Date | Opponent | Site | Result | Attendance | Source |
---|
September 11 | vs. Duke* | | L 6–12 | 51,477 | [2] |
September 18 | at Mississippi State | | L 10–13 | 33,500 | [3] |
September 25 | No. 8 Alabama | | L 0–38 | 61,832 | [4] |
October 2 | No. 12 Tennessee | - Florida Field
- Gainesville, FL (rivalry)
| L 13–20 | 61,112 | [5] |
October 9 | at No. 16 LSU | | L 7–48 | 67,055 | [6] |
October 16 | No. 19 Florida State* | - Florida Field
- Gainesville, FL (rivalry)
| W 17–15 | 65,109 | [7] |
October 23 | Maryland* | - Florida Field
- Gainesville, FL
| W 27–23 | 53,021 | [8] |
October 30 | at No. 5 Auburn | | L 7–40 | 63,500 | [9] |
November 6 | vs. No. 7 Georgia | | L 7–49 | 67,383 | [10] |
November 13 | Kentucky | - Florida Field
- Gainesville, FL (rivalry)
| W 35–24 | 45,268 | [11] |
November 27 | at Miami (FL)* | | W 45–16 | 37,710 | [12] |
- *Non-conference game
- Homecoming
- Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
|
[1][13]
1971 Florida Gators football team roster
|
Players
|
Coaches
|
Offense
Pos. |
# |
Name |
Class
|
G
|
68
|
Fred Abbott
|
Jr
|
WR
|
|
Larry Adams
|
WR
|
45
|
Carlos Alvarez
|
Sr
|
OT
|
74
|
Kris Anderson
|
So
|
WR
|
89
|
Hollis Boardman
|
So
|
G
|
79
|
Bill Dowdy
|
Sr
|
RB
|
33
|
Tommy Durrance (C)
|
Sr
|
TE
|
81
|
Hank Foldberg
|
So
|
QB
|
10
|
Chan Gailey
|
So
|
WR
|
21
|
Bruce Gunter
|
Sr
|
G
|
69
|
Dale Hutcherson
|
So
|
WR
|
22
|
Willie Jackson
|
Jr
|
FB
|
20
|
Vince Kendrick
|
So
|
C
|
55
|
Richard Kensler
|
Sr
|
C
|
51
|
Mark King
|
So
|
RB
|
36
|
Lenny Lucas
|
So
|
WR
|
44
|
Joel Parker
|
So
|
OT
|
76
|
David Peek
|
Sr
|
QB
|
7
|
John Reaves (C)
|
Sr
|
FB
|
40
|
Mike Rich
|
Sr
|
QB
|
9
|
John Schnelby
|
Sr
|
G
|
62
|
Joe Sheppard
|
So
|
TE
|
87
|
Jim Yancy
|
Sr
|
|
Defense
Pos. |
# |
Name |
Class
|
S
|
16
|
Jimmy Barr
|
Jr
|
ILB
|
50
|
Ricky Browne
|
So
|
DE
|
88
|
Richard Buchanan
|
Sr
|
CB
|
38
|
Harvin Clark (C)
|
Sr
|
S
|
34
|
John Clifford
|
Jr
|
DB
|
43
|
John Faix
|
Sr
|
MG
|
72
|
Len Fuller
|
Sr
|
CB
|
23
|
Leonard George
|
Jr
|
LB
|
|
Jan Gowland
|
DT
|
77
|
Robert Harrell
|
Sr
|
MG
|
65
|
David Hitchcock
|
So
|
DL
|
75
|
Eddy Moore
|
Jr
|
DE
|
85
|
Mike Moore
|
So
|
OLB
|
57
|
David Poff
|
Jr
|
DB
|
35
|
John Silman
|
Jr
|
CB
|
28
|
Doug Sorensen
|
Sr
|
|
Special teams
Pos. |
# |
Name |
Class
|
K
|
8
|
Richard Franco
|
Sr
|
|
- Head coach
- Coordinators/assistant coaches
- Legend
- (C) Team captain
- (S) Suspended
- (I) Ineligible
Roster
|
|
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
• Duke |
6 |
3 | 0 | 3 |
12 |
Florida |
0 |
0 | 6 | 0 |
6 |
|
|
Scoring summary |
---|
| 1 | | DUKE | Wright 44 yard field goal | DUKE 3-0 |
| 1 | | DUKE | Wright 22 yard field goal | DUKE 6-0 |
| 2 | | DUKE | Wright 34 yard field goal | DUKE 9-0 |
| 3 | | FLA | Parker 7 yard pass from Reaves (kick blocked) | DUKE 9-6 |
| 4 | | DUKE | Wright 43 yard field goal | DUKE 12-6 |
|
[14]
|
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Florida |
0 |
10 | 0 | 0 |
10 |
• Mississippi State |
3 |
0 | 7 | 3 |
13 |
|
|
Scoring summary |
---|
| 1 | | MSU | Ellis 29 yard field goal | MSU 3-0 |
| 2 | | FLA | Yancey 5 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | FLA 7-3 |
| 2 | 0:00 | FLA | Franco 52 yard field goal | FLA 10-3 |
| 3 | | MSU | Jones 21 yard run (Ellis kick) | Tied 10-10 |
| 4 | | MSU | Ellis 35 yard field goal | MSU 13-10 |
|
[15]
|
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
• #8 Alabama |
10 |
14 | 7 | 7 |
38 |
Florida |
0 |
0 | 0 | 0 |
0 |
- Date: September 25
- Location: Florida Field
Gainesville, Florida - Game attendance: 61,832
|
Against the Gators, Alabama's Johnny Musso scored four rushing touchdowns en route to a 38–0 shutout at Florida Field.[16][17] After Bill Davis gave the Crimson Tide a 3–0 lead with his first quarter field goal, Musso scored Alabama's next four touchdowns and extended their lead to 31–0.[16][17] All four came on the ground with a pair from one-yard out, a three-yard run and a five-yard run.[16][17] Alabama then closed the game with an 11-yard Billy Sexton touchdown pass to Dexter Wood that made the final score 38–0.[16][17]
The four touchdowns scored by Musso on the ground set a new school record for rushing touchdowns. Additionally, the shutout was the first for the Crimson Tide defense since their 17–0 victory in 1967 over South Carolina.[17]
Game information
|
First quarter
- TENN – George Hunt 33-yard field goal. Tennessee 3–0. Drive:
Second quarter
- TENN – George Hunt 34-yard field goal. Tennessee 6–0. Drive:
- TENN – Curt Watson 8-yard run (George Hunt kick). Tennessee 13–0. Drive: 74 yards.
- FLA – Willie Jackson 23-yard pass from John Reaves (kick failed), 2:12. Tennessee 13–6. Drive:
- FLA – Hank Foldberg 7-yard pass from John Reaves (Richard Franco kick). Tie 13–13. Drive:
Third quarter
- TENN – Stan Trott 20-yard pass from Phil Pierce (George Hunt kick). Tennessee 20–13. Drive: 99 yards.
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- TENN
- FLA – Mike Rich – 9 rushes, 80 yards
- Top receivers
- TENN
- FLA – Willie Jackson – 7 receptions, 93 yards, TD
|
|
This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (December 2016)
Game information
|
Second quarter
- FLA – Mike Rich 1-yard run (kick failed), 14:58. Florida 6–0. Drive: 75 yards.
- FLA – Jimmy Barr 26-yard fumble return (pass good), 14:40. Florida 14–0.
Fourth quarter
- FSU – Paul Magalski 3-yard run (Frank Fontes kick), 13:57. Florida 14–7. Drive: 73 yards.
- FLA – Richard Franco 42-yard field goal, 9:19. Florida 17–7. Drive:
- FSU – Rhett Dawson 6-yard pass from Gary Huff (pass good), 3:02. Florida 17–15. Drive:
|
- Top passers
- Top rushers
- FSU – Art Munroe – 17 rushes, 79 yards
- FLA – Tommy Durrance – 15 rushes, 60 yards
- Top receivers
- FSU – Rhett Dawson – 7 receptions, 90 yards, TD
- FLA – Willie Jackson – 1 reception, 28 yards
|
|
|
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Maryland |
0 |
13 | 10 | 0 |
23 |
• Florida |
7 |
6 | 7 | 7 |
27 |
|
|
Scoring summary |
---|
| 1 | | FLA | Durrance 7 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | FLA 7-0 |
| 2 | | MD | Behbahani 23 yard field goal | FLA 7-3 |
| 2 | | FLA | Boardman 24 yard pass from Reaves (kick failed) | FLA 13-3 |
| 2 | | MD | Behbahani 36 yard field goal | FLA 13-6 |
| 2 | | MD | Bungori 4 yard pass from Neville (Behbahani kick) | Tied 13-13 |
| 3 | | MD | Behbahani 31 yard field goal | MD 16-13 |
| 3 | | FLA | Alvarez 16 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | FLA 20-16 |
| 3 | | MD | Bungori 10 yard pass from Neville (Behbahani kick) | MD 23-20 |
| 4 | | FLA | Durrance 10 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | FLA 27-23 |
|
[18]
|
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Florida |
0 |
7 | 0 | 0 |
7 |
• Auburn |
12 |
0 | 7 | 21 |
40 |
|
|
Scoring summary |
---|
| 1 | | AUB | Sullivan 8 yard run (run failed) | AUB 6-0 |
| 1 | | AUB | Sullivan 1 yard run (run failed) | AUB 12-0 |
| 2 | | FLA | Jackson 10 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | AUB 12-7 |
| 3 | | AUB | Beasley 19 yard pass from Sullivan (Jett kick) | AUB 19-7 |
| 4 | | AUB | Unger 4 yard run (Jett kick) | AUB 26-7 |
| 4 | | AUB | Henley 1 yard run (Jett kick) | AUB 33-7 |
| 4 | | AUB | Beasley 14 yard pass from Sullivan (Jett kick) | AUB 40-7 |
|
[19]
|
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
• Georgia |
7 |
13 | 22 | 7 |
49 |
Florida |
0 |
7 | 0 | 0 |
7 |
|
|
Scoring summary |
---|
| 1 | | UGA | Poulos 1 yard run (Braswell kick) | UGA 7-0 |
| 2 | | UGA | Lake 2 yard run (Braswell kick) | UGA 14-0 |
| 2 | | UGA | Robinson 38 yard interception return (kick failed) | UGA 20-0 |
| 2 | | FLA | Yancey 9 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | UGA 20-7 |
| 3 | | UGA | Ray 5 yard run (Ray to Shirer pass) | UGA 28-7 |
| 3 | | UGA | Shirer 38 yard pass from Ray (Braswell kick) | UGA 35-7 |
| 3 | | UGA | Lake 2 yard run (Braswell kick) | UGA 42-7 |
| 4 | | UGA | Burns 25 yard pass from Watson (Braswell kick) | UGA 49-7 |
|
[20]
|
1 |
2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
Kentucky |
0 |
3 | 7 | 14 |
24 |
• Florida |
0 |
7 | 7 | 21 |
35 |
|
|
Scoring summary |
---|
| 2 | | FLA | Lucas 1 yard run (Franco kick) | FLA 7-0 |
| 2 | | KY | Kirk 21 yard field goal | FLA 7-3 |
| 3 | | KY | Clymer 11 yard run (Kirk kick) | KY 10-7 |
| 3 | | FLA | Reaves 1 yard run (Franco kick) | FLA 14-10 |
| 4 | | FLA | Yancey 10 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | FLA 21-10 |
| 4 | | FLA | Alvarez 56 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | FLA 28-10 |
| 4 | | KY | Fanuzzi 3 yard run (pass failed) | FLA 28-16 |
| 4 | | FLA | Durrance 19 yard pass from Reaves (Franco kick) | FLA 35-16 |
| 4 | | KY | Stephans 47 yard pass from Fanuzzi (Fanuzzi run) | FLA 35-24 |
|
[21]
The disappointing season ended on a controversial note. With the Gators leading the Miami Hurricanes 45–8 late in the fourth quarter of the last game of the season, senior quarterback John Reaves was just 14 yards short of the NCAA career record for passing yardage, but Miami had the ball and seemed destined to run out the clock. At the urging of Florida defensive captain Harvin Clark, Dickey agreed to permit the Gators defense to allow the Hurricanes to score, thus returning the ball to the Gators offense and giving Reaves a chance to break the record. Dubbed the "Florida Flop" or "Gator Flop", the move worked. When Miami snapped the ball from the Florida 8-yard line, the Gators instantly flopped to the turf, allowing Miami quarterback John Hornibrook to walk uncontested into the endzone. Florida's offense got one more possession, and Reeves promptly broke the record with a pass to favorite target Carlos Alvarez. After the game, many Gator players celebrated by jumping into the pool at the Orange Bowl's east end zone used by the Miami Dolphins' live mascot, Flipper.
Miami coach Fran Curci was so angered by the turn of events that he refused to shake Dickey's hand. In a post-game interview, he called the actions "bush league" and declared that "what Doug Dickey did shows absolutely no class."[22][23][24]
- ^ a b 2015 Florida Gators Football Media Guide Archived 2015-12-08 at the Wayback Machine, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, p. 107 (2015). Retrieved August 16, 2015.
- ^ "Duke kicks favored Florida in face, 12–6". The Palm Beach Post. September 12, 1971. Retrieved January 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Ellis connects on field goal to nip Gators". Daily Press. September 19, 1971. Retrieved October 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Musso scores four times as Tide manhandles Gators 38–0". The Selma Times-Journal. September 26, 1971. Retrieved January 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tennessee sidesteps Florida's bid for an upset, 20–13". The Palm Beach Post. October 3, 1971. Retrieved May 7, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "LSU begins SEC chase with 48–7 win". Daily World. October 10, 1971. Retrieved October 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Gators stun Seminoles on Franco's field goal". St. Lucie News Tribune. October 17, 1971. Retrieved January 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Reaves, Alvarez lead Gators over Terps". The Palm Beach Post. October 24, 1971. Retrieved January 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Sullivan-led Tigers drub Gators, 40–7". The Bradenton Herald. October 31, 1971. Retrieved October 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "'Dogs bury UF by 49–7". Tallahassee Democrat. November 7, 1971. Retrieved October 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Gators skin 'Cats as Alvarez sparkles". The Bradenton Herald. November 14, 1971. Retrieved October 22, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Reaves: Wow!". St. Petersburg Times. November 28, 1971. Retrieved January 23, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Sports Publicity Department. "1972 University of Florida Football Brochure" (PDF). floridagators.com. University Athletic Association, Inc. Retrieved March 15, 2018.
- ^ "Duke Boots Top Gators." Ocala Star-Banner. 1971 Sept 12.
- ^ Ocala Star-Banner. 1971 September 19.
- ^ a b c d e Reed, Delbert (September 26, 1971). "High Tide in Florida". The Tuscaloosa News. Google News Archives. p. 1B. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f Tucker, Tommy (September 26, 1971). "Musso leads Alabama romp by hapless Florida, 38–0". Daytona Beach Morning Journal. Google News Archives. p. 1C. Retrieved January 30, 2014.
- ^ Palm Beach Post. 1971 Oct. 24.
- ^ Palm Beach Post. 1971 Oct 31.
- ^ Ocala Star-Banner. 1971 Nov 7.
- ^ Ocala Star-Banner. 1971 Nov 14.
- ^ Paul Lukas, "The stories behind the 1971 Gator Flop", ESPN.com (September 16, 2010). Retrieved March 9, 2012.
- ^ Randall Mell, "It was humiliating Archived 2014-03-30 at the Wayback Machine", Orlando Sun-Sentinel (December 20, 2000). Retrieved March 30, 2014.
- ^ "Contemporary TV coverage of Florida Flop (youtube)". Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2014.