Both teams were ranked among the nation's elite, with Florida at No. 6 and Alabama at No. 3. This marked the third consecutive year these two rivals clashed in the SEC title game, with the series tied at one apiece.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows. However, with just over five minutes remaining, Alabama's Deshea Townsend intercepted a pass from Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Crimson Tide a 22-17 lead. Instead of going for two points, coach Stallings opted to kick the extra point.

With time winding down, Wuerffel led the Gators on a decisive drive, culminating in a two-yard touchdown pass to Chris Doering. The Gators' extra point proved to be the difference, securing a 24-23 victory. This heart-stopping game, later ranked 79th on ESPN's list of the greatest college football games, remains a classic in SEC history.