’96 Gators Squeak by ’92 ‘BAMA 24-22

In a classic see-saw battle, the ’96 Gators were able to upend ‘Bama not with their potent offense but rather with great defense. The Gators used 8 sacks and 3 interceptions to steal the victory in what has clearly been the most exciting game of the Scout.com/WhatIfSports Tournament of Champions so far.

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After a scoreless first quarter, ‘Bama jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the second quarter with three field goals (31,35,20) from Michael Proctor. Florida answered with three scores of their own in the 3rd quarter including a 47-yard Fred Taylor TD run and a 79-yard punt return. This set up for a great 4th quarter.

In the 4th, Travis McGriff hauled in a 48-yard TD from Weurffel to put Florida up comfortably 24-9. Alabama responded with two TD's of their own, a Prince Wimbley TD reception with 5:58 remaining. Following the touchdown the Alabama defense held and with 1:11 left Barker hit David Palmer for the game's final TD.

Following the Palmer touchdown, 'Bama went for the 2 point conversion to try to tie the game. However, Palmer's carry came up short and Florida preserved the lead and eventually the win.

For the Gators, the offense was led by RB Fred Taylor who carried the ball 30 times for 106 yards. This was an impressive stat against the vaunted 'Bama defense. Wuerffel finished the day going 16 of 28 for 152 yards (1 TD, 1 INT).

Alabama QB Jay Barker shredded the Florida pass defense by completing 26 of 51 for 317 yards and 2 TD's, however his 3 interceptions proved costly. On the ground Derrick Lassic had a strong game carrying the ball 26 times for 119 yards but zero scores.

Credit goes to both teams for a hard fought battle. Up next for the '96 Gators will be the '95 Nebraska team that routed '90 Colorado 41-20.