Florida football finished their 2024 season on a high note, as they defeated the Tulane Green Wave, 33-8, in the Gasparilla Bowl.
Although the Gators won, it looked as if they were leaning more on the side of trying not to lose. It was sloppy, ugly and unlike the well-executed Florida team that was displayed in the final stretch of the regular season.
It wasn’t necessarily pretty for head coach Billy Napier and his Florida football squad, but they found a way to get the job done. DJ Lagway did not look like himself in the first half, but the defense and special teams delivered when the Gators needed them.
The Gators head into the new year with their heads held high and a ton of momentum on their side.
Here are five key factors that contributed to Florida football’s win over Tulane.
Defense wins championships?
The Gators’ defense held Tulane to 194 total yards including just 23 in the second quarter. When compared to the first few games to now, this defense looks like a completely different unit.
Not only did Florida limit Tulane to minimal yardage, but they were able to come up with multiple interceptions.
On Tulane’s first play, Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges came up with his second interception of the season. On Tulane’s second offensive drive in the third quarter, Green Wave quarterback Ty Thompson’s pass was tipped up in the air and intercepted by defensive back Alfonzo Allen Jr.
In the fourth quarter, the Gators were able to come up with another interception. Inside linebacker Myles Graham came up with Florida’s third interception of the game.
Despite the Florida offense not playing their greatest today, their defense came through and allowed just eight points.
Shaky first half doesn’t affect DJ Lagway
Even though it wasn’t Lagway’s best performance this year, he did enough to secure the win for Florida.
Lagway did not look like himself in the first half, missing on throws and struggling to connect with his receivers on the deep balls. That’s something that is typically the strong part of his game.
Lagway threw two interceptions in the first half, one of them coming in the end zone that took away a Gators touchdown opportunity. But in the second half, he played much better and did a good job in limiting the turnovers.
The freshman finished the game throwing for 305 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. His 305 passing yards set a new Gasparilla Bowl single-game record.
Nonetheless, Lagway was able to do enough for the Gators to come out with the win. He was also named the Gasparilla Bowl MVP.
Trey Smack kept smacking the field goals
Florida kicker Trey Smack was automatic today, going 4-for-4 on field goals including a long of 44 yards.
With his four field goals, the junior set a single-game Gasparilla Bowl record.
Smack has continued to be “Mr. Reliable” for Florida this year, drilling 18 out of his 21 (85.7%) field goal attempts. Smack’s longest field goal of the year came against the LSU Tigers when he nailed a 55-yarder.
Dominating time of possession
The Gators had possession for 38:57 of the game compared to Tulane’s possession of 21:03. Part of that was due to the Florida defense forcing quick offensive possessions for Tulane. Another part was due to the Gators taking their time on offense and running as much clock as they can.
Because Florida dominated the time of possession, they were able to maintain control of the game and keep everything steady. Also, it allowed the defense to stay rested and come out physically and energetic every time they stepped out onto the field.
Gator Nation showed out
Florida was able to ride the wave with Gator Nation on their back throughout this game. Florida fans swarmed Raymond James Stadium and it felt like a game in the Swamp.
Tulane did have a good number of fans but they were clearly outnumbered by those of Florida.
Whether it was making noise when the Gators were on defense or cheering on the Orange and Blue when they scored a touchdown, Florida fans played a contributing role in the Gators’ victory against Tulane.
There’s a reason Florida has one of the best fan bases in the country and they put it on full display in this Gators “home” game.
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