The Florida Gators are going bowling. After missing out last season, Billy Napier and the Gators finished this year strong. Going 7-5 in the regular season, fans are ecstatic about how the season ended. Sitting at 4-5, Florida rattled off three straight wins, including two against top-25 opponents. They were rewarded with a spot in the Gasparilla Bowl, where they will take on the Tulane Green Wave. Once viewed as a playoff contender, Tulane stumbled to the finish line. Due to various opt-outs and players entering the transfer portal, the Gators are favored by 14 points. With this game in Tampa, Florida, the atmosphere may play out like a Gators home game. Looking to build momentum for next season, the Gators hope their bowling trip leads to their eighth win. Due to their brutal schedule, eight wins would certainly be viewed as a success.
Florida Gators are Going Bowling
Finishing Strong
After the slow start to the season, all hope looked lost in Gainesville. Losing key starters to injury, including quarterback Graham Mertz, this team appeared cursed. However, after the bye week, this became a completely different team. Led by true freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, the Gators discovered their identity. Able to spread the ball out on offense, this unit suddenly looked dangerous. Spoiling LSU and Ole Miss’s seasons, this young group has a bright future. On defense, the bye week completely flipped the switch. Going from a liability to a strength, the defense has suffocated opposing quarterbacks. With a ferocious defensive line, physicality is finally coming back to Gainesville. This opportunity to go bowling gives the Gators a great chance to finish on a high note. With big expectations for next season, the Gators must play their best in their final game.
Impact Transfers
As is now the norm for bowl games, both the Gators and the Green Wave will be impacted by transfers. For Florida, the unity of this team has been a strength. The locker room stayed bought in and never wavered, even after the poor start. Because of the bonds created, the Gators have received some good news. Receiver Elijhah Badger, defensive back Trikweze Bridges, and defensive lineman Cam Jackson have all vowed to play in this game. Wanting to go out on top, serves as a testament to the culture that is being built in Gainesville. However, Florida has lost its fair share of players to the transfer portal. As explained in the transfer portal departures article, the defense, specifically the defensive line, saw its share of departures. Fans will be eager to see how this team shapes up without some key depth pieces who have left the program.
The Green Wave
Within the last week, Tulane was decimated by the portal. Specifically, the Green Wave lost their starting quarterback Darian Mensah. The young signal-caller entered the portal and already found a new home with the Duke Blue Devils. Not only has he left, but so has backup quarterback Ty Thompson. Luckily for the Green Wave, Thompson has decided to play in this game. A big game for him, he will use this as a chance to prove himself to other coaches around the country. Losing other players on both sides of the ball, Tulane will not be at full strength. Losing the last two games, the Green Wave hopes to avoid ending the season on a three-game skid. With all the talent in the transfer portal, a victory here against a hot Gators team may be a hard ask.
Setting the Tone
This is a game that the Gators should dominate from start to finish. A more talented football team, Florida, will be playing at nearly full strength. With Tulane suffering from so many departures, the first five minutes will dictate this outcome. If Tulane can hold its own early, the Green Wave might have a chance in this one. However, if Florida builds a quick lead, this one could get ugly quickly. To put the country on notice, the Gators must set the tone early. Lagway should be comfortable, as he is going against a depleted defense. Defensively, Florida will look to put pressure on Thompson early and often. Blessed to go bowling, the Gators must take full advantage of this extra game. Another good showing and they could find themselves sitting in next year’s pre-season top 25 rankings.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately for the Gators, this game comes quite early during bowl season. Hoping to get in some extra practices, Florida will be less than three weeks removed from its last game. However, the chance to go bowling still promotes a great momentum-building opportunity for the Gators. Already winners of three straight, an eight-win season could do wonders for Coach Napier. Winning the offseason so far, a victory here could entice some big-name transfers. For Tulane, this game is all about pride. Missing plenty of key starters, the Green Wave will not be at full strength. Already reeling to end the season, they are hoping to not lose in blowout fashion. With the Gators coming in hot, look for them to score early and often. Despite the great season for the Green Wave, they are not at full strength and facing a confident squad. Florida should roll and get to eight wins.
Prediction: Florida 34 Tulane 14
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