Tag: History

Looking at Florida football’s last 10 bowl game results

Check out the results from Florida’s past 10 bowl games, including the head coach, regular-season record and results, as well as a game overview.

The Florida Gators return to the college football postseason this year as they head to the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa for the second time in three years. After missing out on a bowl bid last fall, a furious finish to the regular season earned the Orange and Blue a spot among many games on the schedule.

Since 2011, Florida has played in 10 bowl games having missed out three times during that stretch, which spanned across four head coaches and a pair of interim coaches — from Will Muschamp to Billy Napier. The Gators are an even 5-5 in those games, but have lost three in a row coming into this year’s matchup with the Tulane Green Wave.

Below is a look at Florida’s track record over the past 10 bowl games, including the HC, regular-season record and results, as well as an overview of the events leading up to and during the game.

2011: Gator Bowl

Head Coach: Will Muschamp

Record: 6-6

Result: W, 24-17

The Muschamp era got off to a slow start after finishing the regular season with a .500 record but the win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on Jan. 2, 2012, gave the program a much-needed boost at the end while sending their opponent to a losing record.

John Brantley went 12-for-16 with both a touchdown and an interception while Chris Rainey ran for 71 yards on 16 attempts while also catching three passes for 31 yards. However, the MVP honors were split between Florida’s wide receiver Andre DeBose (two kick returns for 128 yards, one TD) and OSU LB Etienne Sabino.

2012: Sugar Bowl

Head Coach: Will Muschamp

Record: 11-1

Result: L, 33-23

Technically, this was the 2013 Sugar Bowl, but it was played based on the results of the 2012 regular season, in which Florida finished with just one loss against the Georgia Bulldogs. Unfortunately, there was another loss in the cards.

Speaking of cards, Muschamp could not overcome the Louisville Cardinals in his second season at the helm. The Gators came in with one of the best defenses in the nation, but Teddy Bridgewater outdueled Jeff Driskel for the win and MVP trophy.

2014: Birmingham Bowl

Head Coach: DJ Dirkin (Interim)

Record: 6-5

Result: W, 28-20

Another post-New Year game played in January, Dirkin took over for the departed Muschamp after the regular season, coaching the Gators to a victory over the East Carolina Pirates to avoid a losing season.

Florida’s Adam Lane won the game’s MVP award, gaining 109 yards on 16 carries along with a touchdown. Driskel and Treon Harris split time at quarterback, going a combined 13-for-28 passing 171 yards and a pair for touchdowns against an interception.

2015: Citrus Bowl

Head Coach: Jim McElwain

Record: 10-3

Result: L, 41-7

Played on Jan. 1, 2016, Florida took a whooping in Orlando at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines in both McElwain and Jim Harbaugh’s bowl debut with their respective programs. The first quarter was tied up when the final seconds ticked off, but it was all UM after.

Harris completed just 8 of 21 passing attempts including an interception while also leading the Gators on the ground with 55 yards on 11 attempts; he also caught a pass for the team’s lone score. Michigan QB Jake Rudock earned MVP honors for the game.

2016: Outback Bowl

Head Coach: Jim McElwain

Record: 9-3

Result: W, 30-3

Played on Jan. 2, 2017, Florida routed the Iowa Hawkeyes to avenge its loss to a Big Ten school in the bowl game prior. Much like the Citrus Bowl, things were knotted up at the end of the first half, but only one team would go on to score more.

Austin Appleby led the charge for the Orange and Blue that day going 14-for-25 passing for 222 yards and two scores (and two INTs) while Jordan Scarlett scampered for 94 yards on 14 attempts. However, Chauncey Gardner took home the MVP award after grabbing two interceptions including a pick-six.

2018: Peach Bowl

Head Coach: Dan Mullen

Record: 9-3

Result: W, 41-15

Mullen got even more revenge in his first year at the helm of the Gators with a thrashing of the Wolverines in the Peach Bowl, played on Dec. 29. It was a sweet victory, especially after the bounce-back Florida experienced from a losing record the year prior.

The Orange and Blue had two MVP award recipients in this one. Quarterback Feleipe Franks, who finished with 173 yards on 13-for-23 passing and a score, along with defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson, who grabbed a pair of INTs including a pick-six, earned the honors.

2019: Orange Bowl

Head Coach: Dan Mullen

Record: 10-2

Result: W, 36-28

Florida won its third straight bowl appearance against the Virginia Cavaliers on Dec. 30 in Miami, taking an early lead and never letting go despite a fourth-quarter rally by the Cavs. The victory also gave the Gators their second straight 10-win campaign.

Kyle Trask put up a solid performance under center, throwing for 205 yards on 24-for-39 passing along with a touchdown and an interception. However, it was Lamical Perrine who earned the MVP behind his 138-yard effort on 13 rushing attempts, resulting in two scores; he also caught five passes for 43 yards and a score.

2020: Cotton Bowl

Head Coach: Dan Mullen

Record: 8-3

Result: L, 55-20

This game was a brutal one for Mullen and Co. for many reasons, especially following the COVID protocols that allowed the sport to be played that fall. The biggest issue for Florida was the NFL draft opt-outs — particularly those of tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

The Oklahoma Sooners ended up steamrolling the Gators, getting out to a 17-7 lead at the end of the first 15 minutes and outscoring their opponent in each subsequent quarter. OU running back Rhamondre Stevenson earned the MVP on offense while defensive back Tre Norwood got the nod on defense.

2021: Gasparilla Bowl

Head Coach: Greg Knox (Interim)

Record: 6-6

Result: L, 29-17

Florida’s football program was in disarray by the time this game rolled around, with Mullen departing Gainesville and leaving Knox behind to usher in the first of three straight losing seasons. To add salt to the wound, it was also the Gators’ first-ever loss to in-state siblings, the UCF Knights.

Emory struggled under center, throwing 171 yards on just 14-for-36 passing — though he did combine with Dameon Pierce and Malik Davis to give the team 205 yards on the ground. UCF wide receiver Ryan O’Keefe took home the MVP award.

2022: Las Vegas Bowl

Head Coach: Billy Napier

Record: 6-6

Result: L, 30-3

Napier’s first appearance in a bowl game on behalf of the Orange and Blue was a rough one, getting plowed by the Oregon State Beavers in Sin City. But Florida was shorthanded at quarterback after Anthony Richardson opted out to enter the NFL draft, leaving redshirt freshman Jack Miller III as the primary signal caller.

Miller provided a perfectly acceptable performance with the arm, throwing for 180 yards on 13-for-22 passing without a score or interception, but the running game finished with only 39 yards on 33 total attempts. OSU quarterback Ben Gulbranson earned the game’s MVP award.

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Saints have a history of pulling off the improbable vs. Washington

The Saints have had some improbable plays go their way in the past against Washington, and they may need the same fortune this weekend:

There have been some improbable, standout moments in the past that have gone in the New Orleans Saints’ favor against the Washington Commanders.

Remember when Drew Brees threw an interception, then Robert Meachem stripped the ball away and returned it for a touchdown? What about Alvin Kamara bobbling a pass into a crowd of defenders only to catch it and squeeze through en route to the touchdown, and help send the game to overtime? Both of these plays were against Washington.

With likely no Derek Carr, the Saints find themselves in a deeper hole. New Orleans will need channel some of that energy and pull off an improbable moment or two to walk away with an improbable victory versus the Commanders.

Washington isn’t Thanos. There have been questions on if they can defeat good teams, but the thing is the Saints aren’t a good team.

The Saints are walking into a matchup they are supposed to lose and looking for an upset. It may be a turnover that is negated for some reason, or a touchdown that leaves you wondering how that happened. Regardless of the form it comes in, New Orleans could use some fortuitous bounces again.

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Blake Grupe has already made Saints history in Year 2

Blake Grupe has been sharp from long range since entering the league. He’s the only Saints kicker to hit this impressive milestone:

Blake Grupe’s performance this year has flown under the radar. Not only has the second year player been a more accurate kicker than he was his rookie season, Grupe has also shown good range in 2024.

This may feel hyperbolic, but Grupe has literally made history in his first two seasons. In his first year, he was the first kicker in New Orleans Saints history to make five or more field goals from at least 50 yards in a season, with six of them on nine tries. He’s done it again in Year 2, going five-for-five.

It’s extremely impressive because Morten Andersen and Wil Lutz are former Saints with strong resumes, but neither of them hit this one particular milestone. Grupe has done it twice.

To add to this feat, the kicker hasn’t missed from 50-plus all season long.

Let’s take a deep breath and hope the writer’s jinx doesn’t come into play against the New York Giants.

Grupe’s year has been defined by efficiency and range. He’s delivered both simultaneously on five different occasions. He opened the season with a career long of 57 yards against the Panthers. Grupe’s overall percentage of made field goals has jumped by nearly 10 percent as well. He’s earned some confidence during his brief time on the job, let’s hope he keeps it up.

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Chiefs can make history with win over Chargers in Week 14

The Kansas City #Chiefs can make history with a win over the Los Angeles #Chargers on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 14.

The Kansas City Chiefs will have a chance to make history against the Los Angeles Chargers on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 14 after clinching a spot in the AFC playoffs with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

With a win over the Chargers, Kansas City can earn its ninth consecutive AFC West title, which would mark the second-longest such streak in NFL history, according to expert analyst Trey Wingo.

Though the Chiefs’ 11-1 record is the best in the AFC, Kansas City has struggled to decisively win games in recent weeks, and Los Angeles will not be an easy opponent to defeat in primetime.

Fans can look forward to an action-packed game on Sunday night and should expect the Chargers to pull no punches as they look to hand the Chiefs their second loss of the season at Arrowhead Stadium.

Stay tuned to see if Kansas City will make history, or if the Chiefs will have to wait a few more weeks to clinch another AFC West title.

Bo Nix and Sean Payton can help Courtland Sutton hit some big incentives

Courtland Sutton needs 219 receiving yards and the Broncos to finish the year averaging more than 21 points per game to get an extra $1.5M.

After skipping the voluntary portion of the Denver Broncos‘ offseason program in protest of his contract this spring, wide receiver Courtland Sutton was given an extra $1.5 million worth of incentives.

That veteran receiver is now close to cashing in.

Sutton’s contract includes a $500,000 incentive for 500 receiving yards + Denver scoring more points than in 2023, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. He’s already passed 500 yards — now the offense needs to average more than 21.0 points per game (they’re currently at 23.5).

There’s another $500,000 incentive for 750 receiving yards and the team’s points improving. Sutton’s already at 846 yards this fall. The final $500,000 will be paid if Sutton hits 1,065 receiving yards.

Sutton is currently on pace for a 1,106-yard season. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix can help the receiver out by continuing to feed him down the stretch. Denver coach Sean Payton also needs his offense to continue averaging more than 21 points per game in order for Sutton to max out his incentives.

The Broncos, of course, will prioritize winning. Fortunately for Sutton, the receiver’s success has overlapped with the team’s success. If the offense continues at its current pace, Sutton will earn an extra $1.5 million this fall.

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Nik Bonitto has matched an impressive Von Miller stat

Nik Bonitto and Von Miller are the only players in Broncos history to record 10+ sacks and grab a pick-six in the same season.

Denver Broncos pass rusher Nik Bonitto had another huge performance in a 41-32 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football in Week 13.

Bonitto recorded a sack and grabbed a 71-yard pick-six in the win. Following that impressive play, Bonitto became just the second player in franchise history to record at least ten sacks and a pick-six in the same season, joining Broncos legend Von Miller.

Nix’s 71-yard return was the third-longest by a linebacker in franchise history, only trailing Randy Gradishar (93 yards in 1980) and Tom Jackson (73 yards in 1977).

Bonitto reached a top speed of 19.88 mph on his return, the second-fastest among linebackers carrying the ball this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Following the play, the father of Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain called for Bonitto to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Surtain Sr. certainly isn’t alone in his stance.

Bonitto still has another year on his contract after this season, but after giving Jonathon Cooper a big extension, Bonitto’s deal should be the team’s next priority.

“I’ve been trying to tell people I used to play safety back in the day and people are surprised,” Bonitto said after the game. “Just trying to do my job. When I saw a chance to break on the ball, I kind of just went and did that.”

Bonitto’s 11 sacks this season rank second in the NFL, only trailing Trey Hendrickson (11.5). He’ll look to build on that total after the bye when the Broncos host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

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Wil Lutz reacts to joining impressive list of NFL kickers

Wil Lutz became the fifth-fastest kicker in NFL history to reach 1,000 career points on Monday.

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz made history against the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football this week.

Lutz, 30, went 2-of-2 on field goal attempts and 5-of-5 on extra point attempts in a 41-32 win over the Browns, giving him 11 total points on the night. Lutz has now topped 1,000 career points in 127 games. He was the fifth-fastest kicker in NFL history to reach that milestone.

Player Games Points
1. Justin Tucker 118 1,008
2. Stephen Gostkowski 119 1,009
3. Mason Crosby 124 1,005
4. Mike Vanderjagt 126 1,004
5. Wil Lutz 127 1,009

“Grateful for this journey, and everyone whose had a hand in it 🙏,” Lutz wrote on his official Twitter/X page on Monday after the game.

Lutz ranks ninth among active players with 1,009 career points. He spent the first eight years of his career with the New Orleans Saints before following coach Sean Payton to the Broncos in 2023.

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Leonard Williams makes history in Seahawks victory over Jets

Leonard Williams makes history in Seahawks victory over Jets

Going into the Seattle Seahawks’ Week 13 showdown against the New York Jets, one of the biggest talking points was quarterback Geno Smith’s “homecoming” against the team that drafted him back in 2013. But a lesser talked about storyline was another “homecoming” for star defensive lineman Leonard Williams.

Of course, we at Seahawks Wire were well aware of the significance of Williams returning to face the team that picked him No. 6 overall during the 2015 NFL draft.

Big Cat reminded the Jets faithful why their team spent such precious draft capital on him, and why they should have found a way to keep him a lot longer than they did. Williams was an absolute terror in Week 13, sacking Aaron Rodgers twice, snagging an interception and returning it for a touchdown. In fact, his dominance was quite literally historic!

For the record, 1982 was the first year the NFL started to tack sacks as an official statistic. So as far as the official league record books are concerned, this could very likely be the only time this has ever happened.

The Seahawks inked Williams to a three-year, $64 million extension this past offseason. After his dominant game against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12, then his historic one in Week 13, I think it is safe to say he is worth every penny the team has (and will pay) him.

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Week 13 is Alontae Taylor’s chance to make up for last year’s lowlight

Alontae Taylor was benched against the Rams last year. This is the Saints’ cornerback opportunity to replace that with a new memory:

When the New Orleans Saints go against the Los Angeles Rams, Alontae Taylor could look at this game as an opportunity for redemption.

The Saints took on the Rams last year, and it wasn’t a good game for Taylor. Dennis Allen benched Taylor in the “Thursday Night Football” contest after he was at fault on too many big gains.

That game may have taken place last season, but those types of moments don’t just fade from memory. We also know it’s a moment that Taylor carried with him into this season. It was last year’s contest against the Rams the cornerback referenced when speaking on the desire to show the prime time lights aren’t too bright.

If Taylor wanted redemption on primetime games in general, it wouldn’t be far fetched to assume he may also be looking for redemption against the Rams specifically.

Taylor will be aligned at outside cornerback opposed to in the slot. While his alignment has changed, that’s no reason for the motivation to subside.

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Courtland Sutton is making Broncos history and getting close to big incentives

Courtland Sutton was the third-fastest Bronco to reach 5,000 career receiving yards, and he’s now closing in on some big incentives.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton continues to climb the team’s all-time receiving list.

Following his eight-catch, 97-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Sutton became the fifth player in franchise history to post at least 50 receptions and 700 receiving yards in five separate seasons. Sutton has also surpassed 5,000 career receiving yards in 93 games, making him the third-fastest Bronco to reach that milestone.

Sutton’s 355 career receptions rank ninth on the team’s all-time list and his 5,003 receiving yards rank 11th. He needs 358 yards over the last five games to pass Emmanuel Sanders for 10th place on Denver’s all-time list.

Sutton’s productive season could pay dividends after the Broncos added $1.5 million worth of incentives to his contract this summer.

Sutton’s contract includes a $500,000 incentive for 500 receiving yards + Denver scoring more points than in 2023, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. He’s already passed 500 yards — now the offense needs to average more than 21.0 points per game (they’re currently at 22.0).

There’s another $500,000 incentive for 750 receiving yards and the team’s points improving. Sutton’s just six yards away from that total.

Finally, Sutton could receive another $500,000 if he reaches 1,065 receiving yards. He’s currently on pace for a 1,054-yard season. If he’s close going into the team’s regular season finale, Sutton will likely be given an opportunity to hit that mark.

Suton ranks 13th in receptions (57), ninth in receiving yards (744) and 13th in touchdowns (five) in the NFL this season. He’s making a case for the Pro Bowl in his seventh season with the Broncos.

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