The Florida Gators came into Saturday more than a three-touchdown favorite over the floundering LSU Tigers. The game was far closer than the oddsmakers had expected and ultimately came down to dueling field goal attempts.
With the game tied at 34, Florida had made a huge stop against the Tigers to force a three and out… until that pesky yellow flag came out of the referee’s pocket.
The call? Unsportsmanlike conduct on redshirt junior defensive back Marco Wilson. See, for some inexplicable reason, after the monster play on defense he felt the need to pick up a shoe that came loose off his opponent and yeet it downfield.
Behold, the play that killed the Florida Gators.
"Florida man costs his team a change at making the college football playoffs by throwing an opponents shoe"pic.twitter.com/G5E2QQU4H1
— Brandon (@TrevorStroy2CIN) December 13, 2020
The entire turn of events was bizarre, to say the least, on-brand with how the game was turning out with a heavy fog rolling into The Swamp to create the spookiest of atmospheres. Ultimately, the penalty kept the Tigers’ drive alive and gave them the opportunity to make the decisive 57-yard field goal.
It is a mistake he will never forget. The Gators eventually lost, 37-34, after Evan McPherson missed a 51-yard attempt wide left of the goalposts as the clock expired.
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