Seminole Stories: "I See Ya PK Sam!"

It's November 29th, 2003 as Bobby Bowden leads his 9th-ranked Seminoles into Gainesville for his 28th matchup vs the Florida Gators. The 'Noles have taken four of the last five over the Gators but today they face an 11th-ranked Florida team led by Chris Leak and a feisty defense.

Chris Rix and the Florida State offense have escaped a few controversial fumble calls and weathered an all-around controversial game and find themselves down three with just over a minute left. After mustering a desperation drive including the previous play where Rix converted a 4th and 14, they face a first and ten from their own 48-yard line.

With running back (and current Tennessee Titan) Leon Washington to his left, Rix takes the snap from center David Castillo. He drops back a few steps while surveying the field before evading the pass rush and slipping out of the pocket to his right. With two large gather steps, Rix moves forward a few yards teeing up a Hail Mary sling to P.K. Sam who is trying to find room in the end zone. About 65 yards later, P.K. Sam cradles the ball into his lap while he falls back in the face of a spinning Gus Scott.

TOUCHDOWN FLORIDA STATE.

After gathering himself, Sam jumps to his feet and trots in front of the crushed Gator fans who have gone silent in disbelief. Rix falls to his knees with arms wide open and looks to the sky before his teammates come to congratulate him. The fourth of the stadium that is Florida State fans lose their minds and after a Beitia extra point, the Marching Chiefs erupt with the FSU Fight Song that echoes through The Swamp.

The Gators received the ball back with :55 seconds but time runs out before they can answer. The 'Noles win and storm the field, helmets raised. After some celebrating at midfield, a brawl breaks out but does not last. The 'Noles exit the stadium to boos, raising the alligator head high in the sky, as victors in dramatic fashion.

Chris Rix was a four year starter who, despite being very criticized throughout his FSU career, delivered
 one of the greatest plays in Florida State history.

The 'Noles finished the season with an ACC Championship and a 10-win season. The Gators did not win the SEC and ended up losing in the Outback Bowl to Iowa.

I was watching this game with my mother's family. There were about 20 of us cramped into a tiny room and everyone had taken all of the good seats in the room so I was stuck on the floor. When we saw the play, we all erupted. My clumsy self hit my head on my grandma's stupid wooden table, apparently I had my head under it the entire game. Though it did hurt like hell I didn't care. I shook it off and we all rejoiced together like we had won the lottery because there are not many things we hate more than the Florida Gators.

Relive it:

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Did you like this story? Check out some other Seminole Story features on Nole Pride:
Rashad Greene Erupts Doak
Noles Upset #2 BC

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