I was at home watching with my wife. I’m not very good company during a game because I prefer to lock into it. Dealing with other people’s comments and/or disinterest in the actual game is difficult for me.
I remember the sense of unspeakable joy that started rising in my heart after Mike Peterson stuffed the monstrously big Pooh Bear Williams on that early drive. F$U was playing well, but we kept making plays. They started to snowball. The greatest win in Gators history was unfolding as a blowout of our in-state rival. They can never live that down.
After the game ended I ran into the street and screamed a guttural howl of joy. Then I heard another from a block away, and another, and another - each from different directions.
My grandfather, UF ‘31, watched that game, too. He had just turned 87. I was so happy that he got to see it, then Spurrier dedicated the win to all the Gators who had been waiting so long to finally say in truth and without question, “We’re number one!”
Thanks for eliciting the memories, Ox.