Jan 01, 2016 11:00 AM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Florida Gators (19) and Michigan Wolverines (14) were both proud programs whose rebuild efforts took major steps forward in 2015.

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl

Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at the Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

Listen live online: TuneIn Radio

Watch live online: WatchESPN

Michigan finished third in the Big Ten East, suffering its only two conference losses to Michigan State and Ohio State, the first and second place finishers. Florida, on the other hand, won the SEC East and was in CFP contention until they closed their season with losses to Florida State and then Alabama in the SEC Championship.

Both teams made their turnarounds by focusing on defense, limiting opponents to an average of fewer than 300 yards and 20 points per game. With both offenses getting by primarily with a patient approach, the Citrus Bowl this season should be a physical, low-scoring affair.

"It doesn't matter what you do, you go and expect to win,'' Florida head coach Jim McElwain said at a pregame press conference. "Win or lose, we'll learn from it. Everyday it's about discovery. That's how we go about our daily life and our program.

"They were able to experience what that game is all about,'' McElwain said. "Moving forward, it gives a lot of guys the understanding of what that's all about. It's not about just being happy to get there."

(Rankings: CFP. Stats: ESPN)

See Now: Covert Team Inside Newsweek Revealed as Key Players in False Human Trafficking Lawsuit