Florida football is set to close an eventful season with a matchup in the Gasparilla Bowl, taking on the Tulane Green Wave.
With both teams looking to end their years on a high note, there’s no doubt this matchup will provide some excitement for the fans.
The Gators, led by coach Billy Napier, turned heads late in the season with signature wins over LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State, showcasing their potential heading into the offseason and next year. For Florida fans, it’s another chance to watch rising star quarterback DJ Lagway in action before he gears up for a pivotal year ahead.
Looking at Tulane, it enters the bowl game with something to prove after a frustrating end to its season. Once considered a potential dark horse playoff team, the Green Wave lost to Memphis and Army in back-to-back games.
CBS Sports writer Brad Crawford ranked the Gasparilla Bowl at No. 28 in his list of bowl games for 2024-25. This is what he wrote about the matchup.
What CBS Sports said about the matchup
“Florida ended Billy Napier’s Year 3 with victories over LSU, Ole Miss and Florida State,” Crawford wrote.”Any opportunity to watch DJ. Lagway throw it around again before the offseason is welcomed. The Green Wave lost to Army in the AAC Championship Game a week after falling to Memphis in a game that squandered dark horse playoff potential.”
CBS Sports’ top 10 bowl games
1-2. Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl semifinals
3. Sugar Bowl quarterfinal: (2) Georgia vs. Indiana or Notre Dame
4. Rose Bowl quarterfinal: (1) Oregon vs. Tennessee or Ohio State
5. Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal: (3) Boise State vs. SMU or Penn State
6. Peach Bowl quarterfinal: Arizona State vs. Clemson or Texas
7. Pop-Tarts Bowl: Miami vs. Iowa State
8. Gator Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Duke
9. ReliaQuest Bowl: Michigan vs. Alabama
10. Birmingham Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. Georgia Tech
What’s next for Florida?
The Gators will face the Tulane Green Wave in the Gasparilla Bowl held inside Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Dec. 20. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN2.
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