Under first-year head coach and Maryland alumnus Ralph Friedgen, the Terps surprised many by finishing 10–1 after the regular season.
The opening quarter ended with some fireworks as each team scored a long touchdown in the final 12 seconds and the Gators led 14–7.
The Gators quick strike offense scored 35 consecutive points – including three TD passes by Heisman runner-up Rex Grossman and a second Graham TD run – in just over 15 minutes of game play to open a 49–10 advantage and put the game well out of reach.
Two touchdown runs by the Terps' Marc Riley sandwiched a fourth Grossman TD pass to close out the scoring, giving Steve Spurrier a 56–23 win in his final game as Florida's head coach.
at Pro Player Stadium • Miami Gardens, Florida Pound sign (#) denotes national championship game.