1996 Florida Gators football team

The Gators started the season ranked fourth{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19960831&id=g-VPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hgcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6584,7949258&hl=en|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Gators have the makings of a four-peat in SEC|author=Dwight Collins|page=6C|date=August 31, 1996}} as they aimed for a fourth consecutive SEC title.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=19960825&id=dSEeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_acEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6813,4804977&hl=en|work=The Tuscaloosa News|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Spurrier, Gators aiming for SEC four-peat|author=Cecil Hurt|page=7-I|date=August 25, 1996}}

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 1996

| poll = AP

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = August 31

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 4

| opponent = Southwestern Louisiana

| site_stadium = Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| score = 55–21

| attend = 85,050

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-uf-happily-accepts/140669360/|work=The Orlando Sentinel|title=UF happily accepts a D|date=September 1, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 7

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 4

| opponent = Georgia Southern

| opprank = 14 (I-AA)

| site_stadium = Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| tv = SS

| score = 62–14

| attend = 84,963

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-press-gators-cruise-6214/140669576/|work=Fort Myers News-Press|title=Gators cruise 62–14|date=September 8, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 21

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 4

| opponent = Tennessee

| opprank = 2

| site_stadium = Neyland Stadium

| site_cityst = Knoxville, TN

| gamename = rivalry, College GameDay

| tv = CBS

| score = 35–29

| attend = 107,608

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-florida-staggers-v/140669755/|work=The Commercial Appeal|title=Florida staggers Vols|date=September 22, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 28

| w/l = w

| rank = 1

| opponent = Kentucky

| site_stadium = Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = CBS

| score = 65–0

| attend = 85,422

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-florida-has-reason-to-cro/140669865/|work=The Tennessean|title=Florida has reason to crow|date=September 29, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 5

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 1

| opponent = Arkansas

| site_stadium = Razorback Stadium

| site_cityst = Fayetteville, AR

| tv = JPS

| score = 42–7

| attend = 52,318

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-knoxville-news-sentinel-no-1-florid/140650418/|work=The Knoxville News-Sentinel|title=No. 1 Florida passes another test|date=October 6, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 12

| w/l = w

| homecoming = y

| rank = 1

| opponent = LSU

| opprank = 12

| site_stadium = Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = CBS

| score = 56–13

| attend = 85,567

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/pensacola-news-journal-gators-thump-no/140646305/|work=Pensacola News Journal|title=Gators thump No. 11 LSU 56–13|date=October 13, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 19

| w/l = w

| rank = 1

| opponent = Auburn

| opprank = 16

| site_stadium = Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = CBS

| score = 51–10

| attend = 85,697

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-gators-send-sca/140647718/|work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|title=Gators send scary message in 51–10 mauling of Auburn|date=October 20, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 2

| w/l = w

| neutral = y

| rank = 1

| opponent = Georgia

| site_stadium = Jacksonville Municipal Stadium

| site_cityst = Jacksonville, FL

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = CBS

| score = 47–7

| attend = 84,103

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montgomery-advertiser-gators-wallop/140670163/|work=The Montgomery Advertiser|title=Gators wallop Bulldogs|date=November 3, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 9

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 1

| opponent = Vanderbilt

| site_stadium = Vanderbilt Stadium

| site_cityst = Nashville, TN

| tv = JPS

| score = 28–21

| attend = 40,249

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-jackson-sun-gators-fend-off-vanderbi/140670288/|work=The Jackson Sun|title=Gators fend off Vanderbilt|date=November 10, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 16

| w/l = w

| rank = 1

| opponent = South Carolina

| site_stadium = Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

| site_cityst = Gainesville, FL

| tv = ESPN

| score = 52–25

| attend = 85,701

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/anderson-independent-mail-carolina-swamp/140670604/|work=Anderson Independent-Mail|title=Carolina swamped by Gators in second half|date=November 17, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 30

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| rank = 1

| opponent = Florida State

| opprank = 2

| site_stadium = Doak Campbell Stadium

| site_cityst = Tallahassee, FL

| gamename = rivalry, College GameDay

| tv = ABC

| score = 21–24

| attend = 80,932

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-noles-defensive-ma/140670808/|work=The Courier-Journal|title='Noles' defensive materpiece puts Gators on canvas|date=December 1, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = December 7

| w/l = w

| neutral = y

| rank = 4

| opponent = Alabama

| opprank = 11

| site_stadium = Georgia Dome

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| gamename = SEC Championship, rivalry

| tv = ABC

| score = 45–30

| attend = 74,132

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71630185/second-chance-gators/|work=The Tampa Tribune|title=SECond chance Gators?|date=December 8, 1996|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = January 2, 1997

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| neutral = y

| rank = 3

| opponent = Florida State

| opprank = 1

| site_stadium = Louisiana Superdome

| site_cityst = New Orleans, LA

| gamename = Sugar Bowl, College GameDay

| tv = ABC

| score = 52–20

| attend = 78,344

| source = {{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-such-sweet-rev/140671210/|work=Austin American-Statesman|title=Such sweet revenge|date=January 3, 1997|accessdate=February 10, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}

}}

}}

{{cite web|title=1996 Florida Gators Schedule and Results|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=SR/College Football|access-date=February 10, 2024|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida/1996-schedule.html}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=SW Louisiana

|V1= 0||V2= 0||V3= 14||V4= 7||VT=21

|Host=Florida

|H1= 7||H2= 28||H3=7 ||H4=13||HT=55

|Date=August 31

|Location=Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=85,050

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=13:34 |Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:40 |Team=FLA |Event=Lawrence Wright fumble return (Bart Edmiston kick)|Score= FLA 14-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2|Time=8:51 |Team=FLA|Event=Ike Hilliard pass from Brian Schottenheimer (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 21-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2|Time=8:29 |Team=FLA|Event=Ike Hilliard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 28-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=6:16 |Team=FLA |Event=Fred Weary fumble return (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 35-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:32 |Team=SWL |Event=Buford pass from Delhomme (Deach kick) |Score= FLA 35-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:13 |Team=FLA |Event=Brown interception return (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 42-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:18 |Team=SWL|Event=Jackson fumble return (Deach kick) |Score= FLA 42-14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:22 |Team=SWL |Event=Richard pass from Delhomme (Deach kick) |Score= FLA 42-21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:54 |Team=FLA |Event=Bart Edmiston field goal |Score= FLA 45-21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:28 |Team=FLA |Event=Fred Weary interception return (Bart Edmiston kick)|Score= FLA 52-21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=2:03 |Team=FLA |Event=Bart Edmiston field goal |Score=FLA 55-21|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In the season opener at the Swamp, Florida beat Southwestern Louisiana 55–21.

Bob Stoops's Gator defense held the Cajuns scoreless in the first half, and scored four touchdowns (as much as the offense).{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NdFPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ogcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6338%2C100817|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Gators put bite on Cajuns|date=September 1, 1996}} Cornerback Fred Weary himself accounted for two touchdowns.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Ga. Southern

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

|Host=Florida

|H1= 14||H2= 21||H3=20 ||H4=7 ||HT=62

|Date=September 7

|Location=Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=84,962

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:09 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=4:35 |Team=GSU |Event=Russell run (Stalnaker kick) |Score= 7-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1|Time=2:26 |Team=FLA|Event=Terry Jackson run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 14-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:38 |Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 21-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:57 |Team=FLA |Event=Davis fumble return (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 28-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=4:52 |Team=FLA |Event=Elijah Williams run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 35-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=13:26 |Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 42-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:02 |Team=GSU |Event=Cunningham run (Stalnaker kick) |Score= FLA 42-14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:17 |Team=FLA |Event=McCaslin run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 49-14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:01 |Team=FLA |Event=Brian Schottenheimer run (kick failed) |Score= FLA 55-14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=3:36 |Team=FLA |Event=McCaslin run (Cooper kick) |Score=FLA 62-14|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In the second week of play, the Gators romped with a 62–14 defeat of Georgia Southern.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PNFPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ogcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6410%2C3070328|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Exhibitions over, bring on the Vols|date=September 8, 1996}} The offense was back after misfiring in the opener as Danny Wuerffel had a near perfect game, completing 15 of 16 passes for and two touchdowns.

The defense underperformed, giving up 311 yards to Georgia Southern's flexbone attack.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Florida

|V1=14 |V2=21 |V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=Tennessee

|H1=0 |H2=6 |H3=10 |H4=13

|Date=September 21

|Location=Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=107,608

|Weather=

|Referee=

|TVAnnouncers=Jim Nantz & Terry Donahue

|TVStation=CBS

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:00 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=10:34 |Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 14-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=11:57 |Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 21-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time=11:03 |Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 28-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:06 |Team=FLA |Event=Anthone Lott fumble return (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 35-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:47 |Team=TEN |Event=Peerless Price pass from Peyton Manning (two-point conversion failed) |Score= FLA 35-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=11:14 |Team=TEN |Event=Jeff Hall field goal |Score= FLA 35-9}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:21 |Team=TEN |Event=Andy McCullough pass from Peyton Manning (Jeff Hall kick) |Score= FLA 35-16}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:01 |Team=TEN |Event=Eric Lane pass from Peyton Manning (two-point conversion failed) |Score= FLA 35-22}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:10 |Team=TEN |Event=Andy McCullough pass from Peyton Manning (Jeff Hall kick) |Score=FLA 35-29 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The third game was a showdown between No. 4 Florida and No. 2 Tennessee. Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning had not beaten the Gators in two previous attempts, and after a second-half meltdown a year earlier in Gainesville, the Volunteers were looking to exact revenge on their SEC East rival in Knoxville. The game featured two of the top quarterbacks in college football, Manning and Florida's Danny Wuerffel. Both teams featured strong aerial attacks, but Florida's Fred Taylor and Tennessee's Jay Graham were among the SEC's best tailbacks. ESPN's College Gameday was on hand to broadcast their pregame show live from Knoxville.{{cite web|url=http://www.gatorcountry.com/feature/florida-and-tennessee-the-rivalry-the-90s-built/|title=Florida Gators and Tennessee, The Rivalry the '90's Built|date=24 September 2015}}

The tone for the game was set on Florida's first drive, as Spurrier spurned the punt team on a 4th and 10 from the UT 35, and Wuerffel connected with Reidel Anthony for a touchdown to put the Gators up 7–0. Teako Brown intercepted Manning on the Volunteers' first drive, and it took Wuerffel only one play to find the end zone again, hitting Terry Jackson from out to extend the lead to 14–0. Florida doubled their lead in a 52-second stretch early in the 2nd quarter, as Ike Hilliard and Jacquez Green became the third and fourth different receivers with touchdown receptions on the afternoon, sandwiched around a James Bates interception of Manning. Anthone Lott's fumble return stretched the lead to 35–0, before Manning finally got the Vols on the scoreboard before halftime on a strike to Peerless Price.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=cNFPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pQcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6340%2C2229321|title=Gators conquer Rocky Top|work=Ocala Star-Banner|pages=1C, 4C|author=Robbie Andreu}}

{{external media

| float = right

| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYbGghzZJnY Tennessee game], YouTube video.

}}

With Florida switching to a more conservative offensive game plan in the second half, Manning cut the lead to 35–22 with 8 minutes left with 2 more touchdown tosses, including a second to Price. Andy McCellough's reception brought the Vols within 35–29 with 10 seconds to play, but Florida recovered the ensuing onside kick to hang on for a six-point win on a rainy Knoxville afternoon.{{refn|group=n|Tennessee bounced back to stay in the national title picture at 6–1 before being stunned on the road at Memphis, and finished 10–2, defeating Northwestern in the Citrus Bowl.}} Florida limited tailback Jay Graham to on 12 carries, while Manning threw for a school-record .{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1996/09/22/florida-35-tennessee-29/|title=Florida 35, Tennessee 29|website=Chicago Tribune |date=September 22, 1996 }}

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Kentucky

|V1= 0||V2= 0||V3= 0||V4= 0||VT=0

|Host=Florida

|H1= 21||H2= 20||H3=17||H4=7||HT=65

|Date=September 28

|Location=Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=85,422

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=13:57|Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=|Team=FLA|Event=Bart Edmiston field goal |Score= FLA 10-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=4:24 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 17-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=0:10 |Team=FLA |Event=Bart Edmiston field goal|Score= FLA 20-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:54|Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 34-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:33|Team=FLA |Event=Fred Taylor run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 34-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=FLA |Event=Elijah Williams run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 41-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=12:17 |Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green punt return (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 48-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:17 |Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green punt return (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 55-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3|Time=3:13 |Team=FLA |Event=Bart Edmiston field goal |Score= FLA 58-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:56 |Team=FLA |Event=Richardson pass from Doug Johnson (Cooper kick) |Score=FLA 65-0|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Coming off a big win in Knoxville the week before and being ranked #1 for the first time since 1994, the Gators were looking for somewhat of an easy home game against the Kentucky Wildcats. This would prove true as the Gators posted their first shutout since a 31–0 drubbing of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1994, with Florida defeating Kentucky 65–0.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1320&dat=19960926&id=1QwzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NusDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2835,5534373&hl=en|title=Kelsey, Taylor have stylish returns|date=September 26, 1996|work=Gainesville Sun|via=Google News Archive Search}}

The Gators scored just 63 seconds into the game with a touchdown pass from Danny Wuerffel to Ike Hilliard. Wuerffel would have 3 touchdown passes in all, but the day belonged to Jacquez Green. In the 3rd quarter, Green took a punt back for a touchdown. On Kentucky's next possession, they would punt again and Green, who was still breathing heavy from his first return, weaved his way for another score. In all, the Gators amassed over 300 return yards from punts and kickoffs. Fred Taylor made his season debut with 45 yards on six attempts.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Florida

|V1=14 ||V2=0 ||V3=14 ||V4=14 ||VT=42

|Host=Arkansas

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

|Date=October 5

|Location=Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=52,318

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=11:55 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 56-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=0:39 |Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 14-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:07 |Team=ARK |Event=Burks 1-yard run (Latourette kick) |Score= FLA 14-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3|Time=10:03 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 23-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 21-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:34 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 6-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 28-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4|Time=14:55 |Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard 7-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 35-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:52 |Team=FLA |Event=McCaslin 18-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score=FLA 42-7 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Florida traveled to Fayetteville and beat Arkansas 42–7. The Gators had an abysmal second quarter, but recovered and Danny Wuerffel threw for a then-school record of 462 yards.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=m9FPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oQcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6127%2C2150569|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|title=From Doubt to rout, Gators roll|author=Robbie Andreu|date=October 6, 1996}}

A defensive stand and missed field goal by Arkansas to start the second half "jolted the Gators back to life." Wuerffel then passed for three touchdowns.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=LSU

|V1= 0||V2= 6||V3= 0||V4= 7||VT=13

|Host=Florida

|H1= 14||H2= 28||H3=0 ||H4=14 ||HT=56

|Date=October 12

|Location=Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=85,567

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:53 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 13-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=4:29 |Team=FLA |Event=Danny Wuerffel 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 14-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=13:34 |Team=LSU |Event=Foster 8-yard pass from Tyler (Kick blocked) |Score= FLA 14-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=11:40 |Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson 2-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 21-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:26 |Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green 7-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 28-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=6:27 |Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard 7-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 35-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=3:27 |Team=FLA |Event=Elijah Williams 45-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 42-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:36 |Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard 8-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 49-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=11:58 |Team=LSU |Event=Mealey 2-yard run (Richie kick) |Score= FLA 49-13}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=6:13 |Team=FLA |Event=McCaslin 5-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score=FLA 56-13|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

With Florida winning so convincingly all season, the next two weeks might have proved a challenge for the Gators, with #12 LSU and #16 Auburn coming to town. It was business as usual for the Gators. The Gators proved themselves worthy of the #1 ranking as they first thumped the LSU Tigers 56–13.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=otFPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oQcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3386%2C6042895|title=LSU No test for top ranked Gators|date=October 13, 1996|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|author=Robbie Andreu}}

LSU came in undefeated on the campaign and featured an offense that scored 38 points per game. Florida, however, was not thinking upset, as Danny Wuerffel threw three touchdowns, two of them to Ike Hilliard, and ran for another score as the Gators proved to have the better offense. Fred Taylor had a breakout game, running for 107 yards on 16 carries.

Their defense came to play as well as they forced two turnovers and recorded 7 sacks and held the LSU offense to just 28 rushing yards.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Auburn

|V1= 7||V2= 3||V3= 0||V4= 0||VT=10

|Host=Florida

|H1= 7||H2= 14||H3=16||H4=14 ||HT=51

|Date=October 19

|Location=Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime=3:30 p. m.

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=85,697

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:00 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 24-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=3:52 |Team=AUB |Event=Cooper 7-yard run (Holmes kick) |Score= 7-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:58 |Team=FLA |Event=Danny Wuerffel 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 14-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=12:00 |Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 21-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=3:17 |Team=AUB |Event=Holmes 41-yard field goal |Score= FLA 21-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=11:57 |Team=FLA |Event=Bart Edmiston 25-yard field goal |Score= FLA 24-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 8-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Kick failed) |Score= FLA 30-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:26 |Team=FLA |Event=Elijah Williams 14-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 37-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:32 |Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard 18-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 44-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=5:16 |Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson 10-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score=FLA 51-10|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Next was another ranked team, as 16th ranked Auburn came to Gainesville. The first half may have been closer than most would have expected, as Auburn kicked a field goal late to trail just 21–10. But that would be it for the Tigers as the Gators reeled off 30 unanswered points en route to a 51–10 win.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=v89PAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fwcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6372%2C2147630|title=Gators devour Tigers|date=October 20, 1996|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|author=Robbie Andreu}}

Like the LSU game, the Gators scored quick and often, amassing over 600 yards of offense and holding Auburn to just 173 yards. Danny Wuerffel again threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another for the red-hot Florida offense.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=dcodAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UaYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6740%2C3698100|work=The Tuscaloosa News|via=Google News Archive Search|date=October 19, 1996|title=Florida defense serves Craig his words}} Taylor ran for 110 yards on 14 carries.

{{Clear}}

{{See also|1996 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Florida–Georgia football rivalry}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|bg=

|bg2=

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

|state=collapsed

|title=#1 Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs

|date=November 2

|time=

|road=Florida

|R1=20 |R2=14 |R3=0 |R4=13

|home=Georgia

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

|stadium=Alltel Stadium • Jacksonville, Florida

|attendance=84,103

|weather=

|referee=

|TV=

|TVAnnouncers=

|reference=[https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/scores96/96307/96307417.htm USA Today]

|stats=

{{Col-begin}}

{{Col-2}}

;Georgia

• Bobo
  9/20, 113 Yds, INT
• Kirtsey
  15 Rush, 71 Yds
• Allen
  5 Rec, 44 Yds

{{Col-2}}

;Florida

• Wuerffel
  16/23, 279 Yds, 4 TD, INT
• Williams
  10 Rush, 94 Yds
• Anthony
  7 Rec, 98 Yds, 2 TD

{{Col-end}}

}}

Top ranked Florida was coming in looking to win its 7th consecutive game against Georgia in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. At the end of the day, Alltel Stadium was half teal (teal seats in the stadium representing the primary color of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars) and half orange and blue as the Gators won 47–7. By this point in the season, Florida was bruising their opponents by an average score of 52–12.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=itFPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iQcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6404%2C1518007|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Another routine rout for Gators|date=November 3, 1996}}

Danny Wuerffel again would have an outstanding game, bolstering his Heisman Trophy candidacy, with 279 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. The Gators also amassed over 200 yards rushing. The Gator defense held the Dawgs to just 272 yards and one touchdown on the day.

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=UGA|HomeName=FLA|state=collapsed}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=1

| Time=

| Team=Florida

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

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| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Taylor

| yards=2

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Edmiston

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=7

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=1

| Time=

| Team=Florida

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=RecTD

| Receiver=Anthony

| QB=Wuerffel

| yards=20

| kickresult=no good

| Kicker=Edmiston

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=13

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=1

| Time=2:02

| Team=Florida

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=RecTD

| Receiver=Anthony

| QB=Wuerffel

| yards=21

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Edmiston

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=20

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=

| Team=Florida

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=RecTD

| Receiver=Allen

| QB=Wuerffel

| yards=19

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Edmiston

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=27

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=2

| Time=4:19

| Team=Florida

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=RecTD

| Receiver=Green

| QB=Wuerffel

| yards=11

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Edmiston

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=34

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Florida

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=FG

| yards=27

| Kicker=Edmiston

| Visitor=37

| Home=0

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Georgia

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=RushTD

| Runner=Pass

| yards=9

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Hines

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=37

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=

| Team=Florida

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=FG

| yards=23

| Kicker=Edmiston

| Visitor=40

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry

| Quarter=4

| Time=2:23

| Team=Florida

| DrivePlays=

| DriveLength=

| DriveTime=

| Type=RecTD

| Receiver=Ross

| QB=Johnson

| yards=14

| kickresult= good

| Kicker=Edmiston

| 2pt type=run/pass

| 2pt result=good/failed/incomplete

| Visitor=47

| Home=7

}}

{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=47|Home=7}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Florida

|V1= 7||V2= 14||V3= 7||V4= 0||VT=28

|Host=Vanderbilt

|H1= 3||H2= 0||H3=11||H4=7||HT=21

|Date=November 9

|Location=Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=40,249

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=10:54|Team=VAN |Event=Brett Speakman 27-yard field goal |Score= VAN 3-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=8:30|Team=FLA|Event=Reidel Anthony 14-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 14:51|Team=FLA|Event=Jacquez Green 28-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 14-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 8:36|Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard 31-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 21-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=10:00|Team=VAN |Event=Brett Speakman 27-yard field goal |Score= FLA 21-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=7:04|Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green 9-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick)|Score= FLA 28-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:07|Team=VAN |Event=Jamie Duncan 31-yard fumble return (Allen pass to Todd Yoder)|Score= FLA 28-14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= 13:21|Team=VAN |Event=Jason Dunnavant 34-yard run (Brett Speakman kick) |Score=FLA 28-21|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Hampered by penalties throughout, the Gators survived a scare with the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville 28–21.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NNYjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=suoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4366%2C2256048|work=Gainesville Sun|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Close Call|date=November 10, 1996|author=Robbie Andreu|pages=1C, 6C}}

After an injury to tackle Zach Piller, Vanderbilt sacked and stripped Danny Wuerffel, and Jamie Duncan returned the fumble for a touchdown. A 2-point conversion on a pass to Todd Yoder brought the score to 28–14 and inspired the Commodores. Early in the fourth quarter, Vanderbilt back Jason Dunnavant broke off a 34-yard touchdown run and the score was 28–21. Vanderbilt missed a field goal, and one final drive was stopped at its own 47-yard line.

Overcoming five sacks, Wuerffel passed for 283 yards and four touchdowns.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=South Carolina

|V1= 6||V2= 9||V3= 7||V4= 3||VT=25

|Host=Florida

|H1= 14||H2= 14||H3=7||H4=17||HT=52

|Date=November 16

|Location=Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=85,701

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=8:57|Team=SC|Event=Wright 7-yard run (Run failed)|Score= SC 6-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=5:20|Team=FLA|Event=Fred Taylor 5-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=3:20 |Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green 56-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 14-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 14:48|Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 52-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 21-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:59|Team=SC |Event=Wright 8-yard run (Run failed) |Score= FLA 21-12}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=6:53|Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson 4-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)|Score= FLA 28-12}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:02|Team=SC|Event=Morton 27-yard field goal |Score= FLA 28-15}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=13:28|Team=FLA |Event=Peterson 9-yard blocked punt return (Bart Edmiston kick)|Score= FLA 35-15}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:51|Team=SC|Event=Williams 2-yard run (Leavitt kick)|Score= FLA 35-22}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=13:13|Team=FLA|Event=Bart Edmiston 21-yard field goal|Score= FLA 38-22}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:06|Team=FLA |Event=Fred Taylor 27-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 45-22}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=3:49 |Team=FLA |Event=Fred Taylor 25-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick)|Score=FLA 52-22}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:03 |Team=SC |Event=Leavitt 32-yard field goal|Score=FLA 52-25|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The Gators struggled despite a 52–25 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O9YjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=suoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4653%2C3930917|title=Gators struggle, but still whip Gamecocks|work=Gainesville Sun|via=Google News Archive Search|date=November 17, 1996|author=Robbie Andreu|pages=1C, 7C}} Wuerffel had an off-day, especially late, and never failed to find a passing rhythm;{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O9YjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=suoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1469%2C3952307|title=Wuerffel wasn't quite himself|work=Gainesville Sun|page=6C|author=David Wasson}} but was helped by Fred Taylor to lift Florida over the Gamecocks. Spurrier became the Gators' all-time winningest coach, surpassing Ray Graves' 70 career wins.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O9YjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=suoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2682%2C3846986|work=Gainesville Sun|via=Google News Archive Search|date=November 17, 1996|title=Milestones & Memoirs|author=Pat Dooley}} Spurrier gave Graves a game ball, who gave a talk to the team.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/college/spurriers-top-10-home-game-memories-at-florida/2292135/|title=Spurrier's top 10 home game memories at Florida}}

Early on in the game, Wuerffel threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to Jacquez Green and a 52-yard touchdown pass to Reidel Anthony. Taylor ran for 139 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries on the day.{{Cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=O9YjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=suoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1258%2C3956392|title=Taylor gaining more than yards|last=Collins|first=Dwight|date=November 17, 1996|work=Gainesville Sun}}

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Visitor=Florida

|V1= 0||V2= 14||V3= 0||V4= 7||VT=21

|Host=FSU

|H1= 17||H2= 0||H3=0||H4=7||HT=24

|Date=November 30

|Location=Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=80,932

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=|Team=FSU |Event=Bentley 26-yard field goal |Score= FSU 3-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=|Team=FSU|Event=Williams 3-yard run (Bentley kick) |Score= FSU 10-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=FSU |Event=Pearsall 1-yard pass from Thad Busby (Bentley kick) |Score= FSU 17-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green 1-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FSU 17-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=|Team=FLA |Event=Jacquez Green 9-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FSU 17-14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=|Team=FSU |Event=Williams 1-yard run (Bentley kick) |Score= FSU 24-14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 2-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Cooper kick) |Score=FSU 24-21|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The rival Florida State Seminoles defeated the Gators 24–21, seemingly ending Florida's chance at a national title. For the first time in series history, both squads were an undefeated 10–0. The Seminoles scored 17 straight points in the first quarter and Warrick Dunn rushed for a career-best 185 yards.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2ihRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hwcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5908%2C162729|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Gators Dunn In|pages=1C, 13C|author=Dwight Collins|date=December 1, 1996}}

File:Bobby Bowden.jpg (pictured)]]

The Seminoles also had one of the best defenses in the nation, with a savage pass rush which included All-Americans Peter Boulware and Reinard Wilson.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2ihRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hwcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6934%2C183389|date=December 1, 1996|title='Noles defense sacks Gators' title hopes|work=Ocala Star-Banner|author=Dwight Collins|page=6C}} The Seminoles had been flagged for roughing the passer twice during the game, and Spurrier had the UF video staff compile footage which he claimed showed FSU players tackling Wuerffel late a half-dozen additional times.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/02/sports/a-backpedaling-spurrier-expects-a-clean-sugar-bowl.html | work=The New York Times | first=Malcolm | last=Moran | title=A Backpedaling Spurrier Expects a Clean Sugar Bowl | date=1997-01-02}} Gator receiver Reidel Anthony still managed career bests in receptions (11) and yards gained (193). "If Danny would have had more time, we would have killed them. I was getting past them all the time with all kinds of routes."{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2ihRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hwcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5390%2C195964|page=9C|work=Ocala Star-Banner|date=December 1, 1996|title=Anthony's heroics overshadowed by loss|author=David Wasson}} Florida had 443 yards of offense, but Wuerffel threw three interceptions and was sacked six times.

{{external media

| float = right

| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUsJWughItQ FSU game], YouTube video. }}

The third quarter was scoreless as both teams played well on defense.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2ihRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hwcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4705%2C194283|title=Bowden Enjoys Defensive Third Quarter|pages=1C, 8C|work=Ocala Star-Baner|date=December 1, 1996|author=Buddy Martin}} FSU's "Pooh Bear" Williams got the ball into the endzone to put the Seminoles up 24–14 midway through the fourth quarter. Down late, Florida went 80 yards in eight plays, including a 31-yard pass to Anthony, down to the 3-yard line. A short pass to Anthony brought Florida within a field goal with just over a minute left. The subsequent onside kick went out of bounds, and the game was sealed when Dunn ran for a first down. Spurrier continued to complain to the press about the late hits while FSU coach Bobby Bowden responded that he thought the hits in question were clean while admitting that "we just hit to the echo (of the whistle), instead of the whistle."{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=365&dat=19961217&id=OuMHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Ij8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6132,6337689|work=The Cedartown Standard|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Florida and Florida State get rematch|author=Alan Schmadtke}}

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=SEC Championship

|Visitor=Alabama

|V1= 7||V2= 7||V3= 14||V4= 2||VT=30

|Host=Florida

|H1= 6||H2= 18||H3=14||H4=7||HT=45

|Date=December 7

|Location=Georgia Dome, Atlanta

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=74,132

|Weather=

|Referee=

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=8:52|Team=ALA|Event=Riddle 36-yard pass from Kitchens (Brock kick)|Score= ALA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=3:11|Team=FLA|Event=Ike Hilliard 46-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (kick blocked) |Score= ALA 7-6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:37 |Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 21-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Anthony pass from Wuerffel) |Score= FLA 14-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 12:35|Team=FLA |Event=Elijah Williams 45-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Cooper kick) |Score= FLA 21-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:29|Team=FLA |Event=Cooper 35-yard field goal |Score= FLA 24-7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:39|Team=ALA |Event=Vaughn 8-yard pass from Kitchens (Brock kick)|Score= FLA 24-14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:12|Team=ALA |Event=Riddle 5-yard run (Brock kick) |Score= FLA 24-21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:14|Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 13-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Cooper kick)|Score= FLA 31-21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:06|Team=ALA |Event=Vaughn 94-yard pass from Kitchens (Brock kick) |Score= FLA 31-28}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=3:09|Team=FLA|Event=Jacquez Green 85-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Cooper kick)|Score= FLA 38-28}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:54|Team=FLA |Event=Reidel Anthony 21-yard pass (Cooper kick) |Score= FLA 45-28}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:32 |Team=ALA |Event=Safety, Wuerffel ran out of endzone|Score=FLA 45-30|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The Gators beat the Alabama Crimson Tide 45–30 in the SEC Championship, as Wuerffel passed for six touchdowns.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3ShRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hwcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3047%2C5703010|work=Ocala Star-Banner|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Sugar sweet title|author=Dwight Collins|page=1C, 4C|date=December 8, 1996}} A 94-yard touchdown pass from Alabama to pull within 3 was answered by an 85-yard touchdown to Jacquez Green.

Texas also upset Nebraska in the inaugural Big 12 Championship, securing the Gators a spot in the Sugar Bowl. To have a shot at a national title, the Gators needed Ohio State to beat second-ranked Arizona State—the only team to go through the regular season undefeated—in the Rose Bowl, which they did with seconds left, setting up the Sugar Bowl as the Bowl Alliance national championship game.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=Sugar Bowl

|Visitor=Florida

|V1= 10||V2= 14||V3= 14||V4= 14||VT=52

|Host=FSU

|H1= 3||H2= 14||H3=3||H4=0||HT=20

|Date=January 2, 1997

|Location=Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

|StartTime=

|TimeZone=

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=78,344

|Weather=Indoors (dome)

|Referee=

|TVAnnouncers=Keith Jackson

|TVStation=ABC

}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=9:48|Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard 9-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 7-0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=7:49|Team=FSU|Event=Bentley 43-yard field goal |Score= FLA 7-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=2:44 |Team=FLA |Event=Bart Edmiston 32-yard field goal |Score= FLA 10-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=11:28 |Team=FLA |Event=Fred Taylor 2-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 17-3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:28|Team=FSU |Event=E. C. Green 29-yard pass from Thad Busby (Bentley kick)|Score= FLA 17-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:18|Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard 31-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 24-10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:40|Team=FSU|Event=Warrick Dunn 12-yard run (Bentley kick) |Score= FLA 24-17}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=10:45|Team=FSU |Event=Bentley 45-yard field goal |Score= FLA 24-20}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:43|Team=FLA |Event=Ike Hilliard 7-yard pass from Danny Wuerffel (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 31-20}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:13|Team=FLA |Event= Danny Wuerffel 16-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 38-20}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:52|Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson 42-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score= FLA 45-20}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=2:12 |Team=FLA |Event=Terry Jackson 1-yard run (Bart Edmiston kick) |Score=FLA 52-20|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The Gators used the shotgun formation to give Wuerffel more time to throw{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/features/themoment?year=1996|title=ESPN – NCAA College Football – The Moment}} and defeated FSU in a rematch 52–20, for their first national title.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iMJWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0uoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5209%2C483375|work=Gainesville Sun|via=Google News Archive Search|title=Champs|author=Robbie Andreu|date=January 3, 1997}}

Hilliard scored once on a "stop and pop" where he stopped on a dime to avoid Seminole defenders, then ran into the endzone.{{cite web|url=http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2014/8/29/6083885/florida-gators-ike-hilliard-stop-and-pop-video|title=Florida's 48 for 2014, No. 19: The Stop and Pop|first=Andy|last=Hutchins|date=29 August 2014|via=www.alligatorarmy.com}} A 42-yard Terry Jackson touchdown run sealed the victory.{{cite web|url=http://lubbockonline.com/news/010397/florida.htm|title=Florida hammers Seminoles 52-20}}

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Along with a national title, quarterback Danny Wuerffel was awarded the Heisman Trophy, annually awarded to college football's top player.{{Cite web |title=1996 Heisman Trophy Voting |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-1996.html |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}} He was also awarded the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Davey O'Brien Award,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/awards?awardId=3 |title=NCAA College Football Awards – ESPN |publisher=ESPN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218123305/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/awards?awardId=3 |archive-date=2009-02-18 }} Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, as well as the Draddy Trophy, National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar, and College Football Association Scholar-Athlete Team. Lawrence Wright won the Jim Thorpe Award,{{cite web|url=http://football.about.com/cs/history/a/jimthorpeaward.htm|title=College Football Awards – Jim Thorpe Award|author=James Alder|work=About.com Sports|access-date=2009-01-22|archive-date=2016-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402004213/http://football.about.com/cs/history/a/jimthorpeaward.htm|url-status=dead}} and was on the College Football Association Scholar-Athlete Team. Jeff Mitchell was an Outland Trophy semi-finalist.

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| video1 = [https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rk5we-lckPA&feature=youtu.be 1997 Sugar Bowl], YouTube video. }}

Wuerffel, Ike Hilliard, and Reidel Anthony all were consensus All-Americans.{{cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-1990-1999.html#1996|title=Consensus All-America Teams (1990-1999) - College Football at Sports-Reference.com}}

Ike Hilliard was selected 7th overall by the New York Giants, and Reidel Anthony was selected 16th by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1997/draft.htm?redir|title=1997 NFL Draft|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}

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{{cite web|url=http://gatorzone.com/football/history.php?his=1996/depth1996.html|title=Florida Gators|access-date=2019-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905131918/http://www.gatorzone.com/football/history.php?his=1996%2Fdepth1996.html|archive-date=2015-09-05|url-status=dead}}

• Steve Spurrier (Florida '67)– Head coach
• Rod Broadway (North Carolina '77) – Defensive tackles
• Jim Collins (Elon College '74) – Recruiting coordinator, Will and Mike Linebackers
• Dwayne Dixon (Florida '85) – Assistant head coach, Wide receivers
• Carl Franks (Duke '82) – Assistant offensive coordinator, Running backs
• Lawson Holland (Clemson '76) – Tight ends
• Bob Sanders (Davidson '76) – Assistant defensive coordinator, Defensive Ends
• Jerry Schmidt (Nebraska '86) – Strength and conditioning coordinator
• Steve Spurrier Jr. (Duke '93) – Graduate assistant
• Jimmy Ray Stephens (Florida '77) – Offensive line
• Bob Stoops (Iowa '83) – Assistant head coach, Defensive Coordinator, Secondary
• Barry Wilson (Georgia '65) – Special teams Coordinator, Sam Linebackers

{{cite web|url=http://gatorzone.com/football/history.php?his=1996/fastfacts1996.html|title=Florida Gators|access-date=2019-08-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905131920/http://www.gatorzone.com/football/history.php?his=1996%2Ffastfacts1996.html|archive-date=2015-09-05|url-status=dead}}

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Defense statistics reflect regular season games only

{{Reflist|group=n}}

{{Reflist}}

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