By Darin For legendary coach Bobby Bowden, the years leading up to January 1, 1994, were defined by agonizing proximity. Season after season, his Florida State Seminoles were near the peak of college football, only to fall just short of the national championship. As the No. 1-ranked Seminoles faced Tom Osborne’s No. 2 Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Orange Bowl, the stakes weren't just about a title—they were about history and redemption for the FSU program.
A Defensive Grind and a Kicker's Time to Shine
The 1994 Orange Bowl was a defensive slugfest, far removed from the high-octane offensive showcases both teams were known for. Every yard was earned, and every point was precious. This defensive pressure set the stage for one of the most unlikely heroes of the day: freshman kicker Scott Bentley.
While the offenses struggled to find the end zone consistently, Bentley proved to be FSU’s most reliable weapon. He successfully split the uprights four times throughout the afternoon, keeping the Seminoles in the contest against a fiercely competitive Nebraska squad.
Article from Jan 2, 1994 The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Florida)
The Final, Heart-Stopping Minutes
The game's tension peaked in the final moments. With time dwindling, the Seminoles marched down the field, positioning themselves for a chance at victory. With only 21 seconds remaining, Scott Bentley stepped up for his fourth field goal attempt—a pressure-cooker 22-yarder that determined the national champion. He nailed it, giving FSU a narrow 18-16 lead.
But the drama wasn't over. Nebraska managed to get into field goal range as the clock expired, setting up a 45-yard attempt to snatch the trophy back. The stadium held its breath as the kick sailed through the air, ultimately veering wide left. The miss signaled the end of the game and the beginning of a massive celebration.
The Crown Finally Won
The 18-16 final score marked the pinnacle of Bowden’s long career, securing his first national championship in his 18th season at Florida State. It wasn't just a win; it was a watershed moment that validated FSU’s dominance throughout the late 80s and early 90s, cementing the legacy of one of college football’s greatest teams. The 1994 Orange Bowl remains a definitive chapter in college football history, a low-scoring thriller decided by the narrowest of margins and the unshakeable nerve of a young kicker.
