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117-644: The game is operated by Gator Bowl Sports and has been sponsored by TaxSlayer.com since 2012, and starting with the 2018 edition is officially known as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl . From 2015 to 2017, it was officially referred to as simply the TaxSlayer Bowl . Previous sponsors include Progressive Insurance (2011), Konica Minolta (2008–2010), Toyota (1995–2007), Outback Steakhouse (1992–1994), and Mazda (1986–1991). According to writer Anthony C. DiMarco, Charles Hilty Sr. first conceived of

234-464: A 14–0 lead with 1:08 remaining in the quarter. Tennessee's kickoff went out of bounds, allowing Tech's offense to start at its 35-yard line. DeShazo threw an incomplete pass, then completed one for a nine-yard gain. Needing one yard for a first down, Tech fullback Bryan Edwards was stopped for a loss and the Hokies were forced to punt. Tennessee fair caught the ball at their 20-yard line, where

351-467: A 14-year streak of top five finishes during that time. A record crowd of over 84,000 people witnessed Bowden being carried off the field after a 33–21 Florida State victory. In 2014, Gator Bowl Sports announced the bowl would be renamed the TaxSlayer Bowl following a new six-year deal with tax preparation company TaxSlayer.com . As a result of the deal, the bowl increased its payout and moved to

468-472: A 15-yard personal foul penalty, pushing the Volunteers back to the 17-yard line. Branndon Stewart completed a pass to tight end David Horn, pushing Tennessee back to the three-yard line, but not gaining enough for a first down. Tennessee kicker John Becksvoort returned to the game, and his 19-yard field goal attempt was good, giving the Volunteers a 45–16 lead with 9:41 to go in the game. Following

585-492: A 26-yard pass to Bryan Still on the next play. Now inside the Tennessee red zone , the Hokies continued to move the ball via short passes. Tech gained a first down at the Tennessee six-yard line, and used a timeout to stop the clock in order to have a chance to earn a touchdown before halftime. On a subsequent play, however, Tech committed a five-yard penalty, and Tech head coach Frank Beamer ordered kicker Ryan Williams into

702-487: A cornerback named Tony Edge, a player from Virginia's Phoebus High School who had been heavily recruited by both Virginia Tech and Tennessee. Edge suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Volunteers' last regular-season game, but pledged he would play against the Hokies despite doctors' disapproval. Defensively, the Virginia Tech Hokies allowed an average of 308 yards per game and 18.4 points per game. During

819-406: A critical turning point in the game, saying, "I think if he could have made that catch, we could have gotten back in the game." Tech player Torrian Gray agreed, saying, "When he dropped the ball, that took a lot out of us." After Still's dropped pass, DeShazo threw two incomplete passes and Virginia Tech punted back to Tennessee. The kick was caught by near the Tennessee 10-yard line, and returned all

936-509: A first down and Tech turned the ball over on downs. With less than a minute remaining, Tennessee's offense ran out the remaining seconds on the clock and secured a 45–23 victory. In recognition of their performances during the game, Tennessee's James Stewart and Virginia Tech's Maurice DeShazo were named the game's most valuable players . Stewart finished the game having carried the ball 22 times for 85 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Stewart also caught one pass for seven yards and threw

1053-546: A first down at the Virginia Tech one-yard line. One play later, Stewart crossed the goal line for Tennessee's second touchdown of the quarter. The extra point was good, and Tennessee's lead was again 21 points, 28–7, with 3:22 remaining in the quarter. The Volunteers' kickoff was returned to the Tech 22-yard line, and the Hokies began another drive. On the first play of the drive, however, Maurice DeShazo scrambled for

1170-402: A first down on the next play. Inside the Tennessee 35-yard line, however, the Volunteers' defense stiffened. DeShazo passed for a seven-yard gain, but the Hokies were unable to gain a first down until DeShazo scrambled for a 13-yard gain on fourth down. The run kept the Tech drive alive as the Hokies now had a first down at the Tennessee 14-yard line. Tennessee forced another third-down play, but

1287-409: A five-yard pass to Shawn Scales. DeShazo completed a four-yard pass, then Ken Oxendine had a seven-yard catch from DeShazo at the Tech 49-yard line. On the next play, Oxendine caught a short pass that pushed the Hokies to the Tennessee 45-yard line, then DeShazo threw his first incomplete pass of the drive. The incompletion stopped the clock with 37 seconds remaining, allowing time for DeShazo to complete

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1404-529: A fourth straight year, thus opening the door for the Hokies from the Big East. The matchup of Virginia Tech and Tennessee was the first game between the two teams since 1937, an unusual fact since both teams are located in the Appalachian Mountains and the two schools are just 3.5 hours by car apart. This proximity generated multiple news stories about towns lying between the two schools and

1521-537: A hybrid arrangement for a six-year period, with SEC teams playing ACC teams for three years and Big Ten teams the other three years; the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are also eligible during ACC years. Through 74 playings (the 2018 edition ), 38 have been contested with both teams ranked (per the AP Poll ), most recently the 2006 edition . The highest ranked team to appear was No. 3 Pittsburgh in

1638-568: A new six-year deal with Gator Bowl Sports to rename the bowl the TaxSlayer Bowl beginning in 2015. In keeping with its support of the military, TaxSlayer also began the Honoring Our Heroes initiative, which donates thousands of tickets to the TaxSlayer Bowl to servicemembers and their families. TaxSlayer.com has also been an associate sponsor of the Armed Forces Bowl and BBVA Compass Bowl . TaxSlayer has been

1755-604: A new time slot on January 2 for 2015 and 2016. A new logo was released on April 3, 2014. For the December 2018 contest, "Gator" was reinstated in the name for the first time since 2015, with the bowl being called the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. The 1946 and 1947 games were played in Fairfield Stadium, which had a seating capacity of 7,600. The stadium was expanded to 16,000 seats in 1948, and the structure

1872-533: A partnership enabling recreation and community in smaller cities, while promoting TaxSlayer’s brand in a burgeoning market. TaxSlayer is the title sponsor for the TaxSlayer Bowl , a college football bowl game held in Jacksonville, Florida . The game was previously known as the Gator Bowl and has been held continuously since 1946, making it the sixth oldest college bowl game. In 2014 the company struck

1989-783: A primary sponsor of several top-tier NASCAR drivers, such as Bobby Labonte , Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Regan Smith . TaxSlayer sponsors PGA Tour golfers Patrick Reed , Henrik Norlander and Kevin Kisner . 1994 Gator Bowl The 1994 Gator Bowl was an American college football bowl game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Virginia Tech Hokies at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida , on December 30, 1994. The game

2106-752: A set of income criteria. The TaxSlayer Center is a 12,000-seat arena located in Moline, Illinois , of the Quad Cities region. The stadium is home to the Quad City Storm, a minor league professional hockey team, and the Quad City Steamwheelers of the Champions Indoor Football League . TaxSlayer purchased the naming rights to the stadium for a contract of more than $ 3.3 million over 10 years as part of

2223-402: A seven-yard reverse by Still for another first down at the Tennessee 29-yard line. On first down, Thomas pushed the Hokies eight yards forward with a run up the middle. This was followed by two incomplete passes, bringing up fourth down. Again, Tech head coach Frank Beamer elected to try to convert the fourth down rather than kick a field goal. Unlike Tech's previous fourth down, however, the try

2340-462: A short kick return, the Virginia Tech offense began at its 24-yard line. The first Tech play of the quarter, a run up the middle by Edmonds, resulted in a 17-yard gain and a first down. Dwayne Thomas followed Edmonds' run with one of his own, advancing the ball to the 50-yard line. He pushed into Tennessee territory on the next play, a five-yard run that gave the Hokies a first down at the Tennessee 45-yard line. DeShazo then ran nine yards, and Tech gained

2457-607: A similar service to the elderly. Both use TaxSlayer-provided software to aid them in their work. In addition to their paid offerings, TaxSlayer also participates in the IRS Free File Alliance , a nonprofit coalition of industry-leading tax software companies that partnered with the IRS to help millions of Americans prepare and e-file their federal tax returns for free. By participating in this program, TaxSlayer guarantees free preparation and e-filing to taxpayers who meet

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2574-502: A team. Shortly after Jacksonville was awarded its new franchise—the Jacksonville Jaguars —the final plans were unveiled. The stadium would have additional luxury boxes , expanded seating, and upgraded facilities for teams and fans. The renovations were much more extensive than had initially been proposed, and required more time to be completed. Instead of beginning in early 1995, work would have to begin in 1994, leaving

2691-434: A ten-yard gain but fumbled the ball. The loose ball was recovered by a Tennessee defender, and the Volunteers took over on offense from the Tech 32-yard line. Branndon Stewart came out onto the field in place of Manning, and completed an eight-yard pass to James Stewart to begin the drive. James Stewart then ran to the 20-yard line for a first down. On the next play, Tennessee executed a trick play in which James Stewart received

2808-592: A touchdown pass for 19 yards. On the other side, DeShazo completed 17 of his 30 passes for 140 yards and two interceptions. He also ran the ball 11 times for 39 yards and a rushing touchdown. Though Stewart was named the most valuable player for the Volunteers, multiple Tennessee players had statistically significant games. Volunteer quarterback Peyton Manning finished the game having completed 12 of his 19 pass attempts for 189 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Backup Tennessee quarterback Brandon Stewart completed all three of his pass attempts, accumulating 49 yards in

2925-561: Is designed to be licensed by members of tax preparation practices and small to mid-sized accounting firms. TaxSlayer maintains a continuing partnership with the Federal VITA and TCE programs. Both programs provide tax preparation assistance to Americans who may require assistance filing. VITA provides IRS-trained tax preparers who help those who are disabled, are low income, or limited in English proficiency, while TCE provides

3042-590: The 1980 edition . Mazda was the first title sponsor, beginning in 1986 and lasting for five years. Outback Steakhouse sponsored the Gator Bowl for three years beginning in 1992, prior to obtaining their own Outback Bowl held in Tampa, Florida . From 1996–2006, the title sponsor was Toyota . Konica Minolta then became the sponsor from 2007 to 2010. On December 14, 2010, the Gator Bowl Association announced that Progressive Insurance would become

3159-524: The Citrus Bowl . Hopes were high that Tennessee's second year under Fulmer's command would end better than its first. Tennessee was ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press preseason poll at the start of the season, but won just one game in its first four of the season, causing the Volunteers to drop out of the top 25 for the first time since 1989, breaking a streak of 84 consecutive weeks in

3276-637: The Gator Bowl Association in 1945, the organization expanded in 2013 to branch into other sports and events and increase its charity wing. The association comprises 225 Gator Bowl Committee members, 84 Chairman's Club members and sponsors, more than 700 volunteers, plus over a dozen paid staff members. In addition to the Gator Bowl, the GBA has also coordinated other events. It hosted the ACC Championship Game from 2005 to 2007 and

3393-620: The JR Motorsports team, as well as three PGA Tour golfers. In the early 1960s, Aubrey Rhodes, Sr. founded Rhodes-Murphy & Co., a full-service tax preparation company that remains in operation in Georgia and South Carolina. In 1989, the company formed a subsidiary, Rhodes Computer Services, to start developing tax preparation software for others to use. Four years later, Rhodes Computer began selling taxation software known as "Taxslayer Pro" to tax preparers and accountants throughout

3510-614: The National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), TaxSlayer Pro is one of the top-rated software packages for tax professionals in the U.S. In 2015, the IRS awarded TaxSlayer with the exclusive five-year contracts for the VITA and TCE programs, which provide electronic tax preparation assistance for taxpayers who are low-income, elderly, disabled or who have limited English language proficiency in over 9,500 locations worldwide. Over 90,000 tax preparers use TaxSlayer as part of

3627-399: The 16-yard line, Tennessee continued its drive with a rush by Stewart, who wasn't able to advance the ball. On the next play, the Volunteers were penalized 10 yards for a block in the back of a Virginia Tech player. Despite the penalty and an incomplete pass on a subsequent play, Tennessee was able to gain a first down to the five-yard line with a pass from Manning to Joey Kent. Two plays later,

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3744-473: The 1970s, the attendance regularly reached 60,000–70,000. The Gator Bowl is one of Jacksonville's annual sports highlights. However, the event was once associated with a tragedy. In the early morning of December 29, 1963, the Hotel Roosevelt in downtown Jacksonville caught fire after a post-Gator Bowl party in the ballroom. It was later determined that the party was not the cause of the fire, and that

3861-683: The 2007 game, the ACC runner-up became contractually tied to play in the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the Gator Bowl began hosting the third-place ACC team versus a team from either the Big East (still the conference's #2 team unless they qualified for the Bowl Championship Series ), the Big 12 Conference , or the unaffiliated Notre Dame Fighting Irish (who would take the Big East's spot in this game). The contract, which ran for four years,

3978-545: The 2022 edition, the bowl has again named a single MVP. Updated through the December 2023 edition (79 games, 158 appearances). ‡ Tennessee's record excludes their January 2020 win, which was vacated by the NCAA in July 2023. Won (4): LSU , Northwestern , Vanderbilt , Wyoming Lost (9): Air Force , Colorado , Indiana , Michigan State , Rutgers , Stanford , Texas , Tulsa , Washington & Lee Updated through

4095-419: The 22-yard line by the penalty. Though Manning gained 22 yards with a third-down pass, Tennessee was unable to gain enough yards for a first down and punted. During the kick, Tennessee committed a penalty and had to kick again after the five-yard penalty was assessed. The punt was fair caught at the Tech 25-yard line, and the Hokies began their first offensive possession of the second half with 10:14 remaining in

4212-572: The 24 games, and in three of those games both teams were from the SEC. The games from 1976 to 1995 usually, but not always, involved a team from the southeastern United States against a team from another part of the country. Teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) played in ten of these 20 games. From 1996–2006, the Gator Bowl traditionally hosted the second-place ACC team against the second-place Big East Conference team. With

4329-510: The 75th anniversary game, played in January 2020. Phil Mafah , Clemson vs. Kentucky Dec. 1994 2023 Source: The longtime broadcaster of the game was ABC , which showed the game in prime time from 1974 through 1985. Turner Sports bought the rights to the game after the 1991 match-up and TBS became the home of the Gator Bowl for the next four years, moving back to a late December date. The game returned to New Year's Day after NBC bought

4446-724: The Big East and Notre Dame moved their hybrid arrangement to the Champs Sports Bowl for 2010, while the Gator Bowl declined to renew its contract with the Big 12. The Gator Bowl would feature the SEC and the Big Ten Conference starting with the 2010 season, joining the Capital One Bowl and the Outback Bowl as the third Big Ten-SEC bowl matchup on New Year's Day. Starting in 2015, the bowl returned to

4563-544: The Customer Excellence Center. Between the two buildings, the company will be able to house 600 employees across the metro Augusta area. The company is also known for its sports sponsorships, such as the TaxSlayer Bowl , a major college football bowl game in Jacksonville, Florida previously known as the Gator Bowl . Other sports sponsorships have included: Dale Earnhardt Jr. , NASCAR and

4680-532: The December 2023 edition (79 games, 158 appearances). ‡ The SEC's win–loss–tie totals and winning percentage exclude Tennessee's win following the 2019 season (played in January 2020), which was vacated by the NCAA in July 2023. As of 2023: The Gator Bowl created a Hall of Fame in 1989; new members were announced annually through 2013, with a total of 82 inductees at that time. After 2013, additions have occurred intermittently. In September 2019, bowl organizers announced an All Gator Bowl Team, in commemoration of

4797-570: The Edwardses became the first father-son combo in Virginia Tech history to have competed in a bowl game. At the beginning of December, Virginia Tech's offensive preparations for the Gator Bowl were disrupted when offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill abruptly quit the team in order to join friend Nick Saban , who had been hired as the head coach at Michigan State . Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer announced simultaneous with Tranquill's departure that assistant head coach Billy Hite would control

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4914-453: The Gator Bowl. Prior to the start of the 1994–95 college football season , the Gator Bowl was snubbed by the newly formed Bowl Alliance , a group of football conferences, bowl games, and television networks created to match up the No. 1 and No. 2 college football teams at the conclusion of each season. Though the Gator Bowl offered to pay $ 115 million for the right to become a Bowl Alliance game,

5031-419: The Hokies gained a first down at the Tennessee three-yard line with a pass from DeShazo to Thomas. Four plays later, the Hokies scored their first points of the game as Thomas dove across the goal line on fourth down. The subsequent extra point was good, and the Hokies cut Tennessee's lead to 21–7 with 5:17 remaining in the first half. Virginia Tech's kickoff was returned to the Tennessee 26-yard line, and

5148-424: The Hokies' drive going with a first down at the Tennessee 39-yard line. After an incomplete pass, Thomas broke free for a 27-yard run along the left side of the field, giving Tech a first down at the Tennessee 13-yard line. Tennessee's defense held for three plays, forcing a fourth down. Instead of kicking a field goal, the Hokies attempted to convert the fourth down by running the ball. DeShazo scrambled, broke free of

5265-402: The Hokies' offense started with 31 seconds remaining in the quarter. On the first play of the drive, wide receiver Bryan Still broke away from the Tennessee defense and was wide open for a pass. Maurice DeShazo threw the ball to Still, but Still dropped the pass after it bounced off his chest, thus denying the Hokies a touchdown. Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer later cited the dropped pass as

5382-551: The Orange Bowl was selected in place of the Gator Bowl. This event had repercussions at the end of the season, when the bowl was passed over by high-ranked teams that elected to accept bids to bowls in the new Bowl Alliance. The Tennessee Volunteers had finished the 1993 season with a 10–2 record and a season-ending loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions under first-year head coach Phillip Fulmer in

5499-670: The River City Showdown, a neutral site game between the Florida State Seminoles and another team, in 2007 and 2008. In the early years of the bowl, from 1946–1952, it featured a team from the Southern Conference against an at-large opponent. Beginning with the 1953 game, it switched to generally featuring a Southeastern Conference (SEC) team against an at-large opponent. From 1953 to the 1975 game, at least one SEC team appeared in 20 out of

5616-400: The Tech five-yard line. Two plays later, Stewart scored his third touchdown of the game with a five-yard run to the right side of the field. The extra point was good, and with 13:17 remaining in the game, Tennessee took a 42–16 lead. Bryan Still fielded the Tennessee kickoff and returned it to the 19-yard line of Virginia Tech. After a short pass, DeShazo threw his second interception of

5733-399: The Tennessee 39-yard line. There, however, Tennessee's defense stiffened and did not allow the Hokies another first down. The Tech punt was downed at the Tennessee 7-yard line, where the Volunteers began their third possession of the game. On the first play of the drive, Tennessee committed a five-yard false start penalty, pushing the Volunteers back toward their goal line . A Tennessee rush

5850-523: The Tigers' 17–15 win over the Buckeyes, while Hayes was fired the next day before leaving Jacksonville. In the 2010 game between Florida State and West Virginia , Florida State coach Bobby Bowden (who previously coached at West Virginia) coached the final game of his career. Bowden had been the head coach at Florida State since 1976 and had won two national championships, 13 ACC championships, and had

5967-586: The United States. TaxSlayer was named for the original email address of Jimmy Rhodes, son of Aubrey and the President and CEO at the time. In 1998, the firm began developing TaxSlayer.com to market its software to individuals. TaxSlayer is now one of the largest online tax preparation services and a direct competitor to Intuit's TurboTax . In 2017, the company reported record growth in tax e-files with more than 10 million state and federal returns for

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6084-405: The Volunteers continued trying to run out the clock . Tennessee failed to gain a first down, and the resulting punt rolled into the end zone for a touchback. From the Tech 20-yard line, Druckenmiller completed a 13-yard pass to Still for a first down at the Tech 33-yard line. On the next play, Druckenmiller completed a long pass to tight end Bryan Jennings, who carried the ball 41 yards. Following

6201-417: The Volunteers scored on a one-yard touchdown run by Stewart. The extra point kick was successful, and Tennessee took a 7–0 lead with 11:41 remaining in the first quarter. Following Tennessee's touchdown, the two teams traded possessions, each going three and out . Virginia Tech regained the ball after a Tennessee punt to its 20-yard line with 7:31 remaining in the quarter. After a Tech fumble that

6318-399: The Volunteers' offense again began to work. A five-yard penalty pushed the Volunteers backward, but running back Jay Graham regained the lost five yards with a run on the next play and the clock ran out in the quarter. At the end of the first quarter, Tennessee led, 14–0. At the beginning of the second quarter, Tennessee had the ball at its 19-yard line, facing a second down and ten. On

6435-465: The Volunteers' offense returned to the field. Instead of Peyton Manning, backup quarterback Branndon Stewart came on the field to lead Tennessee. On the second play of the Tennessee drive, Stewart gained 24 yards on a quarterback scramble, giving the Volunteers a first down at the Tennessee 49-yard line. On the next play, he completed a 27-yard pass to Kent for another first down. Two plays later, James Stewart broke free for an 18-yard run that gave Tennessee

6552-406: The ball to the Tech 28-yard line, allowing the Volunteers' offense to begin the game already in scoring position. Tennessee's first play was a run up the middle by James Stewart, who gained three yards. On the second play, Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning completed a nine-yard pass to wide receiver Nilo Silvan. During the play, Silvan suffered a broken ankle and did not return to the game. Now at

6669-421: The ball via a hand-off, imitating a running play, but threw the ball instead. The pass was caught by James Kendrick for a touchdown, and after the extra point, Tennessee had a 35–7 lead with 2:08 remaining in the first half. The kickoff was returned to the Tech 27-yard line, and the Hokies began the final drive of the second quarter. Antonio Freeman caught a six-yard pass from DeShazo, then DeShazo completed

6786-411: The defense, and crossed the goal line for the first Tech touchdown of the second half. Williams missed the extra point kick, however, and Tech cut Tennessee's lead to 35–16 with 7:03 remaining in the quarter. The kickoff was returned to the Tennessee 17-yard line, and Tennessee's offense began work. The Volunteers were aided by a five-yard offsides penalty against Virginia Tech on the first play of

6903-480: The divided loyalties of their fans. In Washington County, Virginia , which lies along the Tennessee border, the county supervisor—a Virginia Tech graduate—proclaimed the week of the Gator Bowl to be "Hokie Week" over the objections of the county attorney, who graduated from Tennessee. This natural rivalry was amplified by a basketball game held the day prior to the Gator Bowl that pitted the two schools' varsity teams against each other. In exchange for participating in

7020-437: The drive, but the Hokies stopped the Tennessee offense for losses or no gain until Manning threw a 14-yard pass on third down, pushing Tennessee to the 34-yard line. After two incomplete passes, Manning scrambled 27 yards for another first down, this time at the Tech 39-yard line. Once there, however, the Virginia Tech defense stiffened and did not allow another first down during the drive. Tennessee kicker John Becksvoort came into

7137-583: The event. Hilty, together with Ray McCarthy, Maurice Cherry, and W. C. Ivey, put up $ 10,000 to underwrite the first game, which was held at Jacksonville 's football stadium, Fairfield Stadium , on January 1, 1946. The first two years of the event did not sell out the small capacity stadium, drawing only 7,362 to the 1946 game when the Wake Forest Demon Deacons defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks , 26–14. The stadium

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7254-460: The first play of the quarter, Tennessee ran an end-around to Kendrick Jones, who ran the ball for 76 yards, giving the Volunteers a first down at the Virginia Tech five-yard line. Three plays later, running back Jay Graham crossed the goal line for the first Tennessee touchdown of the second quarter. The extra point was good, and with 13:23 remaining in the first half, Tennessee took a 21–0 lead. Following Tennessee's post-touchdown kickoff and

7371-469: The first quarter and three in the second, while Virginia Tech was able to muster a lone touchdown and field goal in the second quarter. At halftime, Tennessee had a commanding 35–10 lead, behind the strong play of Freshman QB Peyton Manning . The Hokies struggled back in the third quarter, scoring six unanswered points to close the score to 35–16. In the fourth quarter, however, Tennessee answered Virginia Tech's effort with 10 points, putting

7488-480: The game out of reach for the Hokies, who managed only a single touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Hokies fumbled the ball five times—losing it once—and threw two interceptions, allowing Tennessee to cruise to an easy victory, 45–23. Tennessee running back James Stewart was named the game's most valuable player . In early 1994, Jacksonville Mayor Ed Austin proposed $ 49 million in renovations to Jacksonville's aging Gator Bowl Stadium in order to keep

7605-427: The game with 19 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown, becoming the game's leading rusher in terms of yardage, if not points scored. The Hokies' leading receiver, Bryan Still, caught five passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown pass came from Tech backup quarterback Jim Druckenmiller, who finished the game having completed six of his eight pass attempts for 97 yards and the touchdown. The 68 points scored in

7722-587: The game with a regular-season record of 7–4 under head coach Phillip Fulmer that included a 5–3 record in Southeastern Conference competition. Virginia Tech came into the game with an 8–3 regular-season record that included a record of 5–2 in Big East Conference competition. The game kicked off at 8:00 PM. From the start, Tennessee's high-scoring offense dominated. The Volunteers scored two touchdowns in

7839-464: The game, each team received $ 1.5 million from the Gator Bowl Association. Ticket sales were brisk in the month between the announcement of the Tech-Tennessee matchup and the day of the game. By December 14, two weeks after the initial announcement, Virginia Tech had sold 16,000 tickets to Tennessee's 9,000. On December 23, one week before the game, Tech had sold 17,653 tickets. By the day of

7956-412: The game, seemingly to attempt a 48-yard field goal. The kick turned out to be a trick play—an attempted pass by the kick holder —but Hokie defender Mike Williams tackled the holder for a loss. After the failed trick play, the Hokies' offense started at their 44-yard line. The first Tech play of the drive was a 15-yard pass from DeShazo to Still for a first down. A three-yard run by Thomas was followed by

8073-402: The game, the game seemed out of reach for the Hokies. Virginia Tech's kickoff was recovered in the end zone for a touchback, and the Volunteers started at their 20-yard line. Tennessee resumed running out the clock via short runs up the middle of the field that kept the game clock ticking down. After not gaining a first down, Tennessee punted to the Hokies with less than two minutes remaining in

8190-545: The game, the two teams had combined to sell approximately 33,000 tickets. Two days prior to the game, spread bettors favored Tennessee to win by seven points. The Tennessee offense was led by freshman quarterback Peyton Manning , son of NFL great Archie Manning , who had played against the Hokies in the 1968 Liberty Bowl . During the regular season, Peyton played in seven games, winning six of them and completing 86 of his 139 pass attempts for 1,114 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Manning's passer rating of 145.2

8307-416: The game. Virginia Tech's Tommy Edwards fielded the opening kickoff, which was returned to the Tech 29-yard line, where the Hokies' offense began the first play of the game, an incomplete pass by Virginia Tech quarterback Maurice DeShazo. On the second play of the game, DeShazo again attempted a forward pass . This time, however, the ball was intercepted by Tennessee linebacker Tyrone Hines. Hines returned

8424-462: The game. Tech wide receiver Antonio Freeman returned the kick to the Tech 42-yard line, and on the first play of the Hokie drive, Druckenmiller completed a 17-yard pass to the Tennessee 41-yard line. That completion was followed by a nine-yard pass to Jermaine Holmes. After an incomplete pass that almost was intercepted, Druckenmiller threw an incomplete pass before Oxendine failed to gain enough yards for

8541-407: The game. Tennessee defender John Summers returned the catch to the Tech 19-yard line, and backup quarterback Branndon Stewart returned to the game for Tennessee's offense. James Stewart took the first play of the Volunteers' drive, an eight-yard gain, then backup Jay Graham entered the game and ran to the five-yard line for a first down. After the next play—, a two-yard run by Graham—Tennessee committed

8658-400: The game. Williams' 27-yard field goal attempt was good, and Tech cut Tennessee's lead to 35–10 at the end of the first half. Because Virginia Tech received the ball to begin the game, Tennessee received the ball to begin the second half. Tech's kickoff was returned to the Tennessee 13-yard line, and Peyton Manning returned to the field to lead the Volunteers' offense. The first play of

8775-418: The ground, Virginia Tech's rushing offense was led by running back Dwayne Thomas, who carried the ball 142 times for 642 yards and five touchdowns. Backing up Thomas was Tommy Edwards, son of former Virginia Tech player Ken Edwards, who played with the Hokies from 1967 to 1969, including the Hokies' trip to the 1968 Liberty Bowl . By participating in the Gator Bowl and in the previous season's Independence Bowl,

8892-399: The kickoff and return, backup Virginia Tech quarterback Jim Druckenmiller entered the game to guide the Hokies' offense. The first play of the drive, however, was a run by backup running back Ken Oxendine, who gained five yards. Two more runs by Oxendine failed to gain a first down, however, and Virginia Tech punted. Tennessee's Sean Summers returned the kick to the Volunteers' 40-yard line, and

9009-416: The last two games of the regular season, however, the Hokies permitted 34 points and 42 points to Rutgers and Virginia, respectively. The Virginia Tech defense was led by two strong performers in the defensive secondary. Safety Torrian Gray intercepted four passes during the regular season, returning one of the catches for a touchdown. He tied with cornerback William Yarborough for the most interceptions on

9126-437: The loss of his first- and second-string quarterbacks by bringing in acclaimed freshman Peyton Manning , son of National Football League star Archie Manning . Manning's first start, a Tennessee homecoming game against Washington State , resulted in a 10–9 win. Things got progressively better for the Volunteers after Manning assumed the starting role, as they won six of their final seven regular-season games. The sole loss

9243-500: The offense during the Gator Bowl. Shortly after the announcement of Tranquill's departure, Virginia Tech announced that former offensive coordinator Ricky Bustle would be returning to the team to fill the position after the Gator Bowl. Though he was not able to actively coach the team during the Gator Bowl, Bustle offered advice and strategy to Beamer during the weeks before the game. Virginia Tech receiver Cornelius White fractured his patella while playing pick-up basketball. During

9360-412: The play, the Volunteers completed a penalty, advancing the ball to the Tennessee 22-yard line. Two short runs advanced the Hokies to the 19-yard line, then Druckenmiller completed a 10-yard pass to Freeman for a first down. On the next play, Druckenmiller connected with Still for a nine-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was good, and Tennessee's lead was cut to 45–23, but with only 4:13 remaining in

9477-405: The poll. To make matters worse, Tennessee's two starting quarterbacks suffered season-ending injuries during that four-game span. In the Volunteers' season-opener against UCLA , Jerry Colquitt suffered a knee injury. Backup quarterback Todd Helton was hurt in the fourth game of the season, a loss to Mississippi State . In response to the poor start, Fulmer overhauled his defense and coped with

9594-537: The process. Tennessee receiver Joey Kent was the primary beneficiary of the Volunteer passing attack, leading all receivers during the game with six receptions for 116 yards. Tennessee's passing touchdowns went to Kendrick Jones, who also had 37 receiving yards and 76 rushing yards; and Marcus Nash, who caught three passes for 54 yards. Virginia Tech's offense, though far less successful than Tennessee's, also had some high performers. Running Back Dwayne Thomas finished

9711-603: The program. In 2010, the company built its headquarters building in Evans, Georgia , a large suburb of metro Augusta. In 2017, the company purchased a building in Downtown Augusta’s Innovation Zone that will become its Innovation & Technology Campus and company headquarters in 2018. TaxSlayer plans to continue to operate from both buildings, refurbishing the Evans building as a dedicated operation unit known as

9828-405: The regular season for 2,110 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. DeShazo's success during the season helped him become the No. 4 all-time passing leader in Virginia Tech history, finishing his career with 5,720 passing yards. DeShazo's favorite passing target was wide receiver Antonio Freeman , who finished the season having caught 38 passes for 586 yards and five touchdowns. The Gator Bowl

9945-477: The regular season with an 8–4 record overall and a 5–2 record in the Big East. Ironically, despite their season-ending loss to Virginia, the Hokies were awarded an invitation to the Gator Bowl over the Cavaliers, who lost to North Carolina State in their season-ending game. In addition to that loss, Gator Bowl officials later stated they were reluctant to invite an Atlantic Coast Conference team for

10062-465: The regular season, Tennessee was ranked No. 13 in rushing, accumulating an average of 231.2 rushing yards per game. Stewart accounted for 93.5 yards of that total, having carried the ball 170 times for 1,028 yards and 11 touchdowns during the regular season. One of Tennessee's other backup running backs, Jay Graham, was predicted to be kept out of the game due to an injury, but played after undergoing surgery. Graham, who rushed 61 times for 275 yards during

10179-468: The regular season, suffered a broken jaw after being punched in the face by a teammate. Because of the injury to Graham, fourth-string running back Ronnie Pillow, who had carried the ball just five times during the regular season, was predicted to back up Stewart during the game. Prior to the game, Tennessee coach Fulmer pronounced himself unsatisfied with the Vols' performance in opponents' red zone during

10296-418: The regular season, the Volunteers' scoring defense was ranked the second-best in the SEC, allowing an average of just 16.82 points per game. Tennessee also allowed just eight passing touchdowns and 20 touchdowns overall. One of Tennessee's defensive leaders was defensive end Steve White, who led the Volunteers in sacks and tackles for loss with seven and eight, respectively. Tennessee's leader in interceptions

10413-468: The regular season. The 1994 Gator Bowl kicked off on December 30, 1994, at 8 p.m. EST at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville , Florida . An estimated 62,200 fans were in attendance, and millions more people watched the game on television. TBS televised the game in the United States, and Gary Bender, Pat Haden, and Craig Sager were the broadcasters. Tennessee won the ceremonial pre-game coin toss and elected to kick off to Virginia Tech to begin

10530-412: The regular season. Tennessee scored on just 36 of 52 possessions inside the opposition's 20-yard line, a conversion rate of 69.2 percent. Fulmer vowed to raise that percentage to what it had been the previous season, when Tennessee converted 41 of 46 possessions, or 89.1 percent. On offense, the Virginia Tech Hokies were led by quarterback Maurice DeShazo, who completed 164 of his 296 pass attempts during

10647-695: The rights to the TicketCity Bowl and the remainder of the BCS games). TaxSlayer.com TaxSlayer LLC (formerly known as TaxSlayer.com ) is a privately held tax preparation and tax software company based in Augusta, Georgia . The company offers online tax preparation technology for American consumers and tax professionals, allowing them to electronically file state and/or federal returns. TaxSlayer also offers business technology products and services for legal, bookkeeping and HR/payroll. According to

10764-556: The rights to the Gator Bowl in 1996. CBS Sports took over the television contract in 2007 and held the rights for four years. ESPN purchased the rights to the game following its 2010 playing and the 2011 Gator Bowl aired on ESPN2; with the acquisition of the Gator Bowl the ESPN family of networks became the home of every New Year's Day bowl game (the network already had the rights to the Outback , Capital One , and Rose bowls and acquired

10881-534: The season well, winning their first four games in succession and culminating with a victory against West Virginia in the annual battle for the Black Diamond Trophy . The Hokies, who had begun the season ranked No. 21 in the country, rose to No. 14 by their fifth game of the season, a trip to Syracuse , New York , to play the Syracuse Orange . There, Virginia Tech suffered its first loss of

10998-441: The season, permitting 100-yard rushing games from Syracuse's Malcolm Thomas and Kirby Dar Dar, the last time the Hokies allowed two hundred-yard rushers in the same game. Tech responded to the loss by reeling off another three wins in succession. That winning streak ended at No. 6 Miami , when Tech lost its second game of the season, a loss that was followed by a season-ending defeat to perennial rival Virginia . The Hokies concluded

11115-412: The second half was an eight-yard run by James Stewart, which was followed by a six-yard run by Stewart for a first down at the Tennessee 27-yard line. Another Stewart run was followed by two short completions from Manning, and the Volunteers had another first down at the 37-yard line. Tennessee's next play was negated by an offensive pass interference penalty against the Volunteers, who were pushed back to

11232-500: The site of the 1994 Gator Bowl (played on Dec. 30) in doubt. By the end of January 1994, as the Gator Bowl was being demolished, that doubt was also demolished when a deal was struck to host the Gator Bowl at the University of Florida, in that school's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium . The game's title sponsor, Outback Steakhouse , and its television sponsor, TBS , would remain constant, and both were in their final year of contracts with

11349-456: The stadium up to date for the annual Florida-Georgia rivalry game . After Florida and Georgia accepted the renovations, agreeing to play the rivalry game in Athens , Georgia during the renovations, Jacksonville investors proposed expanding the renovation plan in order to attract a National Football League team. The price tag was revised upward—to $ 121 million—and the city successfully attracted

11466-446: The team during the regular season. Neither player was the team's leading tackler, however. That honor went to linebacker George DelRicco, who had 130 tackles during the regular season. Fellow linebacker Ken Brown was named a first-team All-Big East selection, signifying his status as one of the best players at his position in the conference. He finished the season with 93 tackles, including six for loss and two sacks, enough for No. 3 on

11583-472: The team in tackles. Despite that success, Brown suffered a pulled hamstring before Virginia Tech's final regular-season game and his presence in the Gator Bowl was doubtful. Virginia Tech sophomore defensive end Cornell Brown was named the best defensive college player in the state of Virginia by the Roanoke Times after earning 20 tackles for loss, including 11 sacks, and 35 quarterback hurries during

11700-413: The third quarter. On the first play, DeShazo completed an 18-yard pass to Still, who gave the Hokies a first down at their 43-yard line. On the next play, Tech wide receiver Antonio Freeman committed a pass interference penalty, pushing the Hokies back 15 yards. Dwayne Thomas made good the penalty by gaining 16 yards on an option run , which was followed by a 17-yard pass from DeShazo to Freeman, who kept

11817-502: The timing was a coincidence. The fire resulted in 22 deaths. In the 1978 game between Ohio State and Clemson , Ohio State coach Woody Hayes lost his temper after a late game interception by Clemson nose guard Charlie Bauman, who stepped in front of the receiver on a pass from quarterback Art Schlichter . Bauman ran the ball out of bounds on the Ohio State sideline where Hayes struck Bauman with his right forearm. The play sealed

11934-489: The title sponsor for the 2011 Gator Bowl . On September 1, 2011, GBA announced a multi-year title sponsorship deal with TaxSlayer.com. All rankings are taken from the AP Poll prior to the game being played. Italics denote a tie game. † Tennessee's win the January 2020 edition was vacated by the NCAA in July 2023. Source: From 1946 through 1952, a single MVP was named. From 1953 through 2021, MVPs were named for each team; in several instances, co-MVPs were named. Since

12051-413: The university. During the annual preseason poll of media members covering the Big East conference, Virginia Tech was picked to finish second among Big East teams, behind only Miami . The Hokies entered the 1994 college football season having finished the 1993 season with a win in the 1993 Independence Bowl , and hopes were high that they would return to a bowl game again in 1994. The Hokies started

12168-437: The way to the Virginia Tech 37-yard line. At the end of the third quarter, Tennessee still led, 35–16. The fourth quarter began with Tennessee in possession of the ball and facing a first-and-10 at the Virginia Tech 37-yard line after a long punt return. Stewart ran twice for six yards, then Manning completed a pass to Kent at the 20-yard line for a first down. Manning then completed a pass to Nash for another first down at

12285-651: The year, representing a 200% increase over the past three years. TaxSlayer produces software for several different market segments: consumers, professional tax preparers and the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) program volunteers. TaxSlayer’s consumer products allow taxpayers to electronically file their taxes online each year. The product provides several different packages to provide varying levels of assistance and support customers require when filling. TaxSlayer Pro

12402-401: Was Freeman's final collegiate game, just as it was DeShazo's. Freeman finished his career as the No. 1 receiver in Virginia Tech history in terms of yardage (bowl games were not counted in statistics until 2003) with 2,207 receiving yards. Freeman also was the team's leading punt returner, having returned 39 kicks for 467 yards and a touchdown, and received second-team All-Big East honors. On

12519-413: Was Joey Kent, who caught 36 passes for 470 yards during the regular season, but slightly injured his ankle in a pre-Gator Bowl practice. The Volunteers' rushing offense had been led by Aaron Hayden during the regular season, but Hayden broke his leg during Tennessee's final regular season game. Due to the injury, James Stewart was forecast to start the game at running back for the Volunteers. During

12636-442: Was Ronald Davis, who had two during the regular season. Scott Galyon had the most tackles on the team, with 93. Strong safety Ray Austin, who had been named most valuable player in the Volunteers' loss to Penn State during the 1993 Citrus Bowl, had 50 tackles—second-best among Tennessee defensive backs—two fumble recoveries, a sack, and two tackles for loss despite playing in only six games. The Volunteers' defense also featured

12753-462: Was a 13–17 defeat at the hands of then-No. 10 Alabama in Knoxville . The loss was merely a bump in the road, however, as Tennessee won all four regular-season games that followed, ending the regular season with a 65–0 drubbing of in-state rival Vanderbilt . In response to Fulmer's success at turning the team around from a slow start, he was awarded with a one-year contract extension by

12870-614: Was expanded in 1948 and renamed the Gator Bowl Stadium in honor of the event. However, it was not until the 1949 matchup between the Clemson Tigers and the Missouri Tigers that the future of the Gator Bowl was assured: the 1948 attendance of 16,666 for a 20–20 tie between Maryland and Georgia was nearly doubled with 32,939 watching Clemson squeak by Missouri, 24–23, on a late field goal by Jack Miller. By

12987-697: Was held in conjunction with the Sun Bowl , with the Gator Bowl receiving first choice of teams, and required both bowls to take Big East teams twice and Big 12 teams twice. Since the previous two Gator Bowls featured the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Nebraska Cornhuskers , both Big 12 teams, a Big East team or Notre Dame would play in the 2010 Gator Bowl per the terms of the contract (West Virginia lost to Florida State in this game). The conference alignment changed again in 2010, as

13104-405: Was recovered by the Hokies, Tech running back Dwayne Thomas ran nine yards for the first Tech first down of the game. After an incomplete pass, DeShazo and Thomas connected on an eight-yard pass before Thomas broke free for an 11-yard run and another first down. Thomas continued advancing the ball, picking up eight yards on two rushing plays. DeShazo then completed a four-yard pass for a first down at

13221-694: Was renamed the Gator Bowl . Prior to the 1949 game, the seating capacity was expanded to 36,058, at which it remained until 1957. That stadium hosted the game through 1993, when it was almost completely demolished for the construction of Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on the same site. During construction, the December 1994 game was played at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida . The January 1996 game , and all subsequent games to date, have been held at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, currently known as EverBank Stadium . The game and associated activities are overseen by Gator Bowl Sports . Founded as

13338-411: Was stopped for no gain, then Stewart picked up eight yards on a running play. Needing eight yards for a first down, Manning threw an 11-yard pass to Kent for the first down. On the next play, Manning completed a 43-yard toss to Kent, driving the Volunteers into the Virginia Tech half of the field. Manning's next throw was a 35-yard touchdown throw to Marcus Nash. The extra point was good, and Tennessee took

13455-510: Was the final contest of the 1994 NCAA Division I-A football season for both teams, and ended in a 45–23 victory for Tennessee. The 1994 Gator Bowl saw Tennessee face off against regional rival 17th-ranked Virginia Tech at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on the campus of the University of Florida . The game was moved to Gainesville in 1994 due to renovations to the Gator Bowl for the Jacksonville Jaguars . The Tennessee Volunteers came entered

13572-610: Was the third-highest among starting quarterbacks in the SEC. In recognition of his achievements, Manning was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year. One of Manning's more prominent passing targets was Billy Williams, who, despite suffering a stress fracture in the first game of the season, recovered to catch 20 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned 17 kickoffs for an average of 20.8 yards per return. Manning's favorite target

13689-413: Was unsuccessful after DeShazo mishandled the snap and was tackled for a loss. Virginia Tech turned the ball over on downs , and Tennessee's offense returned to the game with 1:31 remaining in the quarter. The Volunteers started at their 27-yard line to begin the drive, but went three and out and punted back to the Hokies without gaining a first down. The kick was returned to the Tech 39-yard line, where

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