Fifty years ago on Nov 27, 1971, this happened:
This was back when Miami was always the last game of the season. Going into the game against UM in 1971 Gator QB John Reaves had a chance to break Jim Plunkett's all-time NCAA career passing yardage record. It was late in the game and Reaves only needed a few more yards to break the record. UF forced a punt but Gator DB and punt returner Harvin Clarke ran the punt back for a TD (rumor has it Clarke ran off the field and apologized to Reaves for running it back). After the kickoff the Canes drove down the field and were threatening to score. Time was running out so the Gator defense decided they were going to get the ball back to Reaves so he could set the record. Without telling the coaches what they were going to do they "flopped" so Miami could score (the Gators were up 45-8 at the time) and got the ball back with enough time for Reaves to complete a couple of passes and set the record. Miami coach Fran Curci was pissed, LOL.
After the game, the Gators celebrated by jumping in the fountain at the Orange Bowl in full uniform.
This was back when Miami was always the last game of the season. Going into the game against UM in 1971 Gator QB John Reaves had a chance to break Jim Plunkett's all-time NCAA career passing yardage record. It was late in the game and Reaves only needed a few more yards to break the record. UF forced a punt but Gator DB and punt returner Harvin Clarke ran the punt back for a TD (rumor has it Clarke ran off the field and apologized to Reaves for running it back). After the kickoff the Canes drove down the field and were threatening to score. Time was running out so the Gator defense decided they were going to get the ball back to Reaves so he could set the record. Without telling the coaches what they were going to do they "flopped" so Miami could score (the Gators were up 45-8 at the time) and got the ball back with enough time for Reaves to complete a couple of passes and set the record. Miami coach Fran Curci was pissed, LOL.
After the game, the Gators celebrated by jumping in the fountain at the Orange Bowl in full uniform.
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