1971 Florida Gators football team

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 1971

| poll = AP

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 11

| w/l = l

| neutral = y

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Duke

| site_stadium = Tampa Stadium

| site_cityst = Tampa, FL

| score = 6–12

| attend = 51,477

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-duke-kicks-favored-f/139417452/|work=The Palm Beach Post|title=Duke kicks favored Florida in face, 12–6|date=September 12, 1971|accessdate=January 23, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 18

| w/l = l

| away = y

| opponent = Mississippi State

| site_stadium = Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Jackson, MS

| score = 10–13

| attend = 33,500

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-press-ellis-connects-on-field-goal/133872785/|work=Daily Press|title=Ellis connects on field goal to nip Gators|date=September 19, 1971|accessdate=October 22, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 25

| w/l = l

| opponent = Alabama

| opprank = 8

| site_stadium = Florida Field

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 0–38

| attend = 61,832

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-selma-times-journal-musso-scores-fou/139419494/|work=The Selma Times-Journal|title=Musso scores four times as Tide manhandles Gators 38–0|date=September 26, 1971|accessdate=January 23, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 2

| w/l = l

| opponent = Tennessee

| opprank = 12

| site_stadium = Florida Field

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 13–20

| attend = 61,112

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101325070/tennessee-sidesteps-floridas-bid-for-an/|work=The Palm Beach Post|title=Tennessee sidesteps Florida's bid for an upset, 20–13|date=October 3, 1971|accessdate=May 7, 2022|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 9

| w/l = l

| away = y

| opponent = LSU

| opprank = 16

| site_stadium = Tiger Stadium

| site_cityst = Baton Rouge, LA

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 7–48

| attend = 67,055

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-world-lsu-begins-sec-chase-with-48/133881272/|work=Daily World|title=LSU begins SEC chase with 48–7 win|date=October 10, 1971|accessdate=October 22, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 16

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Florida State

| opprank = 19

| site_stadium = Florida Field

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 17–15

| attend = 65,109

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-lucie-news-tribune-gators-stun-semin/139419576/|work=St. Lucie News Tribune|title=Gators stun Seminoles on Franco's field goal|date=October 17, 1971|accessdate=January 23, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 23

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| homecoming = y

| opponent = Maryland

| site_stadium = Florida Field

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| score = 27–23

| attend = 53,021

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-reaves-alvarez-lead/139419649/|work=The Palm Beach Post|title=Reaves, Alvarez lead Gators over Terps|date=October 24, 1971|accessdate=January 23, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 30

| w/l = l

| away = y

| opponent = Auburn

| opprank = 5

| site_stadium = Cliff Hare Stadium

| site_cityst = Auburn, AL

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 7–40

| attend = 63,500

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bradenton-herald-sullivan-led-tigers/133884715/|work=The Bradenton Herald|title=Sullivan-led Tigers drub Gators, 40–7|date=October 31, 1971|accessdate=October 22, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 6

| w/l = l

| neutral = y

| opponent = Georgia

| opprank = 7

| site_stadium = Gator Bowl Stadium

| site_cityst = Jacksonville, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 7–49

| attend = 67,383

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tallahassee-democrat-dogs-bury-uf-by-49/133886006/|work=Tallahassee Democrat|title='Dogs bury UF by 49–7|date=November 7, 1971|accessdate=October 22, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 13

| w/l = w

| opponent = Kentucky

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Florida Field

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| score = 35–24

| attend = 45,268

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bradenton-herald-gators-skin-cats-a/133874663/|work=The Bradenton Herald|title=Gators skin 'Cats as Alvarez sparkles|date=November 14, 1971|accessdate=October 22, 2023|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 27

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| opponent = Miami (FL)

| site_stadium = Miami Orange Bowl

| site_cityst = Miami, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| score = 45–16

| attend = 37,710

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-reaves-wow/139419739/|work=St. Petersburg Times|title=Reaves: Wow!|date=November 28, 1971|accessdate=January 23, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

}}

{{cite web|last1=Sports Publicity Department|title=1972 University of Florida Football Brochure|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/gatorzone.com/documents/2016/8/19/1972_fb_media_guide.pdf|website=floridagators.com|publisher=University Athletic Association, Inc.|access-date=15 March 2018}}

{{American football roster/Header|year=1971|team=Florida Gators|teamcolors=y

|offensive_players=

{{American football roster/Player|num=68|class=Jr|first=Fred|last=Abbott|pos=OG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Larry|last=Adams|pos=WR}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=45|class=Sr|first=Carlos|last=Alvarez|pos=WR|link=y|dab=Carlos Alvarez (American football)}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=74|class=So|first=Kris|last=Anderson|pos=OT}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=89|class=So|first=Hollis|last=Boardman|pos=WR}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=79|class=Sr|first=Bill|last=Dowdy|pos=OG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=33|class=Sr|first=Tommy|last=Durrance|pos=RB|link=y|note=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=81|class=So|first=Hank|last=Foldberg|pos=TE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=10|class=So|first=Chan|last=Gailey|pos=QB|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=21|class=Sr|first=Bruce|last=Gunter|pos=WR}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=69|class=So|first=Dale|last=Hutcherson|pos=OG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=22|class=Jr|first=Willie|last=Jackson|pos=WR}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=20|class=So|first=Vince|last=Kendrick|pos=FB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=55|class=Sr|first=Richard|last=Kensler|pos=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=51|class=So|first=Mark|last=King|pos=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=36|class=So|first=Lenny|last=Lucas|pos=RB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=44|class=So|first=Joel|last=Parker|pos=WR}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=76|class=Sr|first=David|last=Peek|pos=OT}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=7|class=Sr|first=John|last=Reaves|pos=QB|link=y|note=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=40|class=Sr|first=Mike|last=Rich|pos=FB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=9|class=Sr|first=John|last=Schnelby|pos=QB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=62|class=So|first=Joe|last=Sheppard|pos=OG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=87|class=Sr|first=Jim|last=Yancy|pos=TE}}

|defensive_players=

{{American football roster/Player|num=16|class=Jr|first=Jimmy|last=Barr|pos=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=50|class=So|first=Ricky|last=Browne|pos=ILB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=88|class=Sr|first=Richard|last=Buchanan|pos=DE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=38|class=Sr|first=Harvin|last=Clark|pos=CB|note=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=34|class=Jr|first=John|last=Clifford|pos=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=43|class=Sr|first=John|last=Faix|pos=DB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=72|class=Sr|first=Len|last=Fuller|pos=MG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=23|class=Jr|first=Leonard|last=George|pos=CB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=|class=|first=Jan|last=Gowland|pos=LB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=77|class=Sr|first=Robert|last=Harrell|pos=DT}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=65|class=So|first=David|last=Hitchcock|pos=MG}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=75|class=Jr|first=Eddy|last=Moore|pos=DL}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=85|class=So|first=Mike|last=Moore|pos=DE}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=57|class=Jr|first=David|last=Poff|pos=OLB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=35|class=Jr|first=John|last=Silman|pos=DB}}

{{American football roster/Player|num=28|class=Sr|first=Doug|last=Sorensen|pos=CB}}

|special_teams_players=

{{American football roster/Player|num=8|class=Sr|first=Richard|last=Franco|pos=K}}

}}

{{American football roster/Footer|roster_url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/gatorzone.com/documents/2016/8/19/1971_fb_media_guide.pdf|accessdate=

|head_coach=

• Doug Dickey

|asst_coach=

}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Duke

|V1=6 |V2= 3|V3=0 |V4=3

|Host=Florida

|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=6 |H4=0

|Date=September 11

|Location=Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=51,477

|Weather=

|Referee=

|TVAnnouncers=

|TVStation=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=DUKE |Event= Wright 44 yard field goal |Score= DUKE 3-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=DUKE |Event=Wright 22 yard field goal |Score= DUKE 6-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=DUKE |Event=Wright 34 yard field goal |Score= DUKE 9-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Parker 7 yard pass from Reaves (kick blocked) |Score= DUKE 9-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=DUKE |Event=Wright 43 yard field goal |Score=DUKE 12-6 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

"Duke Boots Top Gators." Ocala Star-Banner. 1971 Sept 12.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Florida

|V1= 0|V2=10 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=Mississippi State

|H1=3 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=3

|Date=September 18

|Location=Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, Mississippi

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=33,500

|Weather=

|Referee=

|TVAnnouncers=

|TVStation=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter= 1|Time= |Team=MSU |Event=Ellis 29 yard field goal |Score= MSU 3-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Yancey 5 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= FLA 7-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=FLA |Event=Franco 52 yard field goal |Score= FLA 10-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=MSU |Event=Jones 21 yard run (Ellis kick) |Score= Tied 10-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=MSU |Event=Ellis 35 yard field goal |Score=MSU 13-10 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Ocala Star-Banner. 1971 September 19.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=#8 Alabama

|V1=10 |V2=14 |V3=7 |V4=7

|Host=Florida

|H1=0 |H2=0 |H3=0 |H4=0

|Date=September 25

|Location=Florida Field
Gainesville, Florida

|Attendance=61,832

}}

• Sources:{{cite news |first=Delbert |last=Reed |title=High Tide in Florida |page=1B |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Kg0dAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6852%2C5015443 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=The Tuscaloosa News |date=September 26, 1971 |access-date=January 30, 2014}}{{cite news |first=Tommy |last=Tucker |title=Musso leads Alabama romp by hapless Florida, 38–0 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=H2UpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q8kEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3453%2C6692583 |publisher=Google News Archives |newspaper=Daytona Beach Morning Journal |date=September 26, 1971 |page=1C |access-date=January 30, 2014}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Against the Gators, Alabama's Johnny Musso scored four rushing touchdowns en route to a 38–0 shutout at Florida Field. After Bill Davis gave the Crimson Tide a 3–0 lead with his first quarter field goal, Musso scored Alabama's next four touchdowns and extended their lead to 31–0. All four came on the ground with a pair from one-yard out, a three-yard run and a five-yard run. Alabama then closed the game with an 11-yard Billy Sexton touchdown pass to Dexter Wood that made the final score 38–0.

The four touchdowns scored by Musso on the ground set a new school record for rushing touchdowns. Additionally, the shutout was the first for the Crimson Tide defense since their 17–0 victory in 1967 over South Carolina.

{{See also|1971 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Florida–Tennessee football rivalry}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Florida Gators|border=2}}; text-align:center

|state=collapsed

|title=#12 Tennessee Volunteers at Florida Gators

|date=October 2, 1971

|time=

|road=Tennessee

|R1=3 |R2=10 |R3=7 |R4=0

|home=Florida

|H1= 0|H2=13 |H3=0 |H4=0

|stadium=Florida Field, Gainesville, Florida

|attendance=61,112

|weather=

|referee=

|TV=

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference=New York Times, 1971 Oct 03.

|scoring=

First quarter

• TENN – George Hunt 33-yard field goal. Tennessee 3–0. Drive:

Second quarter

• TENN – George Hunt 34-yard field goal. Tennessee 6–0. Drive:
• TENN – Curt Watson 8-yard run (George Hunt kick). Tennessee 13–0. Drive: 74 yards.
• FLA – Willie Jackson 23-yard pass from John Reaves (kick failed), 2:12. Tennessee 13–6. Drive:
• FLA – Hank Foldberg 7-yard pass from John Reaves (Richard Franco kick). Tie 13–13. Drive:

Third quarter

• TENN – Stan Trott 20-yard pass from Phil Pierce (George Hunt kick). Tennessee 20–13. Drive: 99 yards.

|stats=

;Top passers

• TENN
• FLA – John Reaves – 19/40, 213 yards, 2 TD, INT

;Top rushers

• TENN
• FLA – Mike Rich – 9 rushes, 80 yards

;Top receivers

• TENN
• FLA – Willie Jackson – 7 receptions, 93 yards, TD

}}

{{Empty section|date=December 2016}}

{{See also|1971 Florida State Seminoles football team|Florida–Florida State football rivalry}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle={{CollegePrimaryStyle|Florida Gators|border=2}}; text-align:center

|state=collapsed

|title=Florida State Seminoles at Florida Gators

|date=October 16, 1971

|time=

|road=Florida St

|R1= 0|R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=15

|home=Florida

|H1=0 |H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=3

|stadium=Florida Field, Gainesville, Florida

|attendance=65,109

|weather=Overcast

|referee=

|TV=

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference=[http://nolefan.org/summary/f1971.html#1971_10_16 Recap/Box Score]

|scoring=

Second quarter

• FLA – Mike Rich 1-yard run (kick failed), 14:58. Florida 6–0. Drive: 75 yards.
• FLA – Jimmy Barr 26-yard fumble return (pass good), 14:40. Florida 14–0.

Fourth quarter

• FSU – Paul Magalski 3-yard run (Frank Fontes kick), 13:57. Florida 14–7. Drive: 73 yards.
• FLA – Richard Franco 42-yard field goal, 9:19. Florida 17–7. Drive:
• FSU – Rhett Dawson 6-yard pass from Gary Huff (pass good), 3:02. Florida 17–15. Drive:

|stats=

;Top passers

• FSU – Gary Huff – 22/40, 198 yards, TD
• FLA – John Reaves – 4/11, 44 yards

;Top rushers

• FSU – Art Munroe – 17 rushes, 79 yards
• FLA – Tommy Durrance – 15 rushes, 60 yards

;Top receivers

• FSU – Rhett Dawson – 7 receptions, 90 yards, TD
• FLA – Willie Jackson – 1 reception, 28 yards

}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Maryland

|V1= 0|V2=13 |V3=10 |V4=0

|Host=Florida

|H1=7 |H2=6 |H3=7 |H4=7

|Date=October 23

|Location=Florida Field, Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=53,021

|Weather=

|Referee=

|TVAnnouncers=

|TVStation=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Durrance 7 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=MD |Event=Behbahani 23 yard field goal |Score= FLA 7-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Boardman 24 yard pass from Reaves (kick failed) |Score= FLA 13-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=MD |Event=Behbahani 36 yard field goal |Score=FLA 13-6 }}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=MD |Event=Bungori 4 yard pass from Neville (Behbahani kick) |Score= Tied 13-13}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=MD |Event=Behbahani 31 yard field goal |Score= MD 16-13}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Alvarez 16 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= FLA 20-16}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=MD |Event= Bungori 10 yard pass from Neville (Behbahani kick) |Score= MD 23-20}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Durrance 10 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= FLA 27-23|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Palm Beach Post. 1971 Oct. 24.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Florida

|V1= 0|V2=7 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=Auburn

|H1= 12|H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=21

|Date=October 30

|Location=Cliff Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=63,500

|Weather=

|Referee=

|TVAnnouncers=

|TVStation=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=AUB |Event=Sullivan 8 yard run (run failed) |Score= AUB 6-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=AUB |Event=Sullivan 1 yard run (run failed) |Score= AUB 12-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Jackson 10 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= AUB 12-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=AUB |Event=Beasley 19 yard pass from Sullivan (Jett kick) |Score= AUB 19-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=AUB |Event=Unger 4 yard run (Jett kick) |Score= AUB 26-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=AUB |Event=Henley 1 yard run (Jett kick) |Score= AUB 33-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=AUB |Event=Beasley 14 yard pass from Sullivan (Jett kick) |Score= AUB 40-7|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Palm Beach Post. 1971 Oct 31.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Georgia

|V1=7 |V2=13 |V3=22 |V4=7

|Host=Florida

|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=0

|Date=November 6

|Location=Gator Bowl, Jacksonville, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=67,383

|Weather=

|Referee=

|TVAnnouncers=

|TVStation=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=UGA |Event=Poulos 1 yard run (Braswell kick) |Score= UGA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=UGA |Event=Lake 2 yard run (Braswell kick) |Score= UGA 14-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=UGA |Event=Robinson 38 yard interception return (kick failed) |Score= UGA 20-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Yancey 9 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= UGA 20-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=UGA |Event=Ray 5 yard run (Ray to Shirer pass) |Score= UGA 28-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=UGA |Event=Shirer 38 yard pass from Ray (Braswell kick) |Score= UGA 35-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=UGA |Event=Lake 2 yard run (Braswell kick) |Score= UGA 42-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=UGA |Event=Burns 25 yard pass from Watson (Braswell kick) |Score= UGA 49-7|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Ocala Star-Banner. 1971 Nov 7.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Kentucky

|V1= 0|V2=3 |V3=7 |V4=14

|Host=Florida

|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=21

|Date=November 13

|Location=Florida Field, Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=45,268

|Weather=

|Referee=

|TVAnnouncers=

|TVStation=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Lucas 1 yard run (Franco kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=KY |Event=Kirk 21 yard field goal |Score= FLA 7-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=KY |Event=Clymer 11 yard run (Kirk kick) |Score= KY 10-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Reaves 1 yard run (Franco kick) |Score=FLA 14-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Yancey 10 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= FLA 21-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Alvarez 56 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= FLA 28-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=KY |Event=Fanuzzi 3 yard run (pass failed) |Score= FLA 28-16}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Durrance 19 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) |Score= FLA 35-16}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=KY |Event=Stephans 47 yard pass from Fanuzzi (Fanuzzi run) |Score= FLA 35-24|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Ocala Star-Banner. 1971 Nov 14.

{{Clear}}

{{See also|1971 Miami Hurricanes football team|Florida–Miami football rivalry}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle={{CollegeSecondaryStyle|Florida Gators|border=2}}; text-align:center

|state=collapsed

|title=Florida Gators at Miami (FL) Hurricanes

|date=November 27, 1971

|time=

|road=Florida

|R1= 7|R2=10 |R3= 14|R4=14

|home=Miami (FL)

|H1= 0|H2=0 |H3= 8|H4=8

|stadium=Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida

|attendance=37,710

|weather=

|referee=

|TV=

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference=[https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/gatorzone.com/documents/2016/8/19/1972_fb_media_guide.pdf Box Score]

|scoring=

|stats=

;Top passers

• FLA – John Reaves – 33/50, 348 yards
• MIA –

;Top rushers

• FLA – Tommy Durrance – 9 rushes, 29 yards
• MIA –

;Top receivers

• FLA – Tommy Durrance – 9 receptions, 106 yards
• MIA –

}}

The disappointing season ended on a controversial note. With the Gators leading the Miami Hurricanes 45–8 late in the fourth quarter of the last game of the season, senior quarterback John Reaves was just 14 yards short of the NCAA career record for passing yardage, but Miami had the ball and seemed destined to run out the clock. At the urging of Florida defensive captain Harvin Clark, Dickey agreed to permit the Gators defense to allow the Hurricanes to score, thus returning the ball to the Gators offense and giving Reaves a chance to break the record. Dubbed the "Florida Flop" or "Gator Flop", the move worked. When Miami snapped the ball from the Florida 8-yard line, the Gators instantly flopped to the turf, allowing Miami quarterback John Hornibrook to walk uncontested into the endzone. Florida's offense got one more possession, and Reeves promptly broke the record with a pass to favorite target Carlos Alvarez. After the game, many Gator players celebrated by jumping into the pool at the Orange Bowl's east end zone used by the Miami Dolphins' live mascot, Flipper.

Miami coach Fran Curci was so angered by the turn of events that he refused to shake Dickey's hand. In a post-game interview, he called the actions "bush league" and declared that "what Doug Dickey did shows absolutely no class."Paul Lukas, "[https://www.espn.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/100916_gators_hurricanes_florida_flop&sportCat=ncf The stories behind the 1971 Gator Flop]", ESPN.com (September 16, 2010). Retrieved March 9, 2012.Randall Mell, "[http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-12-20/sports/0012191024_1_gators-florida-s-8-yard-line-john-reaves It was humiliating] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330220847/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-12-20/sports/0012191024_1_gators-florida-s-8-yard-line-john-reaves |date=2014-03-30 }}", Orlando Sun-Sentinel (December 20, 2000). Retrieved March 30, 2014.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_Uzu-wPFmc&feature=player_embedded |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/9_Uzu-wPFmc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live| title=Contemporary TV coverage of Florida Flop (youtube) | access-date= March 30, 2014}}{{cbignore}}

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