Tulane vs. Florida Bowl Season Bounce Back and Momentum Shift Bowl
Tulane Green Wave vs. Florida Gators: 2024 Gasparilla Bowl Showdown
The 2024 Gasparilla Bowl promises to be an exciting showdown between two teams looking to cap off their seasons with a statement win. The Tulane Green Wave (9-4), fresh off a disappointing loss in the AAC Championship, will face off against the Florida Gators (7-5), who head into the game with momentum after a strong finish to the regular season. This intriguing matchup in Tampa Bay will take place on Friday afternoon, and both teams will be eager to end their seasons on a high note.
Tulane Green Wave: Aiming to Bounce Back After Title Game Loss
The Tulane Green Wave had an impressive season, finishing 9-4 overall and earning a spot in the AAC Championship game. However, their dreams of a conference title came to an abrupt end with a 35-14 defeat to Army. Despite the setback, Tulane has been a force in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), finishing 7-1 in league play and impressing throughout the regular season, particularly during their eight-game win streak.
Offensively, Tulane is led by freshman quarterback Darian Mensah, who has thrown for 2,723 yards with a 22:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Unfortunately for the Green Wave, Mensah entered the transfer portal and will not play in the Gasparilla Bowl. The offense will now turn to Ty Thompson, a junior quarterback who spent three seasons as a backup at Oregon before joining Tulane this season. Thompson has thrown for 74 yards and attempted just 11 passes this season, so it’s uncertain how he will fare in his first full start.
On the ground, sophomore running back Makhi Hughes has been stellar, rushing for 1,372 yards and reaching the 100-yard mark in five of his past eight games. Hughes will be critical in leading the Green Wave’s offense, especially with Thompson stepping in as the new quarterback. The receiving corps is deep, with Mario Williams leading the way. Williams has accumulated 940 receiving yards and will be a key target for Thompson in the passing game. Meanwhile, Dontae Fleming, with 585 receiving yards, adds another dimension to the aerial attack.
Defensively, Tulane has been one of the better units in the country. They’ve allowed just 19.7 points per game, ranking 18th nationally. The defense has been particularly strong against the pass, ranking 6th in the country. However, they will need to improve their rush defense, which ranks 53rd nationally. The Green Wave has shown they can shut down potent offenses, including holding Rice to just 10 points and shutting out Navy. However, their struggles against Memphis and Army may provide a blueprint for Florida to exploit.
Florida Gators: Momentum Building for Strong Bowl Finish
The Florida Gators enter the Gasparilla Bowl with a 7-5 record and a solid finish to their regular season. They’ve won three straight games, including a dominant 31-11 road victory over Florida State to close out the season. Florida has been inconsistent at times this year, but their defense and improved offensive play late in the season have given fans hope heading into the bowl game.
Florida’s offense has been powered by freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, who has shown promise in limited action. Lagway has thrown for 1,610 yards with an 11:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and while his passing numbers aren’t eye-popping, he has been effective in key moments. With starting quarterback Graham Mertz sidelined for most of the season due to injury, Lagway’s emergence as the starter has been a positive for the Gators.
In the backfield, freshman running back Jadan Baugh has been a consistent performer, posting over 600 rushing yards on the season. He has rushed for 65 or more yards in five of his past six games. Meanwhile, senior running back Montrell Johnson Jr., with 593 rushing yards, has added an explosive element to the Gators’ ground game, reaching 100 yards in two games this season. These two backs will be crucial in Florida’s game plan, as Tulane’s defense has been more vulnerable to the run than the pass.
Florida’s receiving corps is led by Elijah Badger, who has 789 receiving yards this season. He’s been a reliable target in the passing game, including a standout performance with 148 yards against Kentucky. Chimere Dike has also contributed with 687 receiving yards, providing another weapon for Lagway.
On defense, Florida has had an up-and-down season. They have struggled at times, particularly against high-powered offenses, allowing over 28 points in five games. However, in the last month of the season, the defense stepped up significantly. They limited Ole Miss to just 17 points and stifled Florida State to only 11 points on 239 yards of total offense. Despite ranking just 98th in pass defense and 80th in rush defense, the Gators have shown they can step up in key moments, which will be critical against Tulane’s high-scoring offense.
Conclusion
This game is poised to be a fascinating clash between two teams with contrasting strengths. Tulane’s defense and Florida’s offense will be the main storyline, but the Green Wave’s rushing game could be the key to victory. Florida’s improved defense in recent weeks makes them a dangerous opponent, but Tulane’s balance on offense and defensive strength should give them the edge.
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