FAQ: Outback Bowl

Does this logo make you want steak or shrimp on the barbie? Because that’s the idea.

The 2012 Outback Bowl is just a day away. We’re sure you have so many questions. We’re here to help. (For an Xs and Os breakdown, click here.)

• Where will this game be played? Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, home during the regular season to the Buccaneers and USF.

• Is this the stadium with the pirate ship attached to it? It is!

• Oooh, will the cannon fire Bloomin’ Onions after scores during the bowl game? God, probably.

• When is it on television? Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday, January 2. The game will be televised on ABC.

• Whom does it feature? The Big Ten and SEC.

• What about this year? Division champs from each conference in 10-3 Georgia and equally 10-3 Michigan State.

• Who will call the game? Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters.

• Shouldn’t the quality of the booth announcers improve as the quality of football games allegedly improves toward the end of bowl season? It’d be nice.

• Who sponsors the game? Outback Steakhouse.

• I would like to sample real Australian food during my time in Tampa. Is Outback a good place to start? As authentic as Tampa itself, friend! What, you’ve never had cookies-and-cream waffles on a walkabout?

• Enough about the football. What about the loot? Among other items, participating players will receive … Outback Steakhouse gift cards. Why don’t more bowl organizers do this? It’s the flagrantly cynical cherry atop the gratuitous hustle sundae of the modern college football postseason.

• What mild indignities/wacky activities will visiting teams be subjected to while in town? Care to see burly football players feed giraffes at Busch Gardens? We got you covered.

• Please impart any miscellaneous knowledge you might have concerning the 2012 Outback Bowl. Current Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was the Outback Bowl MVP in the Dawgs’ 33-6 victory over Wisconsin in 1998.

Stay tuned for more postseason FAQ sheets, and stay on top of a hectic postseason slate with our complete 2011-2012 College Football Bowl Schedule.