Game summary
Florida State scored first following a 25-yard touchdown run by Lorenzo Booker, making it 7–0 FSU. UCLA responded just 34 seconds later after quarterback Patrick Cowan threw a 78-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Breazell to tie the game at 7–7. With 20 seconds left in the first quarter, Justin Medlock kicked a 46-yard field goal to put the Bruins up 10–7.
With 12:20 left in the half, Gary Cismesia kicked a 39-yard field goal to tie the game at 10. With 8:40 left in the half, Cowan found wide receiver Junior Taylor for a 7-yard touchdown pass, to put UCLA up 17–10. With 2:34 in the half, Medlock nailed a 19-yard field goal, increasing UCLA's lead to 20–10. Florida State answered with a 21-yard field goal from Gary Cismesia before halftime, making it 20-13 UCLA.
In the third quarter, Cismesia kicked a 36-yard field goal, pulling FSU to within 20–16. With 8:58 left in the quarter, Lawrence Timmons recovered a blocked punt, and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, giving FSU a 23–20 lead. Chane Moline later scored on an 8-yard touchdown run, as UCLA reclaimed the lead at 27–23.
In the fourth quarter, Drew Weatherford threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Carr, and Florida State took a 30–27 lead with 9:46 left in the game. Lorenzo Booker added a 3-yard touchdown run with 6:17, to increase the lead to 37–27. With 5:04 left in the game, Florida State sealed the deal with an 86-yard interception return by cornerback Tony Carter, making the final score 44–27, FSU.