1996 Florida Citrus Bowl
The 1996 Florida Citrus Bowl was a college football bowl game featuring the 1995 [Ohio State Buckeyes football team|Ohio State Buckeyes] of the Big Ten, against the 1995 [Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee Volunteers] of the SEC. The Buckeyes were sparked by their senior Heisman Trophy winner running back Eddie George. The Vols were led by sophomore quarterback Peyton Manning. Both teams entered the game with losses to rival teams.
The Buckeyes started off the season with a surprising win over 1995 [Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame]. However, the media buzz around the Big Ten surrounded the 1995 [Northwestern Wildcats football team|Northwestern Wildcats] who earned their way to an unbeaten conference run. Because the Buckeyes held the tiebreaker over the Wildcats, the only thing between the Buckeyes invitation into the Rose Bowl and a possible National Championship was their rival the 1995 [Michigan Wolverines football team|Michigan Wolverines]. However, running back Tim Biakabutuka led the Wolverines to a 31-23 upset, sending the 'Cats to the Rose Bowl.
Tennessee started off the season with victories over 1995 [East Carolina Pirates football team|East Carolina] and Georgia, before heading off to Gainesville to play the rival 1995 [Florida Gators football team|Gators]. The Vols held a 30–21 halftime lead only to be outscored 41–7 in the second half, suffering a 62–37 defeat. However, the team won their remaining 8 regular season games, including a 41–14 win over 1995 [Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama]. The Vols ended the season ranked third.
Scoring summary
;First quarter- Ohio State – Eddie George 2 yard run – OSU 7, Tenn 0 2:07
- Tennessee – Graham 69 yard run – Tenn 7, OSU 7 0:23
- Tennessee – Kent 47 yard pass from Peyton Manning – Tenn 14, OSU 7 13:22
- Ohio State – Rickey Dudley 32 yard pass from Bobby Hoying – Tenn 14, OSU 14 14:40
- Tennessee – Hall 29 yard Field goal – Tenn 17, OSU 14 9:24
- Tennessee – Hall 25 yard Field goal – Tenn 20, OSU 14 2:06