clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

100 Greatest Plays In Miami History: #97- Blocked Punt Touchdown Vs FSU 2001

Ed Reed and Markese Fitzgerald set the tone early for the Canes against FSU in 2001.

Markess Fitzgerald #27

2001 will go down as quite possibly the greatest season for the Miami Hurricanes. Dubbed as one of the best teams in college football history, the Canes went 12-0 that year and captured the schools fifth National Championship.

One of those victories came in October, when Miami traveled north to Tallahassee for their matchup with the Seminoles. FSU was boasting a current 54-game home unbeaten streak, and the Canes entered the day ranked number one in the country.

Midway through the first quarter and on fourth down deep in their own territory, FSU punter Chance Gwaltney lined up to send it away. However, Gwaltney had trouble with the snap, and All-American safety Ed Reed (you may have heard of him) came through and blocked the punt, which then was scooped by Markese Fitzgerald who trotted the few steps into the end zone for a Miami touchdown.

The play stunned the Noles faithful at Doak Campbell Stadium, and set the tone for what would eventually be a 49-27 Hurricanes win. Reed would go on to make punt blocking a staple of his NFL career, and his three blocked punts returned for touchdowns are tied for the most in league history.

GO CANES!