In the past twenty five years of the Outback Bowl the game has had some Int.) is a first-team All-Big Ten selection as is free safety Trenton Robinson (74 exceptional games, and some outstanding teams square-off in Tampa. It’s had tackles, 4 Int.). see-saw battles, unbelievable come-backs and even numerous first-ever meetings Georgia’s offense is led by Tampa’s own QB Aaron Murray who has com - of storied programs. But it has never had two 10 win teams…until now. pleted 218 of 371 passes for 2,861 yards and a school record 33 TDs. He is also Both Michigan State and Georgia come into today’s Outback Bowl with the SEC’s active career leader in total offense, completions, passing yards and 10-3 records, and looking for that milestone win No. 11 that is so hard for any touchdown passes. Murray’s favorite target is TE Orson Charles with 44 catches team to achieve. Both teams finished the regular season as Division Champions for 572 yards and 5 TDs, along with Malcolm Mitchell who has 38 receptions of their respective conferences. Georgia dominated No. 1 LSU in the SEC for 624 yards and 4 TDs. Championship Game for the first half, only to fail to take full advantage of By the way, both of these teams can move numerous opportunities and make some mistakes in the second the ball on the ground as well. The Bulldogs half that cost them the win. And the Spartans battled average 172.7 yards per game rushing led by Wisconsin to the final minute of the game only to lose freshman Isaiah Crowell with 847 yards, for a by 3 points. 4.8 yard average, and 5 TDs. So for both teams, the Outback Bowl presents a The Spartans ground game is led by a tandem chance to cap-off highly successful seasons. Getting of tailbacks combining for over 1,500 yards, that 11th win and regaining that positive momen - including Le’Veon Bell who has 165 carries tum going into the off season will be driving for 900 yards while averaging 5.5 yards per forces for each of these teams in today’s game. carry. Bell also notched 11 TDs rush - And these squads will look extremely similar ing. Edwin Baker, meanwhile, rushed in how they attempt to do so. 164 times for 655 yards and 5 TDs. Both teams feature outstanding quarter - And wouldn’t you know that backs and receivers providing the opportunity the coaches in this game have to spread the field and making big plays on similarities as well. Both are high - the offensive side of the ball. Yet Michigan ly respected individuals that have State and Georgia also boast two of the had exceptional success early in their head nation’s best defenses with the Bulldogs ranked coaching careers. 3rd and the Spartans 5th best. Coach Richt is in his 11th season as head coach of Spartan QB Kirk Cousins is probably the the Bulldogs. He is 106-37 during his tenure which also best quarterback to ever put on a Michigan includes eleven bowl appearances, two SEC titles and State uniform, holding school career SEC runner-up in 2003 and 2011. He was named records for wins, touchdown passes, SEC Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2002. completions, passing efficiency and Mark Dantonio is in his fifth season as head completion percentage, and should coach of the Spartans and holds a 43-22 set the passing yards mark in the record. In 2010, he was named Big Ten bowl game. MSU receiver BJ Coach of the Year as well as National Cunningham holds the school Coach of the Year by record for all-time receptions CBSSports.com, Scout.com and yards. and Rivals.com. The Spartans defense, So in the end, meanwhile, led the Big Ten this which teams defense season in Rushing Defense, Total will be able to stop the Defense, Interceptions and Sacks. passing game, and Chuck Bednarik Award semifi - which teams offense will nalist and AP All American be able to throw the defensive tackle Jerel Worthy ball successfully? has 8.5 tackles for loss includ - Which team will leave ing 3.5 sacks. here with 11 wins and a Cornerback Johnny springboard into 2012? Well, Adams (49 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 we are about to find out. 1 More than 900 Outback Bowl sup - from Outback Steakhouse. Coach porters got to meet the head coaches Richt and Coach Dantonio signed and other officials from the University hundreds of autographs and some of Georgia and Michigan State guests were even able to get photos University at the Savtira Contract with the coaches. The event was Signing Party recently. capped-off with the coaches signing After spending two hours doing a ceremonial contract interviews with local media outlets agreeing to play in the Bulldog Head Coach Mark Richt and bowl game on January 2nd. Spartan Head Coach Mark Dantonio The event was spon - mingled with Outback Bowl Sponsors, sored by new bowl partner Club Members and their guests in the Savtira, a B2B E-commerce East Club of Raymond James Stadium. company headquartered in Supporters also got to hear the Ybor City. coaches speak while feasting on food HARD ROCK@ NITE MAKE YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS JEALOUS New Sponsors ST New Club Members (as of October 17, 2011) Amalie Oil Co. Mercer Anna Maria Vacations Mills Paskert Divers ATM Solutions Mr. Monty Murray Barney and Susan Bailey Jay Nudi & Elizabeth Case Baron’s Landscape Poly Vinyl Creations ROCKIN’ HARD ROCK GIRLS LIVE LIVE DJ Mr. Eric Castillo HAPPY HOURS BLACKJACK PIT ENTERTAINMENT MASHUPS Principal Financial Circle K Dr. John L. Redd Clarion Hotel - Fowler Avenue Roney Insurance Deloitte Mr. Rod Schwartz Destination Tampa Bay tampa Mr. Bruce Shindelman John & Stacie Dunphy Sunbelt Rentals Stacy & J. R. Dupell Swope Rodante, PA Florida Venture Forum 5223 n. orient rd Tampa Hillsborough Economic 813.627.ROCK • seminolehardrocktampa.com Key West Aloe Development Corp. ©2011 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved. SeeTheShow™ Laser Spine Institute TERMINIX – Commercial Rockin’ Happy Hour Specials available at the bar only. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. This event may be modified or cancelled by management at any time based on operational and/or business concerns. Player’s Club members that have been trespassed or banned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida or opted Lightning City Gymnastics Zeliff Enterprises South into the self-exclusion program are not eligible to participate. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT. 2 Tampa Bay Bowl Association Official Newsletter One of the most popular annual traditions of is cosponsored by Visit St Pete-Clearwater, the Outback Bowl Week for thousands of visiting fans Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, is when they join the teams, college bands, cheer - the City of Clearwater, the Hilton Clearwater leaders and local residents for Clearwater Beach Beach Resort, Hospice Suncoast and the National Day . This year’s event will be held Friday, Hospice Foundation, Allegiant Airlines, St Pete- December 30th and feature performances by the Clearwater International Airport, and 95.7 The Georgia and Michigan State marching bands and Beat FM radio. cheerleader squads. The day also includes live This year following Beach Day the Sunsets music on stage, the Budweiser skydiving team, a at Pier 60 will kick in with artisans, music and more tug-of-war contest between the cheerleading through sunset. squads, and even a pie eating contest among fans. For more information on the Outback Bowl and Fans will also be able to take their picture in front Clearwater Beach Day go to www.OutbackBowl.com or of a huge custom designed Outback Bowl sand call the Bowl office at 813-874-BOWL. sculpture. More than 100 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 Resort (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 It’s not whether you win or lose. It’s where you celebrate after the game that counts. Our unique culinary creativity and warm Aloha Spirit are the perfect additions to any pre or post-game celebration. 4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd. Mon-Thu: 5:30–10pm | Fri: 5:30–10:30pm Tampa, FL 33607 Sat: 5pm–10:30pm | Sun: 5pm–9pm (813) 873-7697 Aloha Hour Every Night 4:30-6:30pm Roasted Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi Ami K. Forte Managing Director, Wealth Advisor – Investment Management Consultant James F. Streitmatter Jamie Beineke Evan Forte Senior Vice President Senior Registered Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Client Service Associate Elizabeth Triolo Charles “Chuck” D. Riggs III Charles Lawrence Senior Client Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Service Associate 727-773-4610 4114 Woodlands Parkway, Suite 200, Palm Harbor, FL 34685 © Morgan Stanley Smith Barney 2011. Member SIPC. 3 Tampa Bay Bowl Association Official Newsletter Tens-of-thousands of Outback Bowl fans will continue the tradition of ringing in the New Year in Tampa’s Ybor City historic dis - trict and at Channelside Bay Plaza on December 31st. The Outback Bowl UnitedHealthcare Children’s short Foundation Parade will kick off the drive to the downtown waterfront for the “Light evening festivities at 5:30 PM. as about a Up Tampa Bay” celebration at Channelside dozen high school marching bands from Bay Plaza.