Michigan kicks off the 2017 season in just four days when it travels to Texas to take on the Florida Gators. We decided to take a look at the history between the two schools.
The Wolverines and Gators have faced off just three times – all in bowl games. Michigan has won all three.
January 1, 2003 Outback Bowl: No. 12 Michigan 38, No. 22 Florida 30.
Michigan running back Chris Perry put the team on his back, rushing for 85 yards and four touchdowns on 28 carries. He also caught six passes for 108 yards.
Quarterback John Navarre outdueled Rex Grossman, going 21-for-36 and 319 yards and a touchdown. Grossman threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns, going 21-for-41. He also ran for 23 yards on 11 rushes.
The Wolverines were led in receiving by Braylon Edwards, who caught four passes for 110 yards. The Gators offensive leader was running back Earnest Graham, who rushed 22 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
The big difference in the game was Florida’s three turnovers compared to Michigan’s zero. The win gave Michigan a 10-3 record to close the year, while Florida ended 8-5.
January 1, 2008 Capital One Bowl: Michigan 41, No. 9 Florida 35.
Tim Tebow led the Gators against the Wolverines in Lloyd Carr’s final game.
Michigan, however, pulled off the upset, thanks to the four-headed monster of quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart and receivers Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington.
Hart ran 32 times for 129 yards and two touchdowns, Manningham rushed for 53 yards and caught seven passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, while Arrington caught nine passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Henne, despite throwing two interceptions, threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns.
Tebow wasn’t quite able to get it going through the air, going 17-for-33, 154 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 57 yards and a touchdown. Percy Harvin torched Michigan, rushing 13 times for 165 yards and a touchdown, he also added nine receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.
Michigan turned the ball over four times, but was able to hold on, as both teams finished the season 9-4.
January 1, 2016 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: No. 14 Michigan 41, No. 19 Florida 7.
Jim Harbaugh didn’t let up against the Gators in his first bowl game as Michigan’s head coach.
The Wolverines spread the ball around, and had the game put away long before the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jake Rudock went 20-for-31, 278 yards and three touchdowns while running back De’Veon Smith ran for 109 yards on 25 carries.
Jehu Chesson was Michigan’s leading wide receiver, catching five passes for 118 yards and a touchdown.
Florida’s offense was pathetic, as four different players attempted passes and starting quarterback Treon Harris went just 8-for-21.
Michigan finished 10-3, and Florida finished the year 10-4.
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