42 yards never looked longer for South Carolina.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

TAMPA, Fla. _ THE FOOTBALL DESCENDED slowly, like a balloon seeping air, toward its target. An invisible hand seemed to intercede. But to help or hinder its flight?

Derek Watson prayed, "to Buddha, to Allah, to God, to anybody who would listen," for its successful arrival.

Erik Kimrey grimaced. He leaned to apply body English to redirect the missile that he had placed on the scarred turf to await Daniel Weaver's foot and wanted to find some way to push for extra distance.

Phil Petty first thought "short," then "overtime" with the field-goal attempt sailing toward its destiny, and more than 66,000 fans at Raymond James Stadium held their collective breath.

How can so many be so quiet?

They shared a common _ but differently phrased _ thought.

The legion of South Carolina fans saw a reprieve flying ever so slowly toward the goal posts. The game that had been won, then lost, now could be won again. But 42 yards never looked longer, the wind never more daunting.