Winston-Salem, NC – Wake Forest University is set to play Rutgers University in the 2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on New Year’s Eve at 11 a.m. in Jacksonville at TIAA Bank Field. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
Wake Forest’s first-ever postseason appearance came in the inaugural Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla., and Coach Peahead Walker’s squad made that initial bowl trip a successful one, defeating South Carolina, 26-14. Additionally, Jacksonville and TIAA Bank Field was the site of Wake Forest’s 2006 ACC Championship win over Georgia Tech.
The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl has been held continuously since that inaugural game in 1946, making it the sixth-oldest college bowl as well as the first one ever televised nationally.
Wake Forest has a 4-11 all-time record against Big Ten opponents. The Demon Deacons own victories over Indiana (2016), Purdue (2002) and two wins over Northwestern (1996, 1997).
Overall, the Deacs are 2-0 in their lone two matchups against the Scarlet Knights with the victories coming in New Jersey in 1997 and at Truist Field in 1999, respectively.
Quotes:
Head Coach Dave Clawson:
“I’m excited for our student-athletes who earned this opportunity to play in the prestigious TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Playing in an Atlantic Coast Conference Tier I bowl is exciting and our entire program is excited to head down to Jacksonville next week. I want to thank AD John Currie and our entire Wake Forest University leadership, TaxSlayer Bowl President / CEO Greg McGarity and his staff, ESPN and Rutgers University for their hard work, effort and collaboration over the past two days to ensure this game would happen on New Year’s Eve at TIAA Bank Field. Our outstanding group of seniors deserves this proper send off as we compete for a championship next week. Coach Greg Schiano does a great job and I have tremendous respect for him and his staff. We expect a very tough game against a talented and well-coached team.”
Athletic Director John Currie:
“On behalf of President Susan R. Wente, Ph.D., 2021 ACC Coach of the Year Dave Clawson and our student-athletes, I am grateful for the quick work by the NCAA Football Oversight committee and Chair Sandy Barbour to approve a new TaxSlayer Gator Bowl opponent for the Deacons. I appreciate TaxSlayer Gator Bowl President / CEO Greg McGarity and his staff for their perseverance in providing this postseason opportunity for our student-athletes who earned this with a 10-3 record and an Atlantic Division Championship this season. Our student-athlete families, alumni and fans are excited to be headed to Jacksonville next week and all eyes will be on Wake Forest University and our football program with the game broadcast on ESPN ahead of the College Football Playoff semifinals that afternoon. I can’t wait to see Jacksonville painted in Old Gold & Black on New Year’s Eve!”
Purchase Your Tickets Now
Limited tickets remain on sale now for the 2021 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in the Wake Forest allotment. Fans can click here to purchase tickets while supplies last. All tickets will be sent via email for mobile download and children two years and older will need a ticket to enter the stadium. The Wake Forest allotment is located on the East Side of TIAA Bank Field.