TBT - #1 UF @ #14 LSU 1997

The previous season, the Gators won the national championship and thrashed LSU 56–13, and they came into the game favored. But it was LSU who jumped out to a big early lead, scoring two touchdowns in the first 8 minutes on runs by Herb Tyler and Tommy Banks. The Gators came right back with two touchdown runs by Fred Taylor, each of which capped off an 80-yard drive.

Then, Doug Johnson threw an ill-advised pass, and Cedric Donaldson picked it off and returned it for a touchdown to give LSU a 21–14 lead. The Gators' frustration mounted when another Johnson pass was picked off, this time by Mark Roman, and when Herb Tyler scored another touchdown to give LSU a 28–14 lead with 11:40 to go, the Gators appeared to be in big trouble.

Undaunted, Johnson responded with a 13-play, 78-yard drive that ended with Fred Taylor getting into the end zone to cut the Tigers' lead to 28–21. LSU could do nothing with their next possession, and Doug Johnson began moving the ball downfield again. He then faced a rush on a third and two and threw up a Hail Mary which was intercepted by Raion Hill. The Tigers held on for the 28–21 upset.[6] Kevin Faulk appeared on the next week's cover of Sports Illustrated.



Box Score (Final)
Florida vs LSU (Oct 11, 1997 at Baton Rouge, LA)

Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
----------------- -- -- -- -- -----
Florida............. 7 0 7 7 - 21 Record: (5-1-0,3-1)
LSU................. 14 0 0 14 - 28 Record: (5-1-0,3-1)

Highlights