Tampa Bay Football History Network

2006 Outback Bowl

For its twentieth anniversary, the Outback Bowl had special logo and extended the agreements for the game. Deals with title sponsor Outback Steakhouse, ESPN, the Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences were continued through the 2010 game.

For the third time in four seasons, the Florida Gators were selected. Under first year head coach Urban Myer, UF went 8-3, were ranked 16th and making the school's 33rd bowl appearance. The Iowa Hawkeyes made their second Outback Bowl trip and 21st appearance overall. Sixth year head coach Kirk Ferentz brought his 7-4, 25th ranked team to Tampa for a re-match of the 2004 game. The game sold-out in less than 24 hours.

Florida jumped on top with a punt block returned for a touchdown and 60 yard interception return by Vernell Brown for another score. Chris Leak (25 of 40 for 278 yards) twice hooked up on TD passes with game MVP Dallas Baker (10 catches for 147 yards) and the Gators lead 31-7 after three quarters. QB Drew Tate (32 of 55 for 346 yards with 3 TDs and 1 INT) brought Iowa back with two scoring passes to Ed Hinkel and the score was 31-21. Florida's Eric Wilbur had a bowl record 67 yard punt in the game and the Hawkeyes added a field goal with 1:24 on the clock. Iowa recovered an on-sides kick, but an off-sides penalty sealed their fate in the Gators 31-24 victory.

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