Tulane vs Florida Gasparilla Bowl Preview Bounce Back vs Momentum
Tulane Green Wave vs Florida Gators: Gasparilla Bowl 2024 Preview & Predictions
The Tulane Green Wave (9-4) will meet the Florida Gators (7-5) in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl on Friday afternoon at Camping World Stadium in Tampa Bay. This exciting matchup pits the AAC champions against an SEC powerhouse, with both teams eager to close out their seasons with a victory. Kickoff is set for 12 PM ET, and both teams come into this bowl game with distinct strengths and challenges.
The Green Wave aim to rebound from a disappointing loss in the AAC Championship Game and continue their remarkable season, while the Gators enter with momentum, having won their final three games of the regular season. Let’s dive into the key storylines, players to watch, and a breakdown of what to expect from both teams.
Tulane Green Wave: Bouncing Back After AAC Championship Defeat
Tulane had an impressive regular season, finishing with a 9-4 record and an outstanding 7-1 conference mark. After a rocky start, including a tough loss to Oklahoma, they went on a eight-game winning streak, only to fall short in their final two games: a loss to Memphis and a 35-14 defeat to Army in the AAC title game, where they were five-point underdogs.
Despite those setbacks, Tulane remains one of the more well-rounded teams in college football. They feature a balanced offense and a rock-solid defense. Under freshman quarterback Darian Mensah, the Green Wave offense averaged 37.2 points per game, ranking them 9th nationally. Mensah has been stellar with 2,723 passing yards and a 22:6 TD-to-INT ratio, but he has entered the transfer portal and will not play in the bowl game. In his place, Ty Thompson, a former backup at Oregon, will start. Thompson has seen limited action this season, throwing just 11 passes for 74 yards.
The running game will be a key focal point for Tulane, with Makhi Hughes expected to lead the charge. Hughes, a sophomore running back, has rushed for 1,372 yards and 7 touchdowns, and has topped 100 yards rushing in five of the last eight games. He will be vital to Tulane’s offensive success, especially with Thompson at quarterback.
Mario Williams, a junior wide receiver, will also play a pivotal role, having racked up 940 receiving yards and providing a deep threat to opposing defenses. The Green Wave’s offense averages 421 total yards per game, and they will need to fire on all cylinders to overcome Florida’s defense.
Tulane’s defense is one of the best in the country, ranking 18th in scoring defense, allowing only 19.7 points per game. Their pass defense is particularly strong, ranking 6th in the nation. The Green Wave has been dominant in conference play, including shutting out Navy and holding Rice to just 10 points. If they can stifle Florida’s offense and force turnovers, they will be in good shape to claim a bowl victory.
Florida Gators: Entering Bowl Game with Momentum
The Florida Gators come into the Gasparilla Bowl with newfound confidence after winning their last three regular-season games. Their season started with some struggles, including a tough loss to Tennessee and a high-scoring defeat to Georgia, but they ended on a high note with a 31-11 win over Florida State to cap off their regular season.
Florida has been a bit inconsistent this year but boasts a potent offense and a defense that has stepped up in recent weeks. DJ Lagway, a freshman quarterback, has taken the reins for Florida, throwing for 1,610 yards with an 11:7 TD-to-INT ratio. While he’s been solid, he’s also had to contend with injury issues throughout the season, with Graham Mertz originally the starter before sustaining an injury.
Florida’s running game has been one of their strongest assets this season. Jadan Baugh, a freshman, has been productive with 603 rushing yards, while Montrell Johnson Jr., a senior, has provided stability, tallying 593 yards and multiple 100-yard games. The Gators will likely rely heavily on their ground game, which averages 204.4 yards per game.
In the passing game, Elijhah Badger has been the top target, with 789 yards on the season. Chimere Dike, another senior wideout, has chipped in with 687 yards. Florida’s offense has been somewhat inconsistent, scoring 24 points or fewer in three of their last five games. However, if the Gators’ rushing attack is clicking, they could pose a significant challenge to Tulane’s defense.
Defensively, Florida has had its ups and downs. The Gators’ defense ranks 65th nationally in points allowed, giving up 24.3 points per game. Early in the season, they allowed 28+ points in five games, but they have shown improvement down the stretch. In particular, Florida shut down Ole Miss to just 17 points and held Florida State to just 11 points on 239 yards of total offense in their final game of the season.
Conclusion
The 2024 Gasparilla Bowl promises to be a thrilling matchup between a high-scoring AAC champion and a talented but inconsistent SEC squad. Tulane will look to cap off a successful season with a bowl victory, while Florida aims to extend its recent momentum into the postseason. With talented players on both sides, this game will provide plenty of excitement for fans across the country.
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