The best plays in Florida Gators history nearly blew out the ear drums of the thousands packed into Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Tim Tebow's "Jump Pass" became an instant classic in Gainesville as did Feleipe Franks' walk-off hail mary against Tennessee in 2017, and I still believe Gator fans woke up the Richter scale after Will Grier and Antonio Callaway's "4th-and-14" moment.
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Everyone has their favorite play, but those who found themselves tuning in on TV or listening to Mick Hubert every Saturday back in 2006 know one stands out in particular. None of the above compare to Jarvis Moss' blocked field goal in 2006, a massive feat that did more than just spoil a former legendary coach's return to The Swamp.
"The Gamecock Block" Keeps UF's Title Shot Alive
On November 11, 2006, the South Carolina Gamecocks were a 48-yard field goal away from knocking off the sixth-ranked Florida Gators and ending their national championship aspirations. It was head coach Steve Spurrier's first game in Gainesville against his former team in an emotional return that almost stopped Urban Meyer's championship chase in its tracks.
On the cusp of snapping a three-game skid and scoring a massive upset at The Swamp, South Carolina kicker Ryan Succop lined up for the game-winning field goal. That's when All-American defensive end Jarvis Moss jumped as high as he could — arms fully extended to the sky — as he blocked the kick to preserve the Gators' chase for the 2006 BCS National Championship with a 17-16 win.
RELATED: Florida's Two-Title Feat in 2006 Won't Be Repeated Any Time Soon
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Moss had blocked an extra point following South Carolina running back Mike Davis' second touchdown run of the game that was equally as important as the final play. That block, combined with Ray McDonald blocking a 47-yard attempt earlier in the game, preserved the win for a Florida team needing to make a statement late in the college football season.
Entering the matchup against the Gamecocks, the Gators were fourth in the BCS standings. Third-ranked Louisville had lost that week, and the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes and No. 2 Michigan Wolverines were scheduled to play the following Saturday. This win meant that Florida had a very good chance at getting a shot at the national championship if it were to win out.
The Gators would win the SEC Championship, and of course, UF ended up winning the national championship thanks to the quarterback tandem of Chris Leak and Tim Tebow.
Moss was named a 2006 All-American by Pro Football Weekly, joining fellow Gators Buster Davis and Reggie Nelson, who also earned national accolades for their performance during UF's national title season. In the 2007 NFL Draft, Moss was selected 17th overall in the first round by the Denver Broncos, but struggled adapting to the NFL game and was out of football after six seasons.
No matter how his football career ended, Jarvis Moss' blocked field goal will never be forgotten in Gators history.
This post was originally published on March 25, 2019, but this play is unforgettable in UF lore.
