Florida’s 1984 football team was arguably the best in school history. And it was undoubtedly the most controversial.
Because of the mixed history, the team is an emotional and sensitive topic among UF fans. But after 40 years, the school has decided to embrace the 1984 Gators.
It will welcome this team before the homecoming game against Kentucky on October 19thIn a way, this means that the Orwellian football story of 1984 has come full circle.
The Gators beat Kentucky 25-17 on November 17, 1984, to win the school’s first SEC title. Six months later, SEC presidents voted to strip the title due to NCAA violations under Charley Pell.
The cheating scandal lasted the entire season and forced Pell to resign after three games. This tumult electrified the players.
“We looked each other in the eyes and said, ‘It’s us!’ That was our mantra: ‘Us against the world,'” said guard Billy Hinson.
Florida won eight straight games under interim coach Galen Hall and finished 9-1-1. But in October, the NCAA banned UF from bowl appearances for two years and cut scholarships for new players.
The SEC sent conference runner-up LSU to the Sugar Bowl. Florida ended its season with a 27-17 win over FSU.
“I truly believe we are the best team in the nation,” Hall said after the win.
The New York Times and Sporting News agreed, placing the Gators No. 1 in their final rankings. However, the AP and UPI polls did not include teams on probation.
“Rules are rules,” Hinson said. “We understand that. But at the same time, we won the championship on the field.”
They did, but the 1984 SEC championship is still officially listed as “vacant.”
This left the school in a precarious position for decades when it came to recognizing the team. Then came Tuesday’s announcement.
“We are excited to welcome the 1984 Gators football team back to campus for the Kentucky game and Homecoming weekend,” said Athletic Director Scott Stricklin. “This will be a wonderful opportunity to honor them for their special accomplishments while also giving them a chance to reconnect with their teammates and friends.”
After 40 years, the players will be grateful.
“It will show the current and future team that we don’t forget our own people,” Hinson said. “This message is a win-win situation.”
David Whitley is a sports columnist for the Gainesville Sun. Reach him at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DavidEWhitley
This article originally appeared in the Gainesville Sun: Florida welcomes back scandal-plagued 1984 football team
