The '96/'97 Florida Football Rivalry

'Twas November thirtieth - and all throughout the county
Not an alligator was stirring - they all left town for bounty
They were the two greatest teams - by the polls everyone knew
The Gators were number one - and the 'Noles number two
The Indian people were the best - all throughout the ACC
But the Reptiles ruled everyone - from "A" down to "Z"
I do have to tell you - it was not easy though
For the first time in history - both of them were ten and "O"
The 'Noles' "D" and the Gators "QB" -were both number one
And by all the hoopla made - "the best under the sun"
Well the halftime show was great - everyone liked the band
But not an alligotor was biting - you could have fed them by hand
Laughing later in Gainesville - would have been sin
'Cause at the end of the game - those Seminoles did win
It was not to their credit - we had three less in score
For the great Danny Wuerffel - threw ihterceptions up to four!
Getting on the bus they cried, "We'll be back some day!"
Desiring the incident - somehow to repay
With the top three teams -two still undefeated
Gainesville dropped to four - practically unseated!
It was almost the end - of the football season
And if you're one for hoping - there seemed to be no reason
The 'Noles and those Devils - were the one and two
Humbled and defeated - what was a Gator to do?
Also Nebraska's Cornpeople - stood in third place
But the Gators had a hard time - even showing their face
Thus regards go to Texas - when Nebraska they beat
Thanks also to Ohio State - when ASU lost their seat
Then when only one team - stood 'tween us and the goal
No less than a rematch - was brought by the Sugar Bowl!
It was not just a rematch - nor just a rivalry game
The national championship- was now up for claim!
The problem with the first game - was the passing rush
Which Steve's new formation - tried to put to a hush
But the iNdian defense - continued to pound
The poor young man - was often upon the ground
It gave him the time though - to get rid of the ball
Thus upon the rival - would the Heisman talent fall
Well revenge is sweet - and a rivalry win is nice
But it is even better - to crush 'Noles like mice
So when the Gators shot ahead - there were visions of heaven
But when the halftime came - the lead had shrunk to seven
Then came the second half - like a whole other game
The Gators seemed different - but the 'Noles were still the same
Twenty eight is just a number - nothing special there
But for a second half score - it left quite a stare!
The Gators became the champs - the 'Nole's had only twenty
Our boys got fifty two - and yes that is plenty!
Then the spot light at the end - Wuerffel sacrificed
Giving up the glory - to his Savior Jesus Christ!

-Lon Durfee (c) 1997

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