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‘Canes spank post-Spurrier Gators at Swamp

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Fifteen years of buildup during which Miami and Florida garnered five national championships and two Heismans, and the best arm in the joint belonged to a strong safety. The best legs belonged to a former backup tailback. Florida’s best chance to overcome all that was to place a Bat-phone-like emergency call to the nation’s capital. And that ain’t happening. Not now. Not ever. In case Gator Nation didn’t get the memo, the Spurrier era is over. No. 1 Miami made it official with a 41-16 victory that laid waste to the record book and the immediate hopes of those wishing that somehow Ron Zook would make it all better again.

Ken Dorsey (left) outduels fellow Heisman candidate Rex Grossman despite three interceptions.(AP)

CANES BLOW THROUGH SWAMP, TROUNCE GATORS 41-16

The top ranked University of Miami beat #6 Florida 41-16 in front of a packed house in The Swamp. Led by tailback Willis McGahee, the Hurricanes ran for 306 yards on 46 carries. There is no question that at this point of the 2002 season, Miami is the best team in the country.

Trivial pursuit before ‘Canes-Gators showdown

True or False? Florida lost a one-point game to UM when a blocked PAT was scooped up by a guy named Inky, who then lateraled back to the kicker, who carried the ball into the end zone for the decisive point.

True or False? Miami stunned the Gators despite starting a QB who had been a team manager at the start of the season.

True or False? In 1965, the original stud Miami QB, George Mira (a righty) beat Florida by throwing a TD pass left-handed when a rusher pinned his right arm.

True or False? Florida’s defense once intentionally flopped to the field, allowing Miami to score a late touchdown, so that John Reaves would have time for one final series in which to break an NCAA passing record.

True or False? Miami won a game when a 55-yard field goal caromed off an upright and through.

True or False? Miami was a Steve Spurrier nemesis.

True or False? The ‘Canes clobbered Florida in ‘84 when Bernie Kosar sprinted 97 yards for a TD, as a jubilant Jimmy Johnson tossed his visor in the air.

True or False? Howard Schnellenberger ordered a field goal kicked on the final play, with the ‘Canes up 28-7 in Gainesville.

True or False? The Gators once celebrated a win by jumping into a pool behind the Orange Bowl’s end zone.

Answers: true, true, true, true, true, true, true and true — they’re all true, except for the one about Kosar running 97 yards. Some weird stuff has happened, but not that preposterous. Plus, Jimmy never let a visor (or anything else) touch his hair dome.

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