1965 Gator Bowl (December)

The 1965 Gator Bowl, played on December 31, 1964, featured the Florida Gators and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The game was played in Jacksonville, Florida, and resulted in a 14-7 victory for the Florida Gators. This win marked Florida's first major bowl victory. Quarterback Steve Spurrier, later a legendary coach for the Gators, was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The game was notable for being a defensive struggle, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. The Gators' defense proved to be the difference, holding Tulsa to minimal offensive production. The victory provided a significant boost to the Florida football program and helped solidify their standing on the national stage.