November 26, 1994 Choke at the Doak...

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The November 26, 1994, clash between the Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles is famously remembered as the "Choke at Doak." This game stands as one of the most unforgettable moments in the storied Sunshine State rivalry and tied the NCAA record for the largest fourth-quarter comeback. Both teams entered the game with identical 9-1 records, squaring off at FSU's Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

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.