Florida and Tulane match up for the 22nd time and first since 1984 in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl on December 20th at 3:30 p.m. Andrew Spivey, Nick Marcinko, and Gentry Hawk preview the Gasparilla Bowl with our roundtable discussion, where we discuss keys to the game and give our score predictions.
What are the keys to victory vs Tulane’s offense?
AS: Florida lost both Jack Pyburn and TJ Searcy so the depth on the defensive line will be a question mark but the Gators have to pressure the quarterback. Tulane will be starting a new QB for the bowl so it’s a key to pressure him early and often.
NM: The key vs Tulane’s Ty Thompson will be to keep him inside the pocket and force him to make difficult throws. The 6’4, 224-pound quarterback has only attempted 11 passes this season but has played in 11 games where he’s primarily been used as a runner, rushing 40 times for 243 yards and six touchdowns. Tulane loves to run the ball as much as any team in the country, so the Gators need to be prepared for the ground attack.
GH: The biggest key for the Gators’ defense will be how well the defensive line performs with key players exiting the program. Running back Makhi Hughes will be heavily relied on with Tulane down to their backup quarterback in Ty Thompson. The former Oregon quarterback can use his legs and it’s important that the Gators force Thompson to throw the ball and continue to bring pressure. Tulane’s rush rate ranks top 10 in the country at 62.6 percent.
What are the keys to victory vs Tulane’s defense?
AS: Florida just needs to be themselves in this game and get the run game going to set up the play-action passing for DJ. Lagway has had time off to help with his hamstring so he may be able to run a little more as well.
NM: Tulane enters the contest holding the 14th ranked defense in college football. They have particularly thrived against the passing game, holding teams to just 150 passing yards per game, the 4th fewest in the country. Not many teams can hold down DJ Lagway and his nearly flawless deep ball. Opposing teams have found success on the ground vs Tulane’s front, averaging 140 rushing yards per game against the Green Wave.
GH: One of Tulane’s biggest strengths as a team is their defense, and it’s important that Lagway avoids turning the ball over to keep the Green Wave from staying in this game. Tulane’s rushing defense ranks 52nd in the country, and it will be crucial that Lagway makes all the right decisions behind Florida’s rushing attack on Friday afternoon. Establish the run game and don’t make mistakes through the air.
Name one player you would like to see get more playing time in the bowl game?
AS: I would like to see LJ McCray get as many snaps as possible, he’s going to be a huge piece for next season so let’s see what he has.
NM: I want to see what tight end Amir Jackson can do. He only logged three snaps this season but has a lot of upside as a receiving threat. With Arlis Boardingham in the portal, Jackson may have a pretty significant role in 2025.
GH: With Jack Pyburn gone, I would like to see LJ McCray get significant snaps off the edge on Friday against Tulane.
Other keys to victory?
AS: Start fast and Florida should be fine here. Tulane has lost some key guys so Florida doesn’t need to allow them to stay in the game in the second half.
NM: Tulane is not built to come from behind with the makeup of their current roster. Build a lead early and Florida will find a lot of success.
GH: Take care of the football and stop Tulane’s rushing attack. If the Gators do those two things they will win this game. Quarterback Ty Thompson has yet to really get his shot at the collegiate level, and he’s finally getting it on Friday against a Florida team that has a past of letting quarterback’s run wild.
Florida is favored by 13.5 points over Tulane. Give us a score prediction.
AS: Florida 34, Tulane 14
NM: Florida 28, Tulane 10
GH: Florida 34 Tulane 17