USA TODAY Sports projects Florida vs Wake Forest in Gator Bowl matchup

Florida football scored a crucial road win over Texas in Week 7, snapping a two-game losing streak and restoring optimism in the Orange and Blue. Now just one win away from clinching a bowl game berth, the Gators are aiming to improve their standing in this year's postseason outlook.

Last week, after the homecoming loss to South Carolina, USA TODAY Sports writer Erick Smith projected Florida to play in the Gator Bowl — as he also did the week prior — and once again predicted the same venue after upsetting the Longhorns. However, this time, he has Jon Sumrall's squad taking on Wake Forest instead of Maryland.

Florida has played in the Gator Bowl nine times since 1952 with seven wins. UF previously participated in the Sunshine State event during Will Muschamp's first season on the sidelines in 2012, beating Ohio State, 24-17. Florida's last loss in a Gator Bowl game was in 1975, when Maryland shut out Doug Dickey's squad, 13-0.

The Gators and Demon Deacons have faced off just four times on the collegiate gridiron since 1923 — but not since 1957 — with Florida prevailing in all four matchups. Two of those wins came in Tampa in 1923 (16-7) and 1924 (34-0), while the other pair happened in Gainesville in 1925 (24-3) and 1957 (27-0).