Ode to Mick Hubert | Small Town Gator's Blog

"...DOERING'S GOT A TOUCHDOWN!"

Four words changed my college football listening experience.

Any Gator fan immediately knows what those words signify.

Eight years before September 11th became an infamous date in our country's history, it was a landmark day for two future Gator legends. A freshman QB with a funky throwing motion hit a walk-on WR for the game-winning score in Lexington, KY.

The story has been told and re-told countless times, passed down like a mythical tale from days of yore. Any Gator fan worth their salt has heard the tale, but have you heard the call?

If it hadn't been for probation, it might have never been so dramatic. Kentucky was not allowed on TV in 1993, so the entire Gator Nation sat huddled around their radios that night.

I was chewing my nails as the Gators played as sloppy as they could. Terry Dean and Wuerffel were woeful on the afternoon, tossing a myriad of INT's. I was so upset that I kept challenging my friend Heath (an FSU fan) to basketball games throughout, even though I sucked... and he very much didn't.

Finally, we settled in for the last of the 4th quarter. UF got the ball back, and were within striking distance with time running out.

1st and 10: incomplete.

"Hahahaha!"

2nd and 10: incomplete.

Eight ticks left on the clock.

"You're going to lose to Kentucky!! Haaaa!!!"

My hands were sweating all over the basketball I was cradling on my bed. I was already dreading the ribbing I was going to take at school on Monday.

Then I heard Mick's call.

FSU had beaten Clemson 57-0 that day, but you wouldn't have known by the look on Heath's face. Mick Hubert's jubilation banished his joy and replaced it with an ashy lump of coal in his stomach. His early stubbled jaw dropped, then quickly clenched in anger.

"What?!!!! No FREAKING WAY!"*

I honestly don't remember what I said. I remember some yelling, but mostly I recall the feeling. The same chills that bring a mist to my eye today when I am reminded of that call.

Would that game have been as exciting if I had seen it live on TV? Maybe. I have seen the video of it since, but it doesn't hold the same weight without Mick's audio.

I have the page that contains the audio bookmarked, for it is my "sunshine on a cloudy day". An instant pick-me-up that reminds me to never give up.

That day changed the course of many lives. Danny Wuerffel went on to win the Heisman and lead UF to a National Championship, while Doering left UF as the SEC's all-time leader in touchdown receptions. I have never missed an opportunity to listen to Mick on the radio since that day... even when the Gators are on TV.

So here's to you, Mick.

Oh my!

*edited for inappropriate language