Take 5 Interactive: FSUs Greatest Gator Slayers
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Thanksgiving weekend means many things to many people. Family, food, shopping and rivalry football are all staples of our most American of holidays, and this Saturday the Seminoles of Florida State University and the University of Florida Gators will meet for the 57th time in the regular season. As is tradition, the game is set to star two big-time programs, feuding fans, and some of the best talent college football has to offer.
On this special interactive edition of "Take 5," we'll set the table by bringing you some of the greatest players to ever wear the Garnet and Gold. More specifically, these are Seminoles who have earned the right to call themselves "Gator Slayers" for their impressive performances against FSU's arch rivals.
With your help, we'll decide who earns recognition as the greatest Gator Slayer of all time. Just take the poll at the end of this package.
And without further adieu, let's get to the candidates (arranged alphabetically):
KELVIN BENJAMIN (2012-13)
Though he only played for the Seminoles for two seasons (he was redshirted in 2011), current Carolina Panther Kelvin Benjamin was instrumental in one of Florida State's greatest seasons and one of the Seminoles' most dominating victories in Gainesville. Benjamin's monster nine-reception, 212-yard, three-touchdown day against the Gators capped off a perfect regular season for the Seminoles -- not to mention a 37-7 victory over Florida.
Defining Moment:
After the 'Noles struggled to get much going against the Gators for the majority of the first half, Jameis Winston would find Benjamin in UF territory, and the wide out bounced off multiple defenders for a 45-yard touchdown. It was his first of three on the day.
LAWRENCE DAWSEY (1987-1990)
A name familiar to Seminoles both young and old, FSU's current wide receivers coach never lost to Florida in his time as a player. His 'Noles not only defeated the Gators four straight seasons but did so in style, with an average margin of victory of almost 18 points (17.75 to be exact.) Dawsey recorded at least one catch in every game against UF from his sophomore season on, and his Seminoles would set the standard for FSU's dominant run in the 1990s.
Defining Moment:
Dawsey was instrumental in giving the 'Noles their fourth straight victory over Florida in 1990, recording four catches for 172 yards. He got FSU going by burning UF defensive back Will White with an out-and-up on the first series to score a 76-yard touchdown in the opening minute.
LARRY KEY (1974-77)
It's no secret that the early to mid-1970s were not fun times for Florida State football. After the departure of Bill Peterson in 1970, the program known for innovation failed to find its footing in a changing sport. One of the bright spots, however, was Larry Key, a running back from Inverness who would be a staple of the beginning of the Bobby Bowden era. Key would become FSU's first 1,000-yard rusher, and much of that is to be owed to his senior performance against the orange and blue.
Defining Moment:
In 1977, Key would run for 143 yards on 20 carries in the regular-season finale against the Gators. Not only is this win significant for Key's stat line, it also marked FSU's first victory in 10 tries against UF and was Bobby Bowden's first win over the Gators.
MARVIN 'SNOOP' MINNIS (1997-2000)
Though the most famous play of Minnis' career may have come against the Seminoles' rivals from Clemson, he put up some pretty impressive numbers against the Gators during his time in Tallahassee. After losing in what Florida considers the "Greatest Game Ever Played in the Swamp" in his freshman year, Minnis' FSU teams would not lose again to UF. Not too shabby for a man who would catch passes from Thad Busby, Dan Kendra, Chris Weinkie and Marcus Outzen in his career.
Defining Moment:
Minnis would rack up 187 yards and two touchdowns in the 2000 game, a senior performance that would help propel Chris Weinke to the Heisman Trophy and FSU to its third straight appearance in the BCS National Championship Game.
CHRIS RIX (2001-04)
Critics can say what they want about FSU's controversial QB of the new millennium, but he certainly knew how to beat the Gators. After Rix's outmatched 'Noles squad dropped his first start against Florida in 2001, he would win his next two starts against the Gators. Coming off the bench as a senior, Rix even nearly rallied the Seminoles in a now-infamous home game in 2004, when he was put in late to spark the offense.
Defining Moment:
Ask any Seminole fan what the words "Rix to Sam" means to them, and they'll more than likely flash a wide grin on their face. Trailing the Gators 34-31 in Gainesville with 1:05 left in the game, and after just converting a 4th-and-14 in his own territory, Rix threw a bomb to P.K. Sam in the south end zone. Sam would then get behind Gator CB Gus Scott and catch the now-famous game-winning touchdown. The play would result in one of Gene Deckerhoff's greatest calls.
... Or if you're a fan of schadenfreude, you'll more than likely find Mick Hubert's call pretty entertaining.
CHARLIE WARD (1992-93)
Florida State's first Heisman would only play two games at QB against the Gators, but his impact can never be understated. Ward would throw for six touchdowns and 777 yards in '92 and '93, in addition to rushing for just under 100 yards in his two outings. He also lead FSU to arguably the program's most important win over Florida in 1993 -- a win that secured the Seminoles' right to play for the national title.
Defining Moment:
In what might just be the most famous play in the history of FSU athletics, Charlie Ward would hook up with Warrick Dunn for a 79-yard touchdown that sealed a victory for the 'Noles and squashed a furious Gator comeback.
PETER WARRICK (1996-99)
Including his redshirt season, Warrick was part of five FSU teams that faced the Gators, and the Seminoles went 3-2 during that stretch. He had many a memorable moment against Florida, but then again what game didn't Warrick have some sort of memorable moment? From his 75-yard day in 1996's No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash, to his touchdown pass in 1998's famous "Rooster" game, Warrick did it all.
Defining Moment:
Warrick had plenty of great plays, but his touchdown run in 1999 stands above the rest. Lined up at quarterback, Warrick would keep the ball off the snap and weave up and down the field before running past possibly every defender on the Gator defense and finding the end zone for a four-yard score.
CHRIS WEINKE (1999-2000)
Injuries would keep the Seminoles' second Heisman Trophy winner from playing in more than two games against Florida, but he would still produce several memorable moments. Weinke would go 2-0 against the Gators, including throwing for 613 yards and four touchdowns -- with one performance leading to a title appearance and the other sealing up a Heisman.
Defining Moment:
After throwing a "pick-six" that would give Florida a 16-13 lead in the third quarter of 1999's contest, a resilient Weinke would lead the Seminoles into field goal range. A 54-yard Sebastian Janikowski field goal would then tie the game at 16 and shift the momentum to carry FSU to a 30-23 victory.
WALLY WOODHAM and JIMMY JORDAN (1977-79)
As a tandem these two quarterbacks would go 3-0 against Florida and, along with Larry Key, would secure the Seminoles' first victories over the Gators in the 1970s. From 1977-79, the dynamic duo would combine for 673 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns. They would also give 'Noles fans and Bobby Bowden their first true taste of success in over a decade.
Defining Moment:
The tandem would throw two touchdowns apiece for a combined four touchdowns in 1977's contest in Gainesville. The aerial attack was enough to overwhelm the Gators, who would lose 37-9 at Florida Field, marking FSU's first road win at Florida since 1967 under Bill Peterson.