2 Days

Florida State Ends The SEC's Reign

Let’s remember when Jameis Winston hit Kelvin Benjamin for a 2-yard game winning touchdown against Auburn in the 2013 season.

2013 Auburn’s final appearance on the list is less fun for Tigers’ fans. After Michigan State upset Ohio State in the B1G Championship Game and Auburn ran over Missouri in the SEC Championship game, Auburn was slotted to take on the juggernaut Seminoles. The game was significantly closer than most expected. Florida State had overwhelmed everyone during the regular season and Auburn had snuck by on some incredible luck. The Seminoles were roughly a touchdown favorite heading into the game.

For the first half it looked like Auburn would keep the SEC’s title streak going. Florida State struck first with a field goal, but Auburn held the explosive Seminole offense in check and built up a 21-3 lead as the half neared. Florida State finally broke through late in the 2nd quarter, to make it a 21-10 game at the half. There were accusations that Auburn was stealing/knew Florida State’s signals in the first half, which helped them gain the unexpected advantage.

The third quarter was mostly a stale mate, with Florida State tacking on another field goal to pull within eight.

The 4th quarter is when the fireworks started. The teams traded multiple scores, with the lead changing hands more than once in the final five minutes of the game. Florida State grabbed its first lead of the game with under five minutes left when it returned a kickoff for a touchdown. Auburn retook the lead with 1:19 left to go in the game.

Heisman winner Jameis Winston drove Florida State to the Auburn two-yard line after a pass interference call against the hero of the Kick Six, Chris Davis. With first and goal from the two-yard line, Winston took the snap….

I still half expected Auburn to pull off one last miracle, but it was not to be. Florida State completed one of the great seasons in history, finishing first in scoring offense and defense for the season. A complete team that helped send the BCS off with a bang.