1960s: Memorable Moments And Players

By JOEY JOHNSTON The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jul 14, 2006

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Oct. 1, 1960 - Coach Ray Graves goes for the 2-point conversion with 33 seconds remaining as Florida upsets No.10-ranked Georgia Tech 18-17.

Oct. 12, 1963 - Gators stun No.3 Alabama 10-6. The Crimson Tide would not lose another game in Tuscaloosa until 1982.

Nov. 21, 1964 - Florida State defeats Florida 16-7 in Tallahassee for FSU's first victory in a series that began in 1958.

Jan. 1, 1966 - Missouri defeats Florida 20-18 at the Sugar Bowl. The Gators fall behind 20-0, then rally with three fourth-quarter touchdowns, but fail on each attempt for a 2-point conversion.

Oct. 29, 1966 - Steve Spurrier boots a 40-yard field goal to pace a dramatic 30-27 win against Auburn and position himself as the Heisman Trophy favorite.

Nov. 5, 1966 - Gators (7-0) fall flat in 27-10 loss to Georgia that prevents UF from clinching its first SEC title.

Jan. 1, 1967 - Larry Smith sets an Orange Bowl record with a 94-yard TD run as Florida defeats Georgia Tech 27-12.

Nov. 9, 1968 - Trying to shake up the team, Graves reverses the responsibilities of his offensive and defensive coordinators. Final: Georgia 51, Florida 0.

Sept. 20, 1969 - Sophomore QB John Reaves hits sophomore WR Carlos Alvarez for a 70-yard TD on the game's third play as Florida stuns No.7-ranked Houston 59-34 in the season opener.

Dec. 27, 1969 - Gators upend SEC champion Tennessee 14-13 to win the Gator Bowl and cap a 9-1-1 season, best in school history, in Graves' final game.

PROMINENT PLAYERS

DB Bruce Bennett (1963-65) - Set UF career interception record with 13.

C Bill Carr (1964-66) - Started 32 consecutive games at center.

WR Charley Casey (1963-65) - Leading receiver in SEC history at end of his career.

G Guy Dennis (1966-68) - Rugged offensive lineman was two-time All-SEC choice.

FB Larry Dupree (1962-64) - Became only third back in SEC history to earn first-team all-league honors three times.

G Larry Gagner (1963-65) - Converted high school fullback was mainstay on offensive line.

DE Lynn Matthews (1963-65) - Three-year starter who lived in opposing backfields.

RB Larry Smith (1966-68) - Set UF career rushing record (2,186 yards) at end of his career.

QB Steve Spurrier (1964-66) - SEC player of the year and Heisman Trophy winner in 1966.

DB Steve Tannen (1967-69) - Had 11 career interceptions and returned four punts for TDs.