Outback Bowl to Select Florida or South Carolina

Tampa, FL -- Outback Bowl officials announced today that they will extend an invitation to either the University of Florida or South Carolina depending on the outcome of the SEC Championship game this Saturday. One of these teams will face No. 19 Ohio State in the bowls 15th anniversary game in Raymond James Stadium on New Year's Day.

If Auburn wins the SEC Championship game on December 2nd the Outback Bowl will invite the East Division Champion Florida Gators to play in the bowl against the Buckeyes (The Citrus Bowl has announced they would take Tennessee under this scenario). If Florida defeats Auburn Saturday the Outback Bowl has elected to invite the University of South Carolina to Tampa. Auburn would go to the Citrus and Tennessee to the Cotton Bowl.

"We're in a no-lose situation with two fine teams to match against Ohio State," said Outback Bowl Chairman Chuck Riggs. "It would be the first time for either of these teams to play in our bowl and I can assure them they will have a great time in the Tampa Bay area."

"On behalf of the Gamecock football team, we are honored to have before us the opportunity to represent the SEC against the Big Ten Conference in the Outback Bowl, Jan. 1 in Tampa, Florida," said USC Head Coach Lou Holtz. "We understand that this invitation is contingent on the outcome of the Florida-Auburn game. As a coach, I get excited about having the opportunity to lead our team to the Outback Bowl against a team the caliber of Ohio State. As we begin preparations in full earnest, it is up to our football team to go win the bowl game and represent the University of South Carolina and SEC in a first-class manner."

"The University of South Carolina is thrilled about the possibility of playing in the Outback Bowl in Tampa," adds USC Athletic Director Mike McGee. "Although we understand that this is a provisional invitation, on behalf of our university, athletics program and fans, we look forward to what we fully expect to be a terrific experience for all Gamecocks."

The 2001 Outback Bowl kicks-off the New Year's Day bowl lineup once again and will be telecast internationally on ESPN TV at 11A.M. Tickets to the Outback Bowl are $45 each and are available at Ticketmaster outlets throughout Florida or by phone at (813) 287-8844.