Tampabay.com
DECEMBER 30, 2006

Top 5 bowl losses

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The Gators have had their share of disappointments when it comes to the post season. But what was their worst bowl loss ever? Depends on your persective. Here are our 5 picks.

Five worst bowl losses in Gator history:

5. 1994 Sugar Bowl: After the 31-31 "Choke at Doak" tie that ended the regular season, Florida faces FSU again in New Orleans. No tie this time. The underdog Seminoles won 23-17.

4. 1989 Freedom Bowl: UF is handled 34-7 by the Washington Huskies in the final game before the Steve Spurrier era.

3. 2002 Outback Bowl: Not coach Ron Zook's finest moment. Florida's first appearance in Tampa's Outback Bowl is known best for the final play. With the Gators trailing 38-30 and marching down the field, Zook took the ball out of QB Rex Grossman's hands by calling for a flea-flicker. The pass by freshman cornerback Vernell Brown was picked off, sealing the win for Michigan.

2. 1991 Sugar Bowl: Fresh off winning their first official SEC title, the Gators faced Notre Dame, a team many felt had no business being in a bowl game. Irish RB Jerome Bettis proved they did, running silly over Florida in a 39-28 win for Notre Dame.

1. 1995 Fiesta Bowl: The Gators finished the season undefeated and faced the Nebraska Cornhuskers for the national title. The Gators jumped to a 10-6 lead in the first quarter. But that was the end of the fun. The Cornhuskers prevailed 62-24 to win their second consecutive title.

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Florida Gators fans, welcome to the Gator Report for all your news about Gators football, basketball and all UF sports. It's written by University of Florida beat writer Antonya English and the staff of the Tampa Bay Times. We invite your comments and participation.

E-mail Antonya English:
english@tampabay.com

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