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The 1996 Florida Citrus Bowl was a college football bowl game featuring the Ohio State Buckeyes of the Big Ten, against the Tennessee Volunteers of the SEC. The Buckeyes were sparked by their senior Heisman Trophy winner running back Eddie George. The Vols were led by sophomore quarterback Peyton Manning. Both teams entered the game with losses to rival teams.
The Buckeyes started off the season with a surprising win over Notre Dame. However, the media buzz around the Big Ten surrounded the Northwestern Wildcats who earned their way to an unbeaten conference run. Because the Buckeyes held the tiebreaker over the Wildcats, the only thing between the Buckeyes invitation into the Rose Bowl and a possible National Championship was their rival the Michigan Wolverines. However, running back Tim Biakabutuka led the Wolverines to a 31-23 upset, sending the 'Cats to the Rose Bowl.
Tennessee started off the season with victories over East Carolina and Georgia, before heading off to Gainesville to play the rival Gators. The Vols held a 30–21 halftime lead only to be outscored 41–7 in the second half, suffering a 62–37 defeat. However, the team won their remaining 8 regular season games, including a 41–14 win over Alabama. The Vols ended the season ranked third.