Plot Synopsis

The seventh-oldest collegiate bowl game in the country, the Citrus Bowl began as the Tangerine Bowl in 1947. The initial game sponsors, members of Elks Lodge #1079 of Orlando, each put up $100 to fund initial expenses. In the inaugural game, Catawba's quarterback Harold Bowen ran for one touchdown, passed for two and ran an interception back for a fourth as he led the Indians to a 31-6 win over Maryville in front of the crowd of 9,000. In 1987, the game moved to a New Year's Day date and has remained a January 1st tradition -- except in years when the holiday falls on a Sunday. During the era of the College Football Playoff (CFP), the Citrus Bowl hosts the top Big Ten and SEC teams from outside the CFP series of bowls (including Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, Orange, Cotton and Peach).