Florida Gators

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Gators arrived here for the Outback Bowl on a mission to finish strong, which they did not do a year ago in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

The Gators must prefer steak bowls to chicken as they easily chewed up Iowa on Monday, winning 30-3 on a warm and sunny afternoon at Raymond James Stadium. Florida improved to 22-21 all-time in bowl games and Iowa's lone field goal marks the fewest points the Gators have allowed in a bowl game.

Quarterback Austin Appleby threw for a pair of scores, Eddy Pineiro kicked three field goals and Chauncey Gardner added two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown.

For more on Florida's Outback Bowl win, here is The Quick Slant:



WHAT IT MEANS: The Gators did not want to enter the offseason -- or open next season -- with a popular storyline focused on how they ended back-to-back seasons with three consecutive losses. That threat loomed against an Iowa team that arrived in Tampa intent on snapping its four-game bowl losing streak. The Gators had other plans to finish 9-4 in their second season under Jim McElwain.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The day started horribly for fifth-year senior quarterback Austin Appleby in his first career bowl game. The Purdue graduate transfer threw a pair of interceptions on Florida's first two drives. Both passes were deflected into the air and the Hawkeyes were in the right spot at the right time. However, Iowa managed only a field goal off the two picks. Appleby eventually found a comfort zone and finished 14 of 25 for 222 yards, two touchdowns and two picks.

STAGGERING STATISTIC: This might not seem that staggering, but the Gators rolled up 331 yards of total offense on Monday, marking just the second time in the last seven games Florida has eclipsed 300 yards of total offense. The last time was a 372-yard performance at home against South Carolina on Nov. 12.

SUBPLOT: Iowa's ground attack with 1,000-yard rusher LeShun Daniels Jr. and Akrum Wadley, who crossed the 1,000-yard barrier Monday, was expected to chew up Florida's injury-depleted defense. The Hawkeyes gained yards but never took control against a UF defense missing several key players, including senior linebacker Jarrad Davis.

UP NEXT: The Gators improved to 19-8 under McElwain with a pair of SEC East Division titles since he took over the program. The next big day -- National Signing Day -- is obviously important to add talent and depth to the roster. But the biggest task ahead for the Gators is to sort out the quarterback position. With Appleby leaving, redshirt sophomore Luke Del Rio and true freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask are expected to battle in spring practice and beyond for the starter's job.