Defensive back Deion Sanders was sure the 1989 Sugar Bowl between his Florida State Seminoles and the Auburn Tigers was going to be a tight matchup.
"It's going to be close, it's going to come right down to the end," he said. "I see a big play by Prime Time making the difference."
This statement makes me question if Deion is a fortune teller. Auburn was down seven and driving in the fourth quarter. They took a shot at the end zone, and there was Prime Time in prime position.
A Welcome End to His FSU Career: Deion Sanders' Sugar Bowl Interception
RELATED: Why Deion Sanders Chose Florida State More Than 35 Years Ago
FSU started out its season with a blowout loss to Miami. From that point on, head coach Bobby Bowden's team didn't lose a game. Auburn's sole defeat was at the hands of LSU in the famous "Earthquake Game." Each team's lone blemish earned them a date at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Seminoles scored on their opening possession, an 84-yard drive capped by Dayne Williams' two-yard touchdown run. The scoring tapered off from there. FSU kicker Bill Mason hit two field goals in the first and second quarters, and Auburn wide receiver Walter Reeves caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Reggie Slack in response to Mason's second kick. Neither team could get on the board in the second half. Although, Auburn came close.
Backed up on their own four-yard line and with the game on the line late in the fourth quarter, Slack led the Tiger offense to the Florida State 22. Five seconds left. Their 11th win within reach. Slack dropped back. He whipped the ball into a tight window, aiming for receiver Lawyer Tillman, who I'm assuming was called "JD" by his teammates. However, Sanders sliced in front of Tillman at the goal line to intercept the pass.
The play sealed the victory for Florida State and an incredible college football career for the two-time All-American cornerback. Even though Deion Sanders caught some flack for his Jacksonville State program signing top 2022 recruit Travis Hunter away from his alma mater, he's still beloved in Tallahassee.
Prime time players make prime time plays. And who better to make a play in prime time on a Monday Night than Prime Time himself?
