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Home , Erik Ainge, Jamie Morris, Outback Bowl, Shonn Greene

Tennessee, Nor thwes tern to Battle in 30th O utb ack Bo wl As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary game we are excited to have such a And though Tennessee is 8-4 they are ranked 23rd in the country and led fantastic match-up of teams to square-off on the field this New Year’s Day. late in all four of their losses, two of which were to teams (Alabama and Both Tennessee and Northwestern are Top 25 teams on the rise to being Oklahoma) in the playoff. major contenders in their conferences and both have positive momentum QB combines a solid passing attack with a powerful running coming into this game riding five game winning streaks. As such, both teams game. Dobbs completed 60% of his passes for 2,125 yards and 15 TDs while are extremely excited to play in this bowl for a chance to show the nation how also rushing for 623 yards and 9 TDs. He even has a 58 yard TD reception to far they have come, and to ride the wave of an championship his credit! And while defenses are trying to figure out if Dobbs is throwing or into the off-season. running, here comes TB who averages 4.6 yards per carry compil - Both head coaches are highly respected, not only on the field but in how ing over 1,100 yards and 11 TDs. And if that isn’t enough RB Alvin Kamara they run their programs. Coach Pat Fitzgerald is the winningest coach in NU rushed for 645 yards on the season. history and has been involved in 10 of the schools 12 bowl appearances as Of course while Northwestern has a stellar defense, they too have some either a player or coach. And Volunteers coach won two MAC work horses on offense. TB Justin Jackson is the third leading rusher in the Championships and two Big East Championships at his previous stops, and is Big Ten with 1,344 yards and has a 4.5 yard average of his own. He carried on his way to building a team to compete for the SEC title. the ball an amazing 298 times, the most of any back in the nation during the Northwestern enters the game ranked 12th in the nation after a 10-2 reg - regular season. ular season. Reflecting their Hall of Fame coach, the Wildcats have one of the He will face a Vol defense that ranks 4th nationally in third down conver - toughest defenses in the country surrendering just five passing and sion defense. It is led by LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin with a team best 99 tackles ranked third nationally in pass efficiency defense. They are also ranked second and 13 tackles for loss while adding 5 sacks. in the in red zone defense and third And don’t be surprised if something big happens on special teams in this in the conference in scoring defense (allowing just game. Both teams also boast dynamic returners. The Volunteers 16.4 points per game) and opponent third-down lead the nation in kickoff returns and are second best in punt conversions. returns thanks to All American KR and second First-Team All-Conference LB Anthony team All American PR Cameron Sutton. Northwestern kick Walker leads the Wildcat defense with 113 returner Solomon Vault, meanwhile, leads the Big Ten tackles and a second best in the nation 19.5 Conference. Combined these three returners took it tackles for a loss. to the house seven times during the season. That defense will match- Two disciplined hard-nosed, fired-up up against the Volunteers teams with a number of quality offense which have the athletes, both hungry to prove second best rushing themselves in the 2016 offense in the SEC and Outback Bowl. Looks like led the conference in we are in for another fourth-down conversions. great game!

Evan Berry, Justin Jackson, All American Kick Returner Northwestern Tennessee Celebrating 30 Years

KEY EVENTS IN OUTBACK BOWL HISTORY OUTBACK BOWL YEAR BY YEAR RESULTS April 16, 1986 NCAA awards college bowl to Date Teams/Results Inaugural Hall of Fame Bowl Dec. 23, 1986 Boston College ..27 Georgia ...... 24 Dec 23, 1986 Jan. 2, 1988 Michigan ...... 28 Alabama ...... 24 Aug. 3, 1987 Bowl signs contract with NBC TV Jan. 2, 1989 Syracuse ...... 23 LSU ...... 10 Jan. 1, 1990 Auburn ...... 31 Ohio State ...... 14 Jan 2, 1988 Bowl matches Michigan vs Alabama in only meeting to date. Wolverines win Jan. 1, 1991 Clemson ...... 30 Illinois ...... 0 in final seconds Jan. 1, 1992 Syracuse ...... 24 Ohio State ...... 17 Jan. 1, 1993 Tennessee ...... 38 Boston College .23 Jan 1, 1989 Bowl moved to New Year’s Day lineup Jan. 1, 1994 Michigan ...... 42 N.C. State ...... 7 where it has remained ever since; hosts two top 20 teams: No. 16 Syracuse Jan. 2, 1995 Wisconsin ...... 34 Duke ...... 20 and No. 19 LSU Jan. 1, 1996 Penn State ...... 43 Auburn ...... 14 Jan. 1, 1997 Alabama ...... 17 Michigan ...... 14 April 24, 1992 Bowl signs first contract with ESPN TV. Jan. 1, 1998 Georgia ...... 33 Wisconsin ...... 6 Oct. 26, 1994 Bowl signs six-year contract with SEC Jan. 1, 1999 Penn State ...... 26 Kentucky ...... 14 and Big Ten Conferences; Extends ESPN Jan. 1, 2000 Georgia ...... 28 Purdue ...... 25 (OT) contract Jan. 1, 2001 South Carolina ..24 Ohio State ...... 7 Jan. 1, 2002 South Carolina ..31 Ohio State ...... 28 April 12, 1995 Bowl signs six-year deal with Outback Steakhouse as title sponsor; changes Jan. 1, 2003 Michigan ...... 38 Florida ...... 30 name to Outback Bowl Jan. 1, 2004 Iowa ...... 37 Florida ...... 17 Jan. 1, 2005 Georgia ...... 24 Wisconsin ...... 21 Jan 1, 1996 Bowl celebrates 10th anniversary Jan. 2, 2006 Florida ...... 31 Iowa ...... 24 Jan 1, 1999 Bowl plays in new ; Jan. 1, 2007 Penn State ...... 20 Tennessee ...... 10 Sells out for the first time in game featuring Jan. 1, 2008 Tennessee ...... 21 Wisconsin ...... 17 Penn State and Kentucky Jan. 1, 2009 Iowa ...... 31 South Carolina .10 Jan. 1, 2010 Auburn ...... 38 Northwestern ....35 (OT) Jan 1, 2000 Outback Bowl becomes first sporting event of the new millennium; Game between Jan. 1, 2011 Florida ...... 37 Penn State ...... 24 Georgia and Purdue becomes only second Jan. 2, 2012 Michigan State ..33 Georgia ...... 30 (3-OT) OT in history and features Jan. 1, 2013 South Carolina ..33 Michigan ...... 28 greatest comeback by a team (25 points - Jan. 1, 2014 LSU ...... 21 Iowa ...... 14 Georgia) in bowl history. Jan. 1, 2015 Wisconsin ...... 34 Auburn ...... 31 (OT) Oct. 2001 Bowl signs four year extensions with SEC, Big Ten, ESPN & Outback through January 2006 game. PAST OUTBACK BOWL MVPS Date Teams/Results July 26, 2005 Bowl completes contract extensions with Dec. 23, 1986 Gary Moss & James Jackson ..Georgia SEC, Big Ten, ESPN and Outback Steakhouse through the 2010 game. Jan. 2, 1988 ...... Michigan Jan. 2, 1989 Robert Drummond ...... Syracuse Jan. 2, 2006 Outback Bowl celebrates 20th Anniversary Jan. 1, 1990 Reggie Slack ...... Auburn May 12, 2009 Outback Steakhouse commits to four year Jan. 1, 1991 DeChane Cameron ...... Clemson contract extension through 2014 game. Jan. 1, 1992 Marvin Graves ...... Syracuse Jan. 1, 1993 ...... Tennessee Oct.-Dec. 2009 Bowl completes contract extensions with Big Jan. 1, 1994 ...... Michigan Ten, SEC and ABC/ESPN for four additional years through the January 2014 game. Jan. 2, 1995 Terrell Fletcher ...... Wisconsin Jan. 1, 1996 Bobby Engram ...... Penn State Jan. 1, 2010 Auburn defeats Northwestern 38-35 in bowls Jan. 1, 1997 Dwayne Rudd ...... Alabama second overtime game. Teams tie or set 39 Jan. 1, 1998 ...... Georgia Outback Bowl records and 9 NCAA records Jan. 1, 1999 Courtney Brown ...... Penn State in what many believe is the most exciting Jan. 1, 2000 ...... Purdue game in bowls history. Jan. 1, 2001 Ryan Brewer ...... South Carolina Jan. 1, 2011 Bowl celebrates 25th Anniversary game. Jan. 1, 2002 Phil Petty ...... South Carolina Jan. 1, 2003 Chris Perry ...... Michigan Jan. 1, 2012 Michigan State defeats Georgia 33-30 in triple overtime. Jan. 1, 2004 Fred Russell ...... Iowa Jan. 1, 2005 ...... Georgia June 26, 2013 Outback Steakhouse signs six year contract Jan. 2, 2006 ...... Florida extension to title sponsor the bowl through Jan. 1, 2007 Tony Hunt ...... Penn State the 2020 game. Jan. 1, 2008 ...... Tennessee July, 2013 Outback Bowl extends agreements with Big Jan. 1, 2009 ...... Iowa Ten, SEC and ESPN/ABC networks for six Jan. 1, 2010 Darvin Adams ...... Auburn additional years through the January 2020 Jan. 1, 2011 Ahmad Black ...... Florida bowl game. Jan. 2, 2012 Brandon Boykin ...... Georgia Jan. 1, 2016 The Outback Bowl celebrates its 30th Jan. 1, 2013 ...... South Carolina Anniversary game. Jan. 1, 2014 ...... LSU Jan. 1, 2015 ...... Wisconsin

2 Tampa Bay Bowl Association Official Newsletter Bowl Supporters Get To Meet The Coaches More than 800 Outback Bowl East Club of Raymond James Stadium. supporters got to meet the coaches Supporters also got to hear the coach - from the es speak while feasting on food from and Northwestern University at the Outback Steakhouse. DeBartolo Contract Signing Party Guests even got a chance to meet the December 10th. now famous Bloom man and Shrimp girl After spending two hours doing featured in the Outback Steakhouse interviews with local media outlets, videos on social media. Volunteer Head Coach Butch Jones and The event was capped-off with the Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald coaches signing a ceremonial contract mingled with Outback Bowl Sponsors, agreeing to play in the bowl game on Club Members and their guests in the New Year’s Day.

Welcome New Supporters New Sponsors

New VIP Club Members (as of November 30) Aronson LLC - Rockville, MD Belleville, MI High School Band Boosters Bill Currie Ford Brighthouse Networks - Enterprise Solutions CEA Bright Marketing Reinvented from the inside out. Reinvented from the outside in. Clean Earth Systems Hampton Inn - Introducing the all-new GLC. Whatever your vantage point, the GLC is a game-changer. From its showstopping exterior to its technology-fi lled cabin. From a suite of intelligent assistance systems that Just For Kix - Brainerd, MN think, monitor and adjust as you drive to an infotainment system so smart, it can read your handwriting. Mercedes Benz of Tampa “All-new” in every possible sense, the GLC resets the bar for the luxury SUV. MBUSA.com/GLC Northwestern Mutual - Westshore THE 2016 STARTING AT Parkway Realty Services GLC $38,950* Principal Financial - Birmingham, AL Public Imagery Quality Roofing Ramos Engineering & Associates John Reaves Real Estate

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3 Tampa Bay Bowl Association Official Newsletter

Teams Will Get Wild At Busch Gardens

Outback Bowl fans will be able to enjoy the rides and shows at Busch Gardens with the University of Tennessee and Northwestern University players when they head to the park on Tuesday, December 29th. Each year the world famous theme park hosts the participating teams for a special day during “Bowl Week.” The park features many exciting coasters such as Falcon Fury, North Americas tallest free - standing drop tower, Cheetah Chase, Montu and more.. Players will mix with fans to enjoy these rides along with shows and animal experiences. So don’t be surprised if that big guy sitting next to you on Sheikra with a death grip on the handles is a famous All player for one of the teams! In addition, the college bands are expected to make an appearance at the park on December 31st. Normal park admission prices apply and tickets are available at the gate or online at www.BuschGardens.com. Teams typically arrive in mid-afternoon

Fans Enjoy Fun In The Sun At Clearwater Beach Day One of the most popular annual traditions of Outback Bowl Week for thousands of visiting fans is when they join the teams, college bands, cheerlead - ers and local residents for Clearwater Beach Day . This year’s event will be held Wednesday, December 30th and feature performances by the University of Tennessee and Northwestern University marching bands and cheerleader squads. The day also includes live music on stage, the Budweiser skydiving team, a tug-of-war contest between the cheerleading squads, and even a pie eating contest among fans. Fans will also be able to take their picture in front of a huge custom designed Outback Bowl sand sculpture, as well as specially designed dolphin statues. They can also meet Outback Steakhouse mascots Bloom Man and Shrimp Girl. Dozens of visiting and local media typically cover the event as well with TV footage of fans enjoying the beautiful beaches of Pinellas County beamed throughout the country. All the festivities take place behind the Hilton Clearwater Beach (just north of Pier 60) and run from 11:30 AM to about 4:00 PM. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the best parking. Food and drinks along with bowl merchandise will be available for purchase. The event is cosponsored by Visit St Pete-Clearwater , the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, the City of Clearwater , the Hilton Clearwater Beach , Clearwater Gas System , Allegiant , St Pete-Clearwater International Airport , Mix 100.7FM and 95.7 The Beat FM radio. For more information on the Outback Bowl and Clearwater Beach Day go to www.OutbackBowl.com or call the Bowl office at 813-874-BOWL.

4 Tampa Bay Bowl Association Official Newsletter Ring In The New Year With The Outback Bowl Tens-of-thousands of Outback Bowl fans will once again ring in the New Year in Tampa’s Ybor City historic district and at Channelside Bay Plaza on December 31st. The Outback Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade will kick off the evening festivities at 5:30 PM. as about sixteen high school marching bands from around the country will join the University of Tennessee and Northwestern University bands, as well as, numer - ous floats and other units as they travel along famed 7th avenue.

Immediately following the Parade both college marching bands and their cheerleading squads will then participate in a pep rally at the stage on the Fans can also make it a special evening at the corner of 14th St. and 7th avenue where the groups New Year’s Aqua Eve Party will take turns firing up their fans. from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM featuring food buffets, com - At the conclusion of the pep rally bowl fans who plimentary beer & wine, live entertainment and a great want to continue the party have plenty of restaurants view of the fireworks show, all for one inclusive price. and other nightlife options to choose from right there in Ybor, or they can take a trolley ride or short drive to The Parad e & Pep Rally is sponsored by Bud the downtown waterfront for the “Light Up Tampa Light , 970 WFLA , 620 WDAE , 93.3 FLZ FM and Bay” celebration at Channelside Bay Plaza . This the City of Tampa . For more information on “Light dynamic entertainment complex on the downtown Up Tampa Bay” at Channelside Bay Plaza call (813) waterfront is home to restaurants and night clubs such 223-4250, and to purchase tickets to the Florida as Splitsville. The event will also feature live enter - Aquarium New Year’s Aqua Eve Party call (813) 273- tainment throughout the night followed by a spectacu - 4030 or go online to www.FLAquarium.org. lar midnight fireworks show over the waterfront.

Named thee Best Hospital in TTampaampa Bayy.. And One of the Nation’n’’ss Best.

Once again, TTampaampa General Hospital is proud to be named the Best Hospital in TTampaampa Bay by U.S. News & WWorldoorld Report, and for over a decade, recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals – this time in six specialties:

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5 Tampa Bay Bowl Association Official Newsletter Note: All events, locations, dates and times are subject to change. ** (indicates event open to general public all others are invitation-only) DECEMBER 31 LIGHT UP TAMPA BAY AT CHANNELSIDE** DECEMBER 26 TEAM WELCOME CEREMONY Channelside will “Light Up Tampa Bay” on New Year’s Eve with live & OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE TEAM DINNER entertainment and a midnight Fireworks Show and Ball Drop along Bowl officials, city officials and media greet the participating teams as the waterfront. Enjoy the numerous restaurants and they enjoy a private welcome dinner from Outback Steakhouse at A night spots at Channelside. For more information call Channelside at La Carte Pavilion. (by invitation only) (813) 223-4250. FLORIDA AQUARIUM AQUA EVE PARTY** You can also choose to celebrate the night at the Florida Aquarium DECEMBER 27 LADIES LUNCHEON New Year’s “Aqua Eve” party featuring food buffet, beer, wine and live Spouses of both teams’ coaches will enjoy a special luncheon hosted entertainment for one price. Buy tickets at www.FLAquarium.org by Bonefish Grill Restaurant. (private event) DECEMBER 30 CLEARWATER BEACH DAY** JANUARY 1 MERCEDES-BENZ Join the school marching bands and cheerleaders as they enjoy the CORPORATE TENT VILLAGE sun and beaches at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. Enjoy this fun day More than 2,000 Bowl sponsors and VIP’s will enjoy a festive which will also feature live music, skydivers, a tug-of-war and other pregame warm-up at the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Tent Village with contests from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. a private brunch and entertainment near Raymond James Stadium Sponsored by Visit St Pete-Clearwater, The Clearwater Regional (by invitation only). Chamber of Commerce, the Hilton, Clearwater Gas System, Allegiant, St Pete Clearwater International Airport, 95.7 the Beat PREGAME BOWL BASH** and 93.3FLZ Radio. Bowl fans can warm-up for the big game with live music and a pep METLIFE/MERCEDES-BENZ GRIDIRON GALA rally, sponsored by Bright House Networks, Coke Zero, The Tampa MetLife & Mercedes-Benz host this prestigious evening for bowl VIP’s Tribune, Newsradio 970AM and 620 WDAE Radio. Food & refresh - and the college administrators at A La Carte Pavilion. Carrabba’s ments will be available for purchase. The fun begins at 9:00 a.m. on PLAYERS NIGHT AT SPLITSVILLE** Italian Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Bonefish Grill the south plaza between gates C & D, so come out early. Join the teams as they enjoy the fun at Splitsville at Channelside. & Outback Steakhouse provide a delectable menu (by invitation Watch the teams compete off the field in a bowling challenge. Teams only). TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL only from 6:00-7:15 PM. Doors open to public at 7:15 P.M. PREGAME SHOW** DECEMBER 31 BATTLE OF THE BANDS Enjoy a colorful pregame show featuring the pageantry of high school DECEMBER 28 PLAYERS HOSPITAL VISITS AT BUSCH GARDENS** and college bands along with numerous special activities including Players and coaches from both teams will brighten the day for Join the two college marching bands at Busch Gardens as they square- skydivers. A popular Outback Bowl tradition you won’t want to miss. off for a special “Battle of the Bands” performance. Admission to park children at Tampa General Hospital (no fans please). Show time begins at 11:15 a.m. required. Time TBD. TEAM NIGHT AT TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING** OUTBACK BOWL 2016** Both teams will attend the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL hockey game NEW YEAR’S EVE PARADE & PEP RALLY The Outback Bowl matching two of college football’s best teams from against the Montreal Canadians at the in downtown PRESENTED BY TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL** the SEC and Big Ten Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Eclectic Ybor City is the site of this festive celebration featuring the Tampa. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster or (Gates open 10:30 a.m.). Outback Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade and a pep rally by the college the Arena box office. marching bands & cheerleaders. The parade will feature floats and about twenty marching bands from around the country! This free family event is sponsored by Bud Light, 93.3FLZ Radio, 970 WFLA and 620 WDAE Radio and the City of Tampa. Be there early. The Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and runs along 7th Avenue.

DECEMBER 29 BUSCH GARD ENS TEAM OUTING** COCA-COLA ZERO HALFTIME SHOW Both teams and their fans will enjoy the unique blend of thrilling Wait until you see this colorful show featuring more than 3,500 rides, live shows and a premier zoo. Admission tickets are available at performers! buschgardens.com or at the front gate. Official Game Sponsors

6 Tampa Bay Bowl Association Official Newsletter