The 25th edition of the Outback Bowl, it was played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

This was set to be head coach Urban Meyer's final game at Florida as he retired for health reasons.

The Nittany Lions entered the contest with a 7–5 record in coach Joe Paterno's 45th year at the helm.

Penn State, finished ninth in the Big Ten in points per game (24.6).

Freshman Rob Bolden threw five touchdowns in seven games before being replaced by sophomore Matt McGloin, who tossed 13 TDs the rest of the way.