Gator Bowl
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The Gator Bowl has been played annually since 1946. From 1946-1993, the game was held at Gator Bowl Stadium. In 1994, the game was moved to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida until the construction of Alltel Stadium was complete in 1995. From 1996-2006, the Gator Bowl was sponsored by Toyota. Konica Minolta will sponsor this year’s game.
When the Gator Bowl originated, the champion of the Southern Conference was pit against an at-large opponent. Wake Forest defeated South Carolina 26-14 in the inaugural Gator Bowl. Starting in 1953, the tie-in was awarded to a team from the Southeastern Conference. The SEC tie-in lasted until 1975.
The most memorable moment in Gator Bowl history occurred in 1978, when Ohio State played Clemson. Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes punched a Clemson player in the throat after a game-clinching interception. It would turn out to be Hayes last game as a head coach. He was fired a few hours later.
Beginning in 1996, the second place team from the Atlantic Coast Conference was granted a spot in the Gator Bowl. For the most part, the second spot in the game went to a team from the Big East. Currently, the Gator Bowl has the option of selecting teams from the ACC, Big East, Big XII or Notre Dame.
Last year’s Gator Bowl proved to be one of the more exciting bowl games of the year. In a high-scoring shootout, West Virginia defeated Georgia Tech 38-35. It would turn out to be the last collegiate game for Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who passed up his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. Just like last year, the game will be televised by CBS on New Year’s Day. Florida and Clemson are tied for the most appearances with eight.
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