2021 Gasparilla Bowl

On December 10, 2021, the game was officially announced as a sellout, the first time the Gasparilla Bowl sold out in its history.

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a season-ending broken clavicle, and by season's end, elected to enter the NCAA's transfer portal.

From the starting lineups media reported missing 27 total starters or rotational players that were shuffled out.

Notably key players such as (Defensive tackle) Kalia Davis, (running back) Bentavius Thompson, (defensive back) Jarvis Ware, (center) Corey Thornton, (linebackers) leading tackler Bryson Armstrong, Eriq Gilyard, (wide receivers) Jaylon Robinson, and Kevon Ahmad, along with several others.

Running back Isaiah Bowser was still recovering from a prior injury but decided to play in the bowl game anyways.

[6] The Gators finished 6–6 (2–6 in the SEC), becoming bowl eligible in the final week of the regular season by defeating in-state rival Florida State.

[7] Greg Knox took over as interim head coach to finish out the season before Billy Napier takes over in 2022.

UCF elected to go for two, but Andrew Brito's pass to Jake Hescock fell incomplete, and the Gators held a 7–6 lead.

The Gators kicking woes came to light when Chris Howard ended the drive with a missed a 34-yard field goal attempt.

At the Gators 41, Keen pitched a reverse to Ryan O'Keefe, who broke free for a 34-yard gain down to the 7 yard line.

On the second play of the drive, Keene pitched another reverse to Ryan O'Keefe, who for the second time ran free for a huge gain.

Emory Jones moved the Gators down the field with a quick 20-yard pass to Rick Wells, followed by a 32 yard run by Malik Davis.

[10] A scary moment occurred with just over two minutes left in the game when Gators wide receiver Justin Shorter went up to catch a pass, but collided with Quadric Bullard.

[11] at Raymond James Stadium • Tampa, Florida Pound sign (#) denotes national championship game.