GATORS AT 100

1990s: Memorable Moments And Players

By ANDY STAPLES

Published: Jul 18, 2006

TIMELINE

Nov. 17, 1990 - With a 47-15 win against Kentucky, the Steve Spurrier-coached Gators finish with the best record in the Southeastern Conference (6-1) but can't claim the SEC title or play in a bowl because of probation.

Nov. 16, 1991 - A 35-26 win against Kentucky gives the Gators their first official SEC title.

Dec. 5, 1992 - The Gators lose, 28-21, to eventual national champion Alabama in the inaugural SEC title game.

Nov. 26, 1994 - Though the Gators - who began the season ranked No.1 - would claim their second consecutive SEC title in 1994, they gag away a 31-3 lead at Florida State and finish the game with a 31-31 tie in the "Choke at Doak."

Jan. 2, 1996 - The Gators go 12-0 to reach the national title game, only to be crushed, 62-24, by Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl.

Nov. 30, 1996 - Second-ranked Florida State beats top-ranked Florida, 24-21. Spurrier complains of late hits against quarterback Danny Wuerffel.

Dec. 14, 1996 - Wuerffel wins the Heisman Trophy. He is the first recipient to be coached by a fellow Heisman winner.

Jan. 2, 1997 - The Gators beat FSU, 52-20, in the Sugar Bowl to claim the first national title in school history.

Sept. 19, 1998 - Tennessee beats Florida, 20-17, in the first overtime game in Gators history. The Volunteers go on to win the national title.

Oct. 2, 1999 - Alabama wins a 40-39 overtime thriller at Florida Field to break the Gators' 30-game home winning streak.

WR Reidel Anthony (1994-96) - Led the nation in touchdowns in 1996 with 18. Averaged 18 yards a catch for his career.

DE Kevin Carter (1991-94) - Named a first-team All-American as a senior. First-round NFL draft pick in 1995.

DT Brad Culpepper (1988-91) - Made 21.5 tackles for loss as a senior. Also won the Draddy Trophy as the nation's top scholar-athlete.

WR Chris Doering (1992-95) - Former walk-on still holds school record for touchdown receptions (31).

WR Ike Hilliard (1994-96) - Finished his career with 29 touchdown catches.

DT Ellis Johnson (1991-94) - Dominant tackle teamed with DE Kevin Carter to terrorize opposing quarterbacks.

LB Jevon Kearse (1996-98) - Associated Press SEC defensive player of the year in 1998.

QB Shane Matthews (1989-92) - Finished career as Florida's all-time leading passer (9,287 yards). Still holds school record for yards gained per game (264).

OT Jason Odom (1992-95) - Won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the Southeastern Conference as a junior and senior.

RB Errict Rhett ( 1990-93) - Broke Emmitt Smith's school rushing record. Still Florida's all-time rushing leader (4,163 yards).

S Will White (1989-92) - Finished his career as the school's interception leader (14).

S Lawrence Wright (1993-96) - Won the 1996 Jim Thorpe Award as nation's top defensive back.

QB Danny Wuerffel (1993-96) - Led the Gators to their only national title and won the Heisman Trophy as a senior. Still Florida's all-time leading passer.