The 1966 edition of the Sugar Bowl featured the sixth-ranked Missouri Tigers of the Big Eight Conference and the unranked Florida Gators of the Southeastern Conference. The Tigers entered the game with a 7-2-1 record during the 1965 season, while the Gators entered at 7-3. After a scoreless first quarter, Missouri went on a tear in the second quarter. Brown scored on a 16-yard touchdown run giving the Tigers a 7-0 lead. Roland threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Denny as the Tigers extended their lead to 14-0. Bates kicked a 27-yard field goal as Missouri led 17-0 at halftime.