011. Demps received a carry out of the I-formation, found a crease and was off to the races for an 84-yard touchdown. He was absolutely flying on the play. It’s tied for the eighth-longest run in program history. Demps rushed for a career-high 157 yards on just 10 carries, a number he surpassed later in the season with a 158-yard rushing performance against Vanderbilt. He ended his senior year with 2,470 career rushing yards and 23 career rushing touchdowns, which ranks ninth and 10th, respectively, in UF history. In honor of today's 144th Kentucky Derby, we are remembering back to 2011 vs Kentucky, when @jeffdemps7 roasted the competition en route to a 84-yd touchdown.#SpeedKills #GatorMade #GoGators pic.twitter.com/9CzFkSBAom— Florida Vault (@FloridaVault) May 5, 2018 30. Kerwin Bell’s 2-point conversion vs. Auburn In 1986, the unranked Gators upset No. 5 Auburn in a game highlighted by two special teams plays, two UF stars fighting through injury and a kicker’s redemption. The Gators got a lift with the return of QB Kerwin Bell, who checked in off the bench after missing multiple weeks with a knee injury. Behind 17-0 in the fourth, Bell led the offense on three scoring drives scored and almost had to leave the game following a hard blow on his 1-yard sneak. UF also got a 51-yard field goal by Robert McGinty, a Jacksonville native who transferred from Auburn after he missed a key field goal in a loss to Alabama. Bell threw a late TD to Ricky Nattiel, who was playing with a separated shoulder, and then scrambled to score the game-winning two-point conversion on a bum knee. “Bell’s performance was probably the most courageous I have seen by an opposing player,” Auburn athletic director David Housel said. No. 3 — Kerwin Bell’s two-point conversion on a bum knee to complete “The Comeback” vs. No. 5 Auburn An injured Bell checked in off the bench after missing multiple weeks and rallied UF from a 17-0 fourth-quarter deficit.➡️: https://t.co/cuT5Z7BJi8 pic.twitter.com/4ACLS2jdhN— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 13, 2026 29. Tim Tebow’s jump pass vs. Oklahoma Tim Tebow’s first jump pass against LSU was the most iconic of his career, but his second one was the most important and a much better throw. Following UF’s go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter and a subsequent turnover by Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, Tebow led the Gators on a title-clinching touchdown drive in the 2008 national championship game against Oklahoma. After completing four first-down passes, Tebow saved the best for last. On second-and-goal, he faked the QB run before leaping in the air and delivering a perfect strike to David Nelson for a 4-yard touchdown. The score sealed a 24-14 win as Tebow outdueled Bradford, and the Gators captured their second national title in three years. 28. Joe Haden’s 88-yard interception return vs. UGA Joe Haden came to Florida playing receiver, became the first ever true UF freshman to start at cornerback and left the school as a unanimous All-American, national champion and first-round pick. The best play of his career happened in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party when the Gators avenged their 2007 loss to Georgia. Midway through the third quarter, the Bulldogs had reached the UF 30-yard line when Haden picked off Matthew Stafford and showcased his speed and playmaking ability. He raced down the sideline before shaking off three defenders and nearly scoring on the play, getting tackled at the 1-yard line. His 88-yard interception return is tied for the third longest in program history and helped the Gators take a 21-3 lead en route to a 49-10 win and their second national championship. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 27. Monty Grow destroys Darren Studstill in Sugar Bowl The Gators blew out No. 3 West Virginia in the 1994 Sugar Bowl for their first major bowl win under Steve Spurrier, but it was a 7-7 game in the second quarter until this sequence of plays turned it into a rout. WVU quarterback Darren Studstill scrambled to run, but linebacker Monty Grow came downhill, squared up on him and made a textbook tackle. The head-on hit left Studstill disoriented and knocked off his chin strap. He didn’t have it completely fastened on the following play — an incomplete pass — and then took off his helmet to readjust it. His chin strap was still screwed up as he approached the line of scrimmage and called timeout. After two trainers repaired Studstill’s helmet during the break, Grow once again hit him as he threw the ball and the wobbly pass was intercepted by Lawrence Wright, who returned it for a 52-yard pick six. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 10, 2026 26. Wuerffel to Anthony on 4th down at Tennessee This was one of the most-hyped games in the Florida-Tennessee rivalry. The Gators had won three in a row, including 31-0 in their last trip to Knoxville and 62-37 the year prior, but Peyton Manning was poised to snap the streak at home in 1996. Florida’s first drive stalled in Vols territory, but Spurrier went for it on fourth-and-11 instead of kicking a 52-yarder in the rain. Danny Wuerffel threw an absolute dime to Reidel Anthony in the end zone for a tone-setting 35-yard touchdown. Anthony made the score even sweeter when he leaped onto the wall and celebrated in the face of a female Tennessee fan. UF won its fourth straight in the rivalry (35-29), fourth straight SEC title and first national championship that season. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) June 24, 2026 25. Lito Sheppard’s game-changing pick vs. Georgia Three of the top five picks on this list took place against Georgia, and all of them led to SEC championships. This pick in 2000 helped Florida capture its first conference title since 1996. With the Gators trailing UGA 17-9 late in the first half, UF cornerback Lito Sheppard made a game-changing play. He intercepted Bulldogs quarterback Quincy Carter and returned it 61 yards, stiff-arming one defender, dancing around a few others and spinning off another. The takeaway set up a game-tying score before the break and UF outscored Georgia 17-6 in the second half for a 34-23 win. Sheppard earned first-team All-American honors in 2000 with six interceptions — most of them coming in big games vs. Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee and Miami. 24. Nelson erases Brandon Lafell to set up jump pass Reggie Nelson earned his nickname “The Eraser” for his ability to erase plays — often with jarring blows — and cover for any defensive lapses on the back end. Nelson had several highlight hits at UF, but this one from 2006 gets the nod on our list because he created a turnover, it was a key moment in a big rivalry game and the 23-10 victory over No. 9 LSU helped the Gators win the SEC and national title. Tied at 7 late in the first half, JaMarcus Russell — the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft — threw a deep ball to Brandon Lafell, who was taken out by Nelson as Ryan Smith picked him off. Lafell was down for a minute and a half, while Smith’s interception led to the iconic jump pass from Tim Tebow and the go-ahead score before the break. The win vaulted UF to No. 2 in the AP poll, its highest ranking since 2001. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 10, 2026 23. ‘Mills play’ is born with 70-yard bomb at Alabama This was Spurrier’s SEC coaching debut and also the birth of the Mills play. Following a 50-7 win in the 1990 opener, the Gators traveled to Tuscaloosa to take on the defending conference champs and fell behind 10-0 in the second half. After Florida’s first touchdown drive, Alabama marched into UF territory before safety Will White made a third-down interception at the goal line and stepped out of bounds at the 2. On the ensuing play, Shane Matthews aired it out from his own end zone for a 70-yard completion to Ernie Mills. The play led to the game-tying field goal and the Gators rallied for a 17-13 upset win. It set the stage for a dozen years of SEC dominance and Fun ‘n’ Gun offense from the HBC. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) June 24, 2026 22. La’Mical Perine’s 88-yard TD run vs. Auburn La’Mical Perine, a native Mobile, Ala., wanted to play for Auburn but Gus Malzahn didn’t offer him a scholarship because he thought Perine was too slow. That evaluation backfired on Malzahn. Perine had plenty of speed against the Tigers — and some players he faced in high school — on the program’s longest run in more than 30 years. In the fourth quarter of No. 10 Florida vs. seventh-ranked Auburn, Perine broke a tackle attempt by K.J. Britt at the line of scrimmage and scampered down the sideline for an 88-yard touchdown as he avoided another defender and two more Tigers couldn’t catch him. It was UF’s longest run since Emmitt Smith’s career-long carry in 1988 (see below), and Smith happened to be in attendance to congratulate him after the 24-13 win. Perine rushed for a career-high 130 yards (at the time) on 14 carries. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 1, 2026 21. Darren Hambrick’s 81-yard pick six vs. Georgia This might be the most impressive interception return ever by a Florida defender, and it happened under unique circumstances: 1994 vs. Georgia in The Swamp due to stadium renovations in Jacksonville. UGA quarterback Eric Zeier threw into double coverage on the last play of the first half, and both players had a shot at the pick, but it bounced off Lawrence Wright’s hands and was caught by linebacker Darren Hambrick. He then worked his way to and down the sideline while NINE evading Bulldogs — hurdling over one player — and staying inbounds for an 81-yard pick six. The Gators set school records with three touchdowns on turnovers — two in the final two minutes of the first half to make it 31-7 and a late pick six by James Bates — and the most points they’ve ever scored against Georgia (52). — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 20. Larry Smith’s 94-yard TD run in Orange Bowl Six decades ago, the Gators had a memorable 1966 season and capped it with their first major bowl win in program history. After a 7-0 start and being ranked No. 7, Florida lost two of the last three games to Georgia and Miami before its inaugural Orange Bowl appearance against No. 8 Georgia Tech. Steve Spurrier had just won the Heisman Trophy, but UF running back Larry Smith would make the play of the game. With the Gators leading 7-6 in the third quarter, Smith ran through multiple Yellow Jackets and broke free for a 94-yard touchdown. It’s the second longest TD run ever by a Gator. Smith rushed for 187 yards on the ground and Florida totaled 284 to beat Tech 27-12, finishing with its second nine-win season and the No. 11 ranking. Smith, a first-team All-American in 1968, was the No. 8 pick in the 1969 NFL Draft. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 2, 2026 19. Reaves to Alvarez for 70-yard TD vs. Houston In the 1969 season opener against No. 7 Houston, Playboy’s preseason pick to win it all, Florida unveiled the “Super Sophs” and a new-look offense. After Ray Graves promoted Spurrier’s position coach, Fred Pancoast, to offensive coordinator, the Gators put up 502 yards in their 59-34 win and scored the program’s most points since 1928. It all started on the third play of the game when John Reaves uncorked a deep shot to Carlos Alavrez for a 70-yard touchdown. It was one of five passing TDs for Reaves, who threw for 342 yards, while Alvarez had 182 receiving yards and three scores. UF started 6-0 and finished 9-1-1, the gold standard for Florida football — only matched in 1984 and 1985 — until the HBC arrived. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) June 24, 2026 18. No helmet? No problem for Earl Everett Florida linebacker Earl Everett earns a spot in the top five for one of the most memorable UF plays in a national championship game. It came against Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and, of course, he made the tackle with no helmet. After Ohio State returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown, the Gators took control and built a big lead. With a 34-14 score early in the second half, the Buckeyes were in UF territory and faced a third-and-12. If they convert and reach the end zone, it’s a 13-point game with over 20 minutes left. Instead, Smith was forced out of the pocket and Everett — who had his helmet pulled off — pursued him from behind for an epic takedown. The Buckeyes never threatened again and the Gators won 41-14. Everett led the team with seven tackles, while Smith was sacked five times and held to 35 yards passing, no touchdowns and a pick. 17. Wuerffel to Hilliard for 74-yard TD vs. FSU Ike Hilliard will always be remembered for his stop-n-pop score in the 1996 national title game, which is one of the Florida’s greatest catches in school history, but he was on the receiving end of a memorable pass as well. And this touchdown also came from Wuerffel against Florida State. The Gators had not beaten FSU in four tries, including the Choke at Doak, heading into the 1995 matchup. The No. 6 Seminoles looked to make another second-half comeback and had just cut the deficit to 28-14 with a Warrick Dunn score and two-point conversion. But on the next drive, Wuerffel connected with Hilliard for a 74-yard touchdown to regain control. The 35-24 win gave UF its first undefeated regular season in program history. 16. Emmitt Smith’s 96-yard TD run With almost 4,000 yards in three seasons, Emmitt Smith can fill a 10-minute reel with just his highlights. The NFL’s all-time leading rusher produced not just the longest run by a Florida player, but the longest of his record-setting college and pro career. In UF’s 1988 SEC home opener vs. Mississippi State, Smith injured his calf in the first half and sat out until intermission. He made history in the third quarter, breaking two tackles “like a bowling ball” and then pushing off his own blocker to win a 96-yard foot race for six. “That was the longest touchdown I’ve ever ran in my life, so it made me feel real good,” Smith said. “I was very tired after that run, though. Very tired.” Smith rushed for 164 yards and two scores in the 17-0 win and the Gators pitched their third shutout in four games. Florida then started 5-0 and reached No. 14 nationally with a 19-6 vs. LSU. However, Smith injured his knee in Week 6 against Memphis State as UF lost the first of four straight games without him. The Gators won two of their last three contests after his return, including a 14-10 bowl victory over Illinois when he rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns with the go-ahead score late. In 1989, Smith broke his own school record with 1,599 rushing yards as a junior (previously 1,341). — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 2, 2026 15. Louis Oliver, Jarvis Williams tag team Melvin Bratton Miami running back Melvin Bratton may have suffered a concussion — or two — on this possesion. Everybody knows the hit Jarvis Williams put on Bratton in 1986, but it almost didn’t occur. Because on the prior down, fellow Florida safety Louis Oliver blew up Bratton on the sideline and jarred the ball free. UF appeared to recover the fumble, but it was ruled out of bounds (no replay back then). On the next play, 1986 Heisman Trophy winner Vinny Testaverde threw a short pass to Bratton and Williams destroyed him with a crushing blow. The collision left Bratton momentarily unconscious, and Oliver said his teammate’s hit “resonated around the country.” Miami rallied to beat the Gators 23-15, but Williams — who died in 2015 — had the game of his life with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, a sack and “several punishing tackles.” No. 4 — Louis Oliver and Jarvis Williams tag team Melvin Bratton on back-to-back plays“The Hit” by Williams almost didn’t happen because of Oliver and a forced fumble.“The Gator safeties are tremendous hitters.”➡️: https://t.co/0g4SSJlDq4 pic.twitter.com/edZLMSDaCS— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 10, 2026 14. ‘He’s going to score!’ After beating Tennessee on a game-winning field goal in 2014, the Gators need a game-winning touchdown to keep their streak alive the following year. Facing fourth-and-14 with under two minutes left, Will Grier and Antonio Callaway made magic happen. Grier received great protection and delivered a strike to Callaway, who had one of the best catch-and-run scoring plays in school history. He turned up field, sprinted past three Vols, got a key block from Brandon Powell and raced down the sideline for a 63-yard touchdown to give Florida a 28-27 win. Callaway became the third true freshman in UF history with a 100-yard receiving game and set the school record for most receiving yards in a season (678) by a true freshman. 13. Joey Kent meets Lawrence Wright Before the 2008 season, this was the considered the best and hardest hit in school history. And for many Florida fans, it always will be. It took place in 1995 during the top-10 matchup between the No. 4 Gators and eighth-ranked Tennessee. With UF trailing in the second quarter, quarterback Peyton Manning rolled to his left and threw to receiver Joey Kent. As he brought in the ball, safety Lawrence Wright left his feet to decleat Kent with a “wicked hit” that sent him flying backward. The play was ruled a catch and Florida recovered the fumble. Kent, who was down for over a minute and took two minutes to make it off the field, said he almost bit his tongue in half and had to go through speech therapy. The only downside to this turnover? UF lost all the momentum from it. On the ensuing snap, Danny Wuerffel fumbled on a sack and Tennessee returned it for a 48-yard touchdown to take a 30-14 with 3:13 left in the first half. However, Wuerffel bounced back with a TD pass before the break and the Gators lit up the scoreboard from there with 48 consecutive points to take a 62-30 lead (62-37 final). — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 10, 2026 12. The Catch by James Jones vs. Miami In terms of Florida’s most incredible receptions, Pearsall and Brown are among the best. But those came against Charlotte and Long Island, respectively, and neither play was a touchdown. The greatest one-handed grab in school history belongs to fullback James Jones, whose game-winning score to beat Miami is known as “The Catch.” Florida had lost four in a row to the Hurricanes before hosting them for the 1982 season opener. On second-and-9 from the UM 18, quarterback Wayne Peace rolled right and lofted a pass to Jones, who reached out with his right hand, pulled down the catch and fell backward into the pylon. The Gators preserved their winning streak in home openers, which started in 1971 and lasted until 1989. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 3, 2026 11. Steve Spurrier’s game-winning field goal It’s not the longest or the prettiest field goal, but it’s the most famous kick in program history. The 1966 Gators had reached the No. 7 ranking after a 6-0 start and road wins at Florida State, N.C. State and LSU. Homecoming against Auburn drew the most national media UF had ever hosted for a football game, including the first full-time New York Times reporter at Florida Field. They all came to see Steve Spurrier, and he starred that day as UF’s quarterback, punter and long-range kicker. With the game tied, Spurrier lobbied to attempt the game-winning field goal and made a 40-yarder with 2:12 left to give the Gators their seventh straight victory. The dramatic 30-27 win was celebrated — and covered — nationally. When the Heisman Trophy ballots went out a week later, it was no contest. No. 2 — Steve Spurrier’s game-winning field goal to beat Auburn and win the school’s first Heisman Trophy in 1966After a 6-0 start by No. 7 UF, the New York Times sent its first reporter to Florida Field. Spurrier made headline news with “The Kick”➡️: https://t.co/cuT5Z7BJi8 pic.twitter.com/HoqgL61Ani— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 13, 2026 10. Brandon Spikes sends message to Georgia The hits by both Jarvis Williams and Lawrence Wright were harder than this, but Brandon Spikes delivered one of the greatest tone-setting tackles in school history in the Florida-Georgia game. The Bulldogs embarrassed UF the year before with their end-zone celebration and Knowshon Moreno rushed for 188 yards and three TDs in the 42-30 win. On UGA’s second offensive play in 2008, Moreno tried to cut back inside with his first carry but was drilled by Spikes, who got right in his face mask and had a message for him before being pulled off by teammates. “I feel like I hit a lot of people like this,” Spikes said, “but it’s just the buildup to this game that made this moment epic.” UF held Moreno to 65 yards and bullied the Bulldogs 49-10. “It was one of the most valuable plays of the season for our Florida team,” Tim Tebow said of Spikes’ hit. “It started the mindset of what that game was going to be and what it was going to be for everyone else who faced us.” — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 10, 2026 9. ‘Green is behind the defense!’ “The Greatest Game Ever Played in The Swamp” produced one of the greatest passes in UF history. Trailing No. 1 Florida State late in the fourth quarter, the Gators marched 80 yards in three plays with a drive for the ages. On the first play of the series, Doug Johnson completed a 63-yard pass to Jacquez Green to set up the go-ahead touchdown run by Fred Taylor. The 32-29 upset marked Florida’s third victory over FSU in three seasons — Spurrier’s best stretch in the rivalry series and only time winning back-to-back games — and prevented the Seminoles from playing for five straight national titles (1996, 1998-2000). — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) June 24, 2026 8. Tony George’s 89-yard pick six Spurrier had a five-game winning streak against Tennessee in the 1990s, including three victories over top five teams (top 10 and top 15 too) and a 4-0 mark against quarterback Peyon Manning. In Manning’s final opportunity against Florida, the No. 3 Gators beat fourth-ranked Tennessee 33-20 in The Swamp. The Vols were driving with UF up 7-0 when defensive coordinator Bob Stoops dialed up a corner blitz and Manning was rocked by Ed Chester and Elijah Williams as he threw the ball. His floater wobbled over the receiver’s head and intercepted safety Tony George. He eluded a pair of tacklers and then outran two more along the sideline for an 89-yard pick six. It’s the second longest return in program history and Florida beat the Vols for a fifth straight time. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 4, 2026 7. ‘Doering’s got a touchdown!’ This was the play that put Wuerffel, Chris Doering and Mick Hubert on the map. After losing the 1992 SEC title game, the Gators opened league play at Kentucky and found themselves trailing with 1:14 left after Terry Dean and Wuerffel combined for seven interceptions. But in his second career game, the future Heisman Trophy winner orchestrated a game-winning drive and threw a 28-yard touchdown to Doering, a former walk-on, with three seconds left. Just as legendary as the 24-20 victory was Hurbert’s “Doering’s got a touchdown!” call. The Gators beat No. 5 Tennessee the following week and went on to their second SEC championship, first league title game and the first of four straight conference championships. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) June 25, 2026 6. Bell to Nattiel for 96 yards Vince Dooley owned the Gators heading into 1984. Georgia had won six straight in the rivalry, including 44-0 in 1982, but Florida snapped the losing streak with a 27-0 shutout on its way to the school’s first-ever SEC championship (later vacated). UF sealed the win in the fourth quarter following a goal-line stand and turnover on downs by the Bulldogs. Three plays later, on third-and-8, quarterback Kerwin Bell launched a long ball to Ricky Nattiel — who was streaking down the UGA sideline — for a 96-yard touchdown. It’s the third longest passing play in program history and earned Nattiel his nickname: “The Rocket.” Florida’s victory was one of nine straight wins to close out the 1984 season and the last time UF blanked the Bulldogs. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) June 25, 2026 5. Heave to Cleve Sure, a few notable throws came in bigger games during more meaningful seasons, but a Hail Mary to beat your division rival in The Swamp? This is the greatest pass in school history. After Tennessee snapped an 11-game losing streak in 2016, the Gators looked preserve their home winning streak in the series the following year. Tied at 20 with nine seconds left, Florida found more late-game magic against the Vols. On the final play of regulation, Feleipe Franks scrambled right to buy time before throwing a bomb to Tyrie Cleveland and hitting him in stride for a 63-yard touchdown in the end zone. With the 26-20 win, the Gators would take the next five games in the rivalry (16 of 17) and extended their home winning streak to 10 games. 4. Major Wright sets the tone with iconic hit This is not just the greatest hit ever by a Gator, but it’s among the most iconic in college football history. Of all the hard hits by UF defenders over the years, there isn’t one that has happened on a bigger stage against a bigger opponent in a bigger win. Florida faced the 2006 and 2008 Heisman Trophy winners (Smith and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford) in national title games, but the Sooners set an FBS record that year for most points scored in a single season (716) and Bradford threw 50 touchdowns — which ranked fourth all-time (now fifth). Safety Major Wright set the tone on Oklahoma’s opening drive with his crushing hit on Manuel Johnson along the sideline. “I could’ve easily went for the ball,” Wright said on Swamp Kings. “But I didn’t want the ball. I wanted him. I wanted to strike fear into their team.” Wright also had a crucial pick at the Florida 6-yard line before halftime and UF held the Sooners, who averaged 51.1 PPG, to 14 points to win it all. 3. Cock Block For four decades, “The Kick” was UF’s greatest special teams play. Then Spurrier came back to The Swamp as an opposing coach and the highly-anticipated meeting produced one of Florida football’s most iconic moments. Only this time, Spurrier was on the losing end. His Gamecocks had the sixth-ranked Gators on upset alert with two fourth-quarter leads, first a field goal to break a 7-7 tie and then a go-ahead touchdown. Jarvis Moss blocked the extra point, which would prove costly. After UF regained the lead with three minutes left, South Carolina drove to the Florida 31 for a game-winning attempt. Ryan Succop’s 48-yarder was miraculously blocked by Moss, sending The Swamp into a frenzy with the 17-16 win and saving the Gators’ 2006 national championship season. Its #FloridaFriday Time to reminisce the heroics of Jarvis Moss in 2006, as the #Gators narrowly defeated SC and held on to #NationalChampionship hopes.#GatorMade #GoGatorsWatch your favorite #Florida moments with the FREE Florida Vault app! Download: https://t.co/7QugEhO4rt pic.twitter.com/BOCWaH63Lj— Florida Vault (@FloridaVault) April 6, 2018 2. Ahmad Black’s title-clinching pick Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games. And this play and game is the biggest of them all. Florida safety Ahmad Black made a critical fourth-quarter interception against Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford in the 2008 national championship game. With 10 minutes left, the Sooners were at midfield and trailing by three points when Bradford targeted receiver Juaquin Iglesias on second down. The ball hit Iglesias in the hands, but to the disbelief of Bradford, Black wrestled it away from him for an incredible pick. The turnover led to Florida’s game-clinching 76-yard touchdown drive to secure the 24-14 victory. Black finished with seven interceptions in 2008 and 13 career interceptions, both of which are tied for the third-highest totals in school history. — Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) July 5, 2026 1. Stop-N-Pop This is the most iconic catch-and-run by a UF receiver and took place on the game’s biggest stage. It was the best play from the school’s first national championship. If you could only show an alien one highlight that encapsulates Florida football and the Fun ‘n’ Gun offense, this is it. Moreover, the score showcases how the Gators benefitted Steve Spurrier’s brilliance. After the Seminoles had six sacks on Danny Wuerffel and forced three interceptions in Florida’s 24-21 loss at FSU, Spurrier installed the shotgun offense — something he said he’d never do — to give Wuerffel more time to throw. The HBC’s willingness to adapt his system made UF even more lethal and unlocked an already potent passing attack. Wuerffel’s move to the shotgun manufactured 302 passing yards and three touchdowns — all to Ike Hilliard. Following Florida State’s first touchdown that cut the deficit to 17-10 midway through the second quarter, Hilliard scored his second TD on the ensuing series. He caught a pass from Wuerffel and stopped on a dime with a nasty move, causing two FSU defenders to run into each other. Hilliard then sprinted to the end zone for a 31-yard score. He finished with seven receptions 150 yards and went No. 7 overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, and Florida set a Sugar Bowl record for points in their 52-20 win. This is peak Spurrier and, as Mick Hubert said on his call, the “greatest moment in Gator football history.” — SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 5, 2020 Top 10 bonus plays * Wes Chandler’s 64-yard touchdown (1976 vs. Auburn) * Cris Collinsworth to Derrick Gaffney for a 99-yard TD (1977 vs. Rice)* Kerwin Bell’s go-ahead TD pass to Ricky Nattiel (1986 at FSU) * Shane Matthews to Harrison Houston for a 74-yard TD (1991 vs. FSU) * Chris Doering’s trick pass to Aubrey Hill (1994 SEC Championship Game vs. Alabama)* Ben Hanks’ 95-yard scoop-and-score (1995 SEC Championship Game vs. Arkansas) * Terry Jackson’s 42-yard touchdown run (1997 Sugar Bowl vs. FSU) * Lito Sheppard’s 57-yard punt return TD (2000 vs. South Carolina)* Chris Leak’s go-ahead TD to Dallas Baker (2006 at Tennessee) * Brad Stewart’s pick six vs. Joe Burrow (2018 vs. LSU) Honorable mentions (60) * Richard Trapp’s 52-yard touchdown (1967 vs. Georgia) * Wayne Barfield’s game-winning field goal (1967 vs. Georgia) * Carlos Alvarez’s 30-yard touchdown (1969 vs. FSU)* Jimmy DuBose’s 80-yard TD run (1975 vs. Vanderbilt)* Willie Wilder’s 91-yard TD run (1976 vs. Mississippi State)* Tony Green’s 80-yard TD run (1977 at Mississippi State)* Wilber Marshall’s 14 tackles and four sacks (1982 vs. USC)* Jim Gainey’s game-winning field goal (1982 vs. Auburn)* Tony Lilly’s hit on Speedy Neal (1983 vs. Miami)* Chris Perkins’ 60-yard field goal (1984 vs. Tulane) — school record* Bobby Raymond’s sixth field goal (1984 at Kentucky) — school record* Leon Pennington’s hit on Tim McGee (1985 vs. Tennessee) * Louis Oliver’s blocked field goal (1986 at Florida State)* Arden Czyzewski’s game-winning field goal (1989 at LSU)* Tim Paulk’s hit on Lamonde Russell (1990 at Alabama) * Terence Barber’s 72-yard punt return (1990 vs. Auburn)* Godfrey Myles’ 52-yard pick six (1990 at Kentucky)* Judd Davis’ four field goals in the rain (1993 vs. Georgia)* Shayne Edge’s fake punt (1993 SEC Championship Game vs. Alabama) * Terry Dean’s 43-yard TD to Jack Jackson (1993 SEC Championship Game vs. Alabama) * Reidel Anthony’s 90-yard kickoff return TD (1995 at Auburn)* Chris Doering’s one-handed touchdown (1995 at South Carolina)* Fred Weary’s 65-yard pick six and 64-yard fumble return TD (1996 vs. SW Louisiana)* Jacquez Green’s 86-yard punt return (1997 vs. South Carolina) — UF’s longest since 1946* Dwayne Thomas’ game-sealing pick (1997 vs. FSU)* Alex Brown’s five-sack game (1999 vs. Tennessee)* Jabar Gaffney’s game-winning touchdown (2000 at Tennessee)* Rex Grossman’s 66-yard TD to Reche Caldwell (2000 SEC Championship Game vs. Auburn)* Rex Grossman’s game-winning TD to Taylor Jacobs (2002 vs. Auburn)* Guss Scott’s 47-yard interception return TD (2002 vs. Georgia)* Matt Leach’s game-winning field goal (2003 vs. Georgia)* Reggie Lewis’ blocked field goal return TD (2005 vs. Florida State) — only one in UF history* Chris Leak to Andre Caldwell for a 66-yard touchdown (2006 at FSU) * Chris Leak to Percy Harvin for a record-setting TD pass (2006 SEC Championship Game vs. Arkansas)* Brandon James’ 83-yard punt return TD (2007 vs. Tennessee)* Percy Harvin’s 80-yard touchdown run (2008 vs. South Carolina)* Tim Tebow’s 77-yard TD pass to Deonte Thompson (2009 vs. Arkansas)* Caleb Sturgis’ game-winning field goal (2009 vs. Arkansas)* Chas Henry’s game-winning kick vs. UGA (2010 vs. Georgia) * Andre Debose’s record-setting 99-yard kickoff return TD (2012 Gator Bowl vs. Ohio State)* Trey Burton’s 80-yard touchdown run (2012 at Tennessee)* Matt Elam’s hit on Odell Beckham Jr. (2012 vs. LSU)* Jelani Jenkins’ TD return on blocked punt (2012 vs. Louisiana) * Jon Bostic’s hit on Teddy Bridgewater (2013 Sugar Bowl vs. Louisville) * Demarcus Robinson’s 15th catch for his second TD in OT (2014 vs. Kentucky) — school record* Keanu Neal’s hit on Derrick Henry (2014 at Alabama)* Mike McNeely’s fake field goal for a touchdown (2014 vs. Georgia)* Teez Tabor’s one-handed interception (2014 at Vanderbilt) * Antonio Callaway’s 85-yard punt return TD (2015 SEC Championship Game vs. Alabama)* Quincy Wilson’s 78-yard pick six and Tabor’s 39-yard TD return (2016 vs. Missouri)* Eddy Pineiro’s two 50-yarders and five field goals (2017 vs. UAB) — first Gator with two 50-plus in a game and the third UF kicker to make five FGs * Donovan Stiner’s fourth-down stop (2018 at Mississippi State) * Kadarius Toney’s 47-yard catch-and-run (2019 vs. FSU)* Jonathan Greenard’s strip sack on Jordan Travis (2019 vs. FSU)* Kadarius Toney’s 50-yard punt return (2020 vs. Kentucky)* James Houston’s hit on D’Wan Mathis (2020 vs. Georgia) * Anthony Richardson’s 41-yard pass to Jacob Copeland in breakout performance (2021 at South Florida)* Anthony Richardson’s two-point conversion (2022 vs. Utah)* Amari Burney’s game-sealing interception (2022 vs. Utah)* Trey Smack’s 53-yard record-setting field goal (2026 vs. Georgia)