Steve Spurrier's Gators dominated early, building what seemed like an insurmountable 31-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The game appeared to be well in hand, with Florida cruising toward a decisive victory. However, the Seminoles, led by quarterback Danny Kanell, staged a stunning comeback. Kanell, who was nearly benched by head coach Bobby Bowden, threw for an impressive 232 yards and a touchdown in the final quarter alone. Florida State scored 28 unanswered points, capped by Rock Preston’s 4-yard touchdown run with just 1:45 remaining.

Rather than attempting a two-point conversion for the win, Bowden opted for the extra point, securing a 31-31 tie. In the era before college overtime rules, the game ended without a winner. Reflecting on the result, Bowden quipped, "It is a pretty dang good win … I mean tie." In 2019, ESPN ranked it the 51st greatest college football game of all time.