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No. 6 The Timeout (1993)
Winning Streak Prior to Game: Florida (three)
Effect on SEC Race: Huge
Effect on National Landscape: None
What Happened:
After a loss to No. 19 Auburn dashed their National Championship hopes just one week prior, the No. 10 Florida Gators were looking to keep their SEC hopes alive against a 4-4 Georgia team.
In a muddy contest that featured terrible playing conditions on the field, Florida held a 33-26 lead late in the fourth quarter. With five seconds left, Georgia quarterback Eric Zeier hit receiver Jerry Jerman in the middle of the end zone for what appeared to be a touchdown.
In a manner of seconds, Georgia’s emotions went from ecstasy to disappointment upon learning the play did not count. Right before the snap, Gator cornerback Anthone Lott called timeout, thus negating the play. On the second attempt, Georgia threw a pass towards the end zone and drew pass interference as time expired.
With one final untimed down, Zeier’s pass fell incomplete to Jeff Thomas. The game was over. Florida had held on to win 33-26. The Gators would go on to win what would be their third SEC East division title as well as their second SEC Championship under Steve Spurrier. They finished 11-2 with an Orange Bowl victory while Georgia finished 5-6.
