Florida Cup

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The The Florida Cup is the state-sponsored American football trophy given to either the Florida State University Seminoles, the University of Florida Gators, or the University of Miami Hurricanes in return for beating the other two teams in the same season. It was first awarded in 2002.

Although Florida State, for roughly 50 consecutive years, has played both Miami and Florida annually, Miami and Florida have not scheduled each other regularly since 1987 when they ended a series dating some 49 consecutive seasons. Thus, the cup is only awarded in years where there is a UM-UF game in the regular season or when the two teams meet in a bowl game.

Miami has won all three Florida Cups awarded thus far.

[edit] Past winners

2004- University of Miami On Labor Day against the Seminoles, Brock Berlin connected with Sinorice Moss to tie the game at 10-10 with under a minute left. Devin Hester blocked a field goal from FSU earlier, preserving the tie. In overtime, Chris Rix fumbled a snap, and Miami recovered. Frank Gore ran it in from over 10 yards out, and the Hurricanes beat the Seminoles. At the Peach Bowl, the Hurricanes handled the Gators, who were without a true head coach. Devin Hester had an interception and returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown as Miami rolled 27-10, making Brock Berlin 2-0 vs his former team, the University of Florida, and 3-0 vs the Seminoles.

2003- University of Miami The Hurricanes beat the Gators at the Orange Bowl 38-33 with a dazzling comeback starting in the 3rd quarter, and then beat FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium easily, behind dominating play of Sean Taylor. They won 22-14, although a late touchdown by FSU made it look closer. The Hurricanes then faced off again with the Seminoles, this time in the Orange Bowl Classic, winning 16-14, with a fake punt run by D.J. Williams sealing the game. Jarrett Payton was the MVP.

2002- University of Miami The Hurricanes pasted the Gators 41-16 at The Swamp and then defeated the Seminoles 28-27 at the Orange Bowl, in another epic between the 2 rivals in which FSU kicker Xavier Beitia missed a field goal which would have given FSU the victory. Miami went on to play in the national championship game.