The 1968 Gator Bowl was an American college football bowl game played on December 28, 1968, at Gator Bowl Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. It was the 24th annual edition of the Gator Bowl. The game featured the #16 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks from the Southwest Conference and the #18 ranked Georgia Bulldogs from the Southeastern Conference.
Game Summary:
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 0 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 16 |
| Georgia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
- Date: December 28, 1968
- Stadium: Gator Bowl Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida
- Attendance: 68,011
Background: Both teams entered the game with strong regular season records. Arkansas, coached by Frank Broyles, finished their regular season 9-1, with their only loss to Texas. Georgia, under head coach Vince Dooley, also had an impressive 8-1-2 record, having won the SEC Championship earlier in the month against Auburn. The game pitted two prominent college football programs against each other, both known for their strong defenses and competitive spirit.
Game Play: The game was a defensive struggle for much of the first half. Arkansas broke the scoreless tie in the second quarter with a touchdown. In the third quarter, the Razorbacks extended their lead, primarily through their ground game and effective passing, while their defense stifled Georgia's offensive attempts. Arkansas's defense proved particularly dominant, limiting Georgia to minimal yardage and keeping them out of the end zone. The Bulldogs' only points came in the fourth quarter from a safety, after Arkansas was penalized for holding in their own end zone. Arkansas sealed the victory with a field goal in the final quarter.
Outcome: Arkansas defeated Georgia with a final score of 16-2. The Razorbacks finished their season with a 10-1 record, while the Bulldogs concluded theirs at 8-2-2. Arkansas's strong performance solidified their national ranking and marked a successful end to their season. The game is remembered for its defensive intensity and Arkansas's ability to capitalize on key offensive opportunities.