The rivalry between the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles is one of the most intense and storied in college football. While the games are often decided by electrifying plays and hard-fought battles, a recurring theme has emerged over the years: missed field goals at critical moments. These infamous kicks, often dubbed “Wide Right,” have become synonymous with the rivalry, shaping the outcomes of several unforgettable contests.
These kicking miscues have not only altered the course of individual games but have also contributed to the overall narrative of the rivalry, adding layers of drama and heartbreak for fans on both sides. The pressure cooker atmosphere of these matchups often amplifies the significance of each play, making the kicker’s role all the more crucial and unforgiving.
The Legacy of “Wide Right”
The term “Wide Right” has become deeply ingrained in the lexicon of college football, specifically referring to the series of missed field goals by Florida State kickers against Miami that cost the Seminoles dearly. These moments have become iconic, forever etched in the memories of fans and players alike.
“Wide Right I” – 1991
The first instance of “Wide Right” occurred in 1991 when top-ranked Florida State faced second-ranked Miami. With seconds remaining and the Seminoles trailing by one point, Gerry Thomas lined up for a 34-yard field goal attempt. The kick sailed wide right, securing a 17-16 victory for the Hurricanes and effectively ending Florida State’s national championship hopes that season.
The magnitude of the miss reverberated throughout the college football world. Miami went on to win the national championship that year, further solidifying the significance of Thomas’s missed kick. The game is still talked about today, and “Wide Right I” remains a painful memory for Florida State fans.
“Wide Right II” – 1992
Just one year later, history repeated itself. In 1992, with Florida State ranked third and Miami seventh, the Seminoles once again found themselves in a similar situation. Needing a field goal to win, Dan Mowrey attempted a 39-yard kick with under a minute left. The kick drifted wide right, handing Miami a 19-16 victory and extending their winning streak over Florida State.
The similarities between “Wide Right I” and “Wide Right II” were uncanny. Both games were decided by a single point, both featured a missed field goal in the closing seconds, and both resulted in a Miami victory. The term “Wide Right” was no longer just a fluke; it was becoming a defining characteristic of the rivalry.
“Wide Right III” – 2000
The curse of “Wide Right” struck again in 2000, although this time, the circumstances were slightly different. Matt Munroe’s 49-yard attempt sailed wide right, preserving Miami’s 27-24 lead. While this miss didn’t occur in the final seconds, it was still a critical moment in the game, preventing Florida State from tying the score and potentially taking the lead.
Although the Seminoles were able to drive down the field and get into field goal range again, they were unable to convert and lost the game. “Wide Right III” further cemented the notion that Florida State was cursed when it came to kicking against Miami.
“Wide Right IV” – 2002
In 2002, the “Wide Right” saga continued with Mickey Andrews’s missed attempt. This time, the kick wasn’t in the final seconds, but it was still a crucial moment that shifted the momentum of the game. The kick sailed wide right, giving Miami the victory and extending their dominance over Florida State.
The recurring theme of missed field goals in crucial situations had become a psychological burden for Florida State. The pressure of the rivalry, combined with the weight of past failures, seemed to create an almost insurmountable obstacle for Seminole kickers.
A humorous representation of the ‘Wide Right’ kicks that have plagued Florida State against Miami, encapsulating the agony and frustration of Seminoles fans.
Beyond “Wide Right”: Other Kicking Woes
While the “Wide Right” kicks are the most famous examples of kicking miscues in the Miami-Florida State rivalry, they are not the only ones. Over the years, both teams have experienced their fair share of kicking struggles, adding to the drama and unpredictability of the series.
Missed Opportunities and Game-Changing Plays
In addition to the infamous “Wide Right” kicks, there have been other instances where missed field goals or extra points have had a significant impact on the outcome of Miami-Florida State games. These missed opportunities can be just as devastating as a last-second miss, especially when they occur at critical junctures in the game.
One example is a missed extra point in a close game that ultimately forced a team to go for a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. If the extra point had been made, the team could have simply kicked an extra point to tie the game. Instead, they were forced to attempt a more difficult two-point conversion, which they failed to convert, resulting in a loss.
The Psychological Impact on Kickers
The pressure of kicking in a high-stakes rivalry game like Miami-Florida State can be immense. The weight of expectations, combined with the fear of failure, can have a significant psychological impact on kickers. Some kickers thrive in these situations, while others crumble under the pressure.
The “Wide Right” kicks have undoubtedly had a lasting impact on Florida State kickers. The memory of those missed kicks can linger in their minds, creating a sense of doubt and anxiety that can affect their performance in future games. It takes a special kind of mental fortitude to overcome such adversity and perform at a high level in the face of intense pressure.
The Rivalry’s Impact and Continued Significance
The Miami-Florida State rivalry extends far beyond the football field. It is a cultural phenomenon that captivates fans across the state of Florida and throughout the nation. The games are often filled with passion, intensity, and drama, and the outcomes can have a significant impact on the national landscape of college football.
National Championship Implications
Over the years, several Miami-Florida State games have had national championship implications. The winner of the game often gains a significant advantage in the race for a national title, while the loser faces an uphill battle to climb back into contention.
The 1991 game, in which Gerry Thomas missed the infamous “Wide Right” kick, is a prime example. Miami went on to win the national championship that year, while Florida State’s hopes were dashed by the missed field goal. The game serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in this rivalry and the potential consequences of failure.
A Defining Characteristic of College Football
The Miami-Florida State rivalry is one of the most iconic and enduring in college football. The games are known for their close scores, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments. The rivalry has produced countless memories that will be cherished by fans for generations to come.
The “Wide Right” kicks have become a defining characteristic of the rivalry, adding a unique layer of intrigue and drama. These missed field goals have not only shaped the outcomes of individual games but have also contributed to the overall narrative of the rivalry, creating a legacy that will continue to be discussed and debated for years to come. For more on the rivalry’s history, check out this article.
Key Takeaways
- The Miami-Florida State rivalry is defined by close games and dramatic finishes.
- Missed field goals, particularly the “Wide Right” series, have played a significant role in the rivalry’s history.
- The pressure of the rivalry can have a significant psychological impact on kickers.
- The Miami-Florida State game often has national championship implications.
- The rivalry is one of the most iconic and enduring in college football.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Miami-Florida State rivalry and the infamous “Wide Right” kicks:
What is “Wide Right”?
“Wide Right” refers to a series of missed field goals by Florida State kickers against Miami in crucial situations, particularly in the closing seconds of the game. These missed kicks have often resulted in Miami victories and have become a defining characteristic of the rivalry.
How many “Wide Right” kicks have there been?
There are four instances that are commonly referred to as “Wide Right”: 1991, 1992, 2000 and 2002. Each of these kicks occurred in a critical moment of the game and had a significant impact on the outcome.
Why is the Miami-Florida State rivalry so intense?
The Miami-Florida State rivalry is intense due to a combination of factors, including the proximity of the two schools, the high stakes involved in the games, and the passionate fan bases of both teams. The rivalry has produced many memorable moments and has become a defining characteristic of college football.
How have the “Wide Right” kicks affected Florida State kickers?
The “Wide Right” kicks have undoubtedly had a lasting psychological impact on Florida State kickers. The memory of those missed kicks can linger in their minds, creating a sense of doubt and anxiety that can affect their performance in future games. It takes a special kind of mental fortitude to overcome such adversity and perform at a high level in the face of intense pressure.
In conclusion, the “Wide Right” kicks are just one part of the larger narrative of the Miami-Florida State rivalry. The games are always filled with passion, intensity, and drama, and the outcomes can have a significant impact on the national landscape of college football. Whether you are a fan of the Hurricanes or the Seminoles, the Miami-Florida State rivalry is sure to provide plenty of excitement and memorable moments for years to come. Continue researching the history of this storied rivalry to fully appreciate its significance in college football.
