On January 1, #19 Florida will take on #14 Michigan at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Gates will open at 11 a.m.
GAME TIME: 1:00 p.m.WHERE TO WATCH: ABC Action News
If you're going to the game, here's what you need to know:
TICKETS:
Tickets are sold out. But check here for resale.
PARKING:
Parking lots opens at 8:00 am.
Tailgating allowed in Orlando Citrus Bowl lots except Jones High School.
Purchase pre-paid parking here.
View Orlando Citrus Bowl parking map here.
FAMILY FUN:
Fan Fest—featuring entertainment, live music, food, a beer garden, and other festivities—will start at 9 am on Tinker Field. Gates will open at 11 am.
TAILGATING:
You can tailgate, but all cars are subject to a search. Kegs and loud speakers are not allowed.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Citrus Bowl began as the Tangerine Bowl in 1947 and is the seventh oldest collegiate bowl game in the country.
The game moved to a New Year's Day date in 1987 and has remained a tradition January 1.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Both Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and Florida coach Jim McElwain have engineered big turnarounds in the first year at their respective programs. Harbaugh said a victory would put a cap on the best year he's had in football. McElwain led the Gators to an appearance in the Southeastern Conference title game in his first season in Gainesville and his hoping to give Florida consecutive victories for the first time since 2012.
KEY MATCHUP
Michigan defense vs. Florida defense. This game will likely be played in the defensive trenches. The Gators are ranked sixth nationally in total defense, allowing just 295.4 yards per game. They are also allowing just 4.49 yards per play, which ranks eighth nationally and third in the SEC. Michigan leads the nation in pass efficiency defense (94.98 rating). The Wolverines also allow just 122.6 yards per game rushing and 158.8 yards per game passing.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Michigan: QB Jake Rudock. Passed for 2,739 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, while throwing only nine interceptions.
Florida: RB Kelvin Taylor. Taylor has rushed for 985 yards on 248 carries this season, with 13 touchdowns.
FACTS & FIGURES
This is the third meeting between the Wolverines and Gators, both coming in bowl matchups. Michigan won each time, taking both the 2003 Outback Bowl and 2008 Citrus Bowl. ...Michigan is makings its fifth appearance in the Citrus Bowl, going 3-1 in its previous trips to Orlando. ...This will be the 13th time that Michigan faces an SEC team in a bowl game. The Wolverines are 7-5 in those matchups. ...Florida is 2-3 in games played in Orlando Citrus Bowl stadium. ...The Gators are one of 10 teams in the nation to appear in a bowl game 14 of the past 15 seasons.
