Can a football game be won with negative points?
If so, this year’s Outback Bowl might qualify.
The Florida Gators have a dreadful offense. And it’s still better than Iowa’s. The Gators are 115h in the nation on offense, and Iowa is 120th. It will not be a fireworks show.
Still, both teams are 8-4, and both have significant wins on their resume. The Gators beat LSU on the road with a goal line stand; Iowa beat Michigan.
For a change, the Gators would like to finish strong. They were blown out by Michigan in last year’s Citrius Bowl. Once again, Florida enters its bowl game after losing games to rivals FSU and, in the SEC title game, Alabama. In its last two games, the Gators have given up 85 points.
“Obviously playing a team that’s on a roll right now,” Gators’ coach Jim McElwain said. “You don’t go for a participation ribbon. I’m not sure a year ago we didn’t have some guys in there looking for a participation ribbon. To me that speaks volumes really about each person’s character that was involved in that event. Speaking personally, I was embarrassed. And yet, you know what, it happens. It happens at a lot of programs. But this is one that they’ve got to understand we’re representing the Gators and that’s different.
“We’ll be ready to go play.”
For the Gators, stopping receiver Akrum Wadley will be key. The Gators have the corners in Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson to help do it.
The game is Jan 2. at 1 p.m. In Tampa.
