1973 Tangerine Bowl


The 1973 Tangerine Bowl was a college football postseason bowl game that featured the Florida Gators and the Miami Redskins. Played in Gainesville, Florida, this game is the only time that the Tangerine Bowl was not played in Orlando.

Background

Teams

Miami completed a perfect regular season with a Mid-American Conference championship, their first since 1965. This was their first bowl game appearance since the 1962 Tangerine Bowl. Florida's season started with two wins, but they lost their next four games, before a five-game winning streak gave the Gators their first season over.500 since 1970. While they finished tied for fifth in the Southeastern Conference, they appeared in their first bowl game since the 1969 Gator Bowl.

Venue

In early 1973, construction improvements were planned for the game's normal venue, the Tangerine Bowl stadium in Orlando, to expand from 17,000 seats to 51,000 seats. But construction was stalled due to legal concerns in the summer, with the improvements being delayed. Miami and East Carolina were planned to be the two teams invite, but East Carolina declined their interests, and the officials decided to move the game to the University of Florida's stadium in Gainesville and invite them, which they accepted. The participants were greeted with a near-record low temperature on game day of at kickoff and by the end of the game.

Game summary

After little scoring, and with Miami ahead 6–0 late in the third quarter, Florida fumbled a kickoff, which Miami recovered deep in Florida territory. Two plays later, Miami had a touchdown, which proved to be the deciding score of the game. Chuck Varner of Miami rushed for 157 yards on 28 carries and was named the game's outstanding back, while his teammate Brad Cousino was named outstanding lineman.

Scoring summary

Aftermath

The Redskins went to three straight Tangerine Bowls while winning four straight MAC titles, going 42–1–1 in that 4-year span. The Gators began a bowl streak, qualifying for a bowl for the next three seasons. The Tangerine Bowl returned to Orlando the following year, with renovations approved.

Statistics