The Terrapins improved upon their record, rising from 7 to 8 victories, though they once again finished 2nd place in the Atlantic Coast Conference, this time to North Carolina, who were invited to the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl.
But the Gators rebounded in 1980, winning eight games (with a 4–2 conference record), including two close losses to eventual national champion Georgia and #3 Florida State (by a combined total of nine points) to finish 3rd in the Southeastern Conference, with five weeks spent in the polls, though three losses in their last four games had dropped them from #20 to unranked.
Freshman Wayne Peace finished second in the Southeastern Conference in passing efficiency, and sophomore Bob Hewko was also effective in limited play.
The offense also featured future NFL starters in wide receiver Cris Collinsworth and running back James Jones.
Cris Collinsworth caught eight passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns while being named MVP.