Outback has Florida-Iowa Soldout Rematch
(December 6, 2005)

For the game's twentieth rendition, the 2006 Outback Bowl has matched the Florida Gators (8-3, 16th ranked) and the Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4, ranked 25th). Some have questioned why 10-2 LSU, or a 7-4 Steve Spurrier coached South Carolina team, was not selected. This also makes it three times in four years that the Gators have played in the Tampa game. There was also an Iowa 37, Florida 17 Outback Bowl two years ago. Considering the game sold-out in less than a day, I guess it's hard to argue.

Wins over Florida State and Georgia made it easier for Outback officials to select Florida. First year head coach Urban Meyer will bring the Gators to town for the school's thirty-third bowl game. UF is 0-2 in Tampa with a 38-30 loss to Michigan in 2003 and the loss to Iowa the following year. Sixth year head coach Kirk Ferentz will lead Iowa to its twenty-first bowl appearance and to the Outback Bowl for a second time. The quarterbacks may be the story. Florida's Chris Leak and the Hawkeyes Drew Tate have both posted some impressive number this season.

Game time is 11:00 am on January 2, 2006 and it will be televised nationally by ESPN. The odds-makers have installed Florida as an early 3 point favorite.