Beyond the Call: Steve Spurrier’s Playbook Wizardry in the 1994 SEC Championship Game

In the 1994 SEC Championship Game, Hall of Fame coach Steve Spurrier, known affectionately as the “Ol’ Ball Coach,” reached deep into his bag of tricks to turn the tide—literally—against undefeated and third-ranked Alabama. Trailing 23-17 after a pick-six by Dwayne Rudd midway through the fourth quarter, Spurrier delivered a masterclass in ingenuity, channeling both strategy and childhood inspiration to orchestrate an unforgettable comeback.

What followed was a whirlwind drive packed with creativity and daring:

• A fake quarterback injury.
• A formation from football’s wild early days.
• A perfectly executed double pass.

It began with “T-9,” a play Spurrier crafted to catch Alabama off-guard. Quarterback Danny Wuerffel faked an injury and limped off the field, replaced at the last second by backup Eric Kresser. While it seemed like Kresser would run a safe handoff or screen pass, Spurrier had prepared for this moment, secretly warming him up throughout the game. Kresser shocked Alabama’s defense with a 25-yard strike down the left sideline to Ike Hilliard.

In the broadcast booth, ABC commentators Keith Jackson and Bob Griese could hardly contain their disbelief. As Wuerffel jogged back onto the field, his limp gone, Griese famously shouted: “It was a hoax! It was a hoax!!”

Momentum now firmly in Florida’s favor, Spurrier kept the tricks coming. Facing fourth down a few plays later, he called timeout with 6:21 remaining and unleashed the “Emory and Henry Shift.” Inspired by a formation from his childhood, where he watched Emory and Henry College football games near his hometown in Johnson City, Tennessee, the play spread the field wide with three players flanking each side. Only the quarterback, tailback, center, and two guards remained in the middle.

The formation set up a quick backward pass from Wuerffel to Reidel Anthony, who darted forward behind a wall of blockers for a nine-yard gain.

Then came the pièce de résistance: “9 Double Pass.” After lulling Alabama with the previous play, Wuerffel tossed another backward pass, this time to Chris Doering. Instead of running, Doering launched the ball deep down the left sideline to Aubrey Hill, who was tackled just shy of the goal line. Alabama’s defense was utterly bewildered.

One play later, Wuerffel found Doering on a crisp post route for the game-winning touchdown. Florida fans erupted as Spurrier capped off one of his finest coaching performances.

After the game, Spurrier delivered a classic quip: “The guy who said defense wins championships hasn’t watched us a lot.”

Under Spurrier’s leadership, the Gators became synonymous with daring plays and offensive brilliance, earning multiple championships and a national title. The 1994 SEC Championship Game remains a testament to his knack for blending strategy with the unbridled creativity of his youth. Relive this thrilling match-up here.