Sponsors Mazda (1986–1991) Outback Steakhouse (1992–1994) Toyota (1995–2007) Konica Minolta (2008–2010) Progressive Insurance (2011) TaxSlayer.com (2012–present) Former names Gator Bowl (1946–1985) Mazda Gator Bowl (1986–1991) Outback Gator Bowl (1992–1994) Toyota Gator Bowl (1995–2007) Konica Minolta Gator Bowl (2008–2010) Progressive Gator Bowl (2011) TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl (2012–2013) TaxSlayer Bowl (2014–2017) 2022 matchup Notre Dame vs. South Carolina (Notre Dame 45–38) 2023 matchup Clemson vs. Kentucky (December 29, 2023)
In the 1978 game between Ohio State and Clemson, Ohio State coach Woody Hayes lost his temper after a late game interception by Clemson nose guard Charlie Bauman, who stepped in front of the receiver on a pass from quarterback Art Schlichter. Bauman ran the ball out of bounds on the Ohio State sideline where Hayes struck Bauman with his right forearm. The play sealed the Tigers' 17–15 win over the Buckeyes, while Hayes was fired the next day before leaving Jacksonville.
In the 2010 game between Florida State and West Virginia, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden (who previously coached at West Virginia) coached the final game of his career. Bowden had been the head coach at Florida State since 1976 and had won two national championships, 13 ACC championships, and had a 14-year streak of top five finishes during that time. A record crowd of over 84,000 people[8] witnessed Bowden being carried off the field after a 33–21 Florida State victory.
The Gator Bowl is an annual college football bowl game held in Jacksonville, Florida, operated by Gator Bowl Sports. It has been held continuously since 1946, making it the sixth oldest college bowl, as well as the first one ever televised nationally. The game was originally played at Gator Bowl Stadium through the December 1993 game. The December 1994 game was played at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville after the namesake stadium was demolished to make way for a replacement venue, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. That venue, now known as EverBank Stadium, has been home to the Gator Bowl since the January 1996 game.
First football game I remember watching. I was 3. My mom went to nursing school in Columbus and my dad went to Clemson. I still remember dad jumping out of his recliner yelling “he punched him, he punched him!!”
I remember this when watching live. The broadcasters at first were in disbelief, then denial, then "Oh S*it" Woody".
Where is Jeff? Pulling for your cats, you better win this one because Basketball Doom is rapidly approaching for ya! LOL
It's time for Booger McFarland to go off on the unfair selection committee to get this fixed. UK has beaten Louisville, UF, and on their way to beating Clemson. UK has "earned" it.
I'm with ya on this one! Beat down the tater heads as our friends from S Carolina like to call them...........!!!
