#4 Florida at #2 Tennessee - 1996 - (Peyton Manning 492 yds/Danny Wuerffel 4 TDs)

October 21, 1996: In one of the most anticipated matchups of the 1996 season, 4th-ranked Florida stunned 2nd-ranked Tennessee with a relentless first-half onslaught and then held off a furious Peyton Manning comeback attempt on their way to their first national championship.

Led by 4 first-half touchdown passes from Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, a 27-yard fumble return by defensive back Antone Lott, and a stingy Gators defense that intercepted Peyton Manning 4 times -- Florida jumped out to a 35-0 2nd-qtr lead in front of a stunned Neyland Stadium crowd. Manning eventually got the Volunteers on the board with a gorgeous 72-yard bomb to Peerless Price and Tennessee went to the lockerroom trailing 35-7 at the half.

While Steve Spurrier and the Gators offense took a more conservative offensive approachin the 2nd-half, Tennesse aired it out as Manning set career-highs in passing yardage, completions, and attempts. Manning pulled Tennessee to within 6 in the game's final seconds, but the Volunteers couldn't recover the ensuing onside kick and Florida left Knoxville with a 35-29 victory.

Peyton Manning finished the game 37 of 65, for 492 yards with 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

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