1969 Gator Bowl | |||||||||||||||||||
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Date | December 27, 1969 | ||||||||||||||||||
Season | 1969 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stadium | Gator Bowl | ||||||||||||||||||
Location | Jacksonville, Florida | ||||||||||||||||||
MVP | Mike Kelley, Florida | ||||||||||||||||||
The 1969 Gator Bowl was a post-season college football bowl game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Gators of the University of Florida, both representing the SEC. Florida defeated Tennessee 14–13. This is Tampa native's Steve Kiner's only game against the Gators.
The expected high-scoring battle featuring UF's "Super Sophs" passing attack against UT's powerful ground game led by quarterback Bobby Scott never materialized, as both defenses were superb in the Gators' 14-13 win. Quarterback John Reaves connected with wide receiver Carlos Alvarez for the Gators' only offensive touchdown, and the Gator defense stopped the Vols at Florida's one-yard line late in the game to preserve the victory. The game's MVP was Florida linebacker Mike Kelley, who had an interception, a fumble recovery, a blocked punt recovered for a TD, a sack, and 17 tackles.