It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and I came back up to Gainesville the Friday after Turkey Day, much to my dad's disappointment. The morning of the game was my first of three experiences seeing a live taping of my favorite tv show: ESPN College Gameday. It was freeeezing! When I left my room at about 7 that morning it was 38 degrees. That day Lee Corso picked us to win, which was exciting to me. This was before I knew about the curse.
I was beyond excited for my very first UF-FSU game. The whole game was really, really close. But, the whole game was also officiated by the worst crew ever. They didn't just mess up on one call...they messed up on Florida calls the entiiiiire game. Florida lost and a melee ensued on the field after FSU players raised a Gator head and stomped on our F.
Watching this game makes me very nostalgic. Florida Football struggled a lot that year, but there's still something I miss about it. Maybe it's because it was my first year of Gator football, but everyone and everything involved in that team still holds a special place in my heart. Zook, Zaunbrecher, Leak, Caldwell, Crowder, Fason, Kight, Double D, Carthon, etc. And I must make special note of my faaaavorite player that year: Ben Troupe. I loved hearing 90,000 people yell, "TROOOOUUUUUUUUPE!!!" after he made a big play, which was quite often. One thing I do not miss is seeing Chris Rix. Looking at him still makes my stomach turn.
Even though this game is still tough for me to watch, my cousin's sage advice helped put it into perspective: We're champions, they're not. :-)
1 comment:
I remember this game. I cried my eyes out watching it from behind the south end zone. First and only time I've cried at a sporting event...
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