Michigan, Florida Invited to Outback Bowl

Tampa, FL -- Outback Bowl officials extended invitations today to the University of Michigan and the University of Florida to play in Tampa on New Year's Day. The Wolverines finished the 2002 regular season 9-3 and are ranked 11th in the ESPN/USA Today Poll and 12th in the AP Poll. The Gators finished 8-4 and are ranked 20th in the ESPN/USA Today Poll and 22nd in the AP Poll. It will be the first time these two storied programs have met on the gridiron.

"We are just ecstatic to have two of the greatest football programs playing for the first time in our game," said Bowl Chairman Steve Schember. "This game has all the makings of being the greatest Outback Bowl ever."

"I can't think of a better way to kickoff New Year's Day than with the Gators and Wolverines," added Bowl President / CEO Jim McVay.

"We are excited about the opportunity to represent the Big Ten Conference in the Outback Bowl," said Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin. "Our student-athletes, coaches, support staff and fans look forward to the trip to Tampa. This should be an outstanding game against a tough Florida team."

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to play in the Outback Bowl and in Tampa," echoed Florida Athletics Director Jeremy Foley. "This is a first class bowl and we know it will be an outstanding trip for our players and staff. Tampa is a great Gator city and it will be special to have the opportunity to play in front of so many of our fans."

"We are excited to be playing in another January Bowl game," added Florida Head Coach Ron Zook. "Our coaching staff and players are eager to get back to practice and preparing for Michigan, one of the storied programs in all of college football. It will be a great match up and we are looking forward to seeing all of our Gator fans in Tampa."

The 2003 Outback Bowl once again kicks-off the New Year's Day bowl lineup at 11 A.M. (ET) and will be telecast internationally on ESPN TV. Tickets to the Outback Bowl are $50 each and are available at Ticketmaster outlets throughout Florida, via phone at (813) 287-8844 and online (Only Priority Membership packages will be sold through the bowl office).