Florida capped off their 2024 season with a strong 33-8 victory over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium, marking their fourth consecutive win. This victory not only secured the Gators their eighth overall win this season but also highlighted a significant turnaround after a rocky start to the year. The team’s performance offers plenty of optimism as they head into the offseason.
Key players made noteworthy contributions during the game. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, named the MVP of the Gasparilla Bowl, set a bowl record with 305 passing yards, completing 22 of 35 attempts and throwing a touchdown. Although he faced challenges with interceptions, his second-half resurgence helped break the game open. Kicker Adam Smack was instrumental, making four field goals that helped stabilize the score in the early part of the game.
One of the standout moments came from defensive tackle Desmond Watson, who showcased his immense size at 449 pounds with a bear-hug stop on Tulane’s quarterback, emphasizing Florida’s defensive strength. Throughout the game, the Gators’ defense stifled Tulane’s typically potent offense, which had been averaging 37.2 points per game during the season.
The Gators’ offense achieved 529 total yards, featuring a solid ground game, which helped build a significant lead throughout the match. With this season’s conclusion, Florida’s head coach Billy Napier has generated excitement among fans with an impending top-10 recruiting class and optimistic projections for next season. The Gators are expected to carry the momentum from these recent victories into their offseason training and into the upcoming game year.
This victory not only showcases the tangible progress of the Florida football program but also sets a hopeful tone for the future as they strive to build on their success. The transition from a tough start to a strong finish signifies determination and growth, giving fans reasons to be hopeful moving forward.