By Darin The 1994 SEC Championship Game was a clash of titans that delivered one of the most unforgettable finishes in conference history. On December 3, 1994, the No. 6 Florida Gators faced the undefeated No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide, led by legendary senior quarterback Jay Barker, who boasted an incredible 35-2-1 career record. This game was destined to be decided in the final moments, and a single, critical coaching decision would define the outcome.
The tension peaked late in the fourth quarter. With the Gators clinging to a 17-16 lead, Alabama’s defense provided the spark, scoring on a dramatic pick-six to swing the momentum and put the Crimson Tide ahead. The scoreboard read 22-17 with just 5:29 remaining.
Here came the moment of controversy: Head coach Gene Stallings, choosing to trust his defense, opted for the extra point instead of a two-point conversion that would have given Alabama a critical seven-point cushion. The successful kick made the score 23-17. This decision meant that Florida only needed a touchdown and a successful PAT to win the game.
Enter the hero for the Gators, quarterback Danny Wuerffel. Demonstrating poise under immense pressure, Wuerffel methodically drove the Florida offense down the field, chewing up the clock and challenging the famed Alabama defense. The drive culminated in the end zone when Wuerffel delivered a game-winning, 2-yard touchdown pass to Chris Doering. The subsequent extra point put Florida ahead 24-23, crushing Jay Barker’s hopes for a comeback victory.
The 1994 SEC Championship remains a watershed moment in SEC Football History. For Florida, it cemented Danny Wuerffel’s legacy and marked a changing of the guard in the conference. For Alabama and coach Gene Stallings, the fateful decision to kick for one point instead of two serves as a potent reminder of how razor-thin the margin for error is when two elite programs collide for a championship.
Article from Dec 4, 1994 Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Sarasota, Florida)