Florida Gators Set for Gasparilla Bowl Showdown
The Florida Gators (7-5, 4-4 SEC) are preparing to take on the Tulane Green Wave (9-4, 7-1 AAC) in the 2024 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM today.
Game Highlights
As the Gators step onto the field, they will be hoping to break a five-year drought without a bowl win. Their last victory dates back to the Orange Bowl against Virginia. The team, led by Coach Billy Napier, has faced a challenging season, finishing with five losses on a demanding schedule ranked eighth in the nation.
Injury Challenges
Unfortunately for the Gators, they are facing injury setbacks. Four starters will not participate in today’s game: right guard Damieon George Jr., right tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, edge rusher Caleb Banks, and nose tackle Cam Jackson. In their absence, players Bryce Lovett and Kamryn Waites will step into key roles on the offensive line.
First Quarter Action
- 0:47 (FLORIDA INTERCEPTION): Florida quarterback DJ Lagway’s pass is intercepted by Tulane defensive back Kevin Adams III, giving the Green Wave excellent field position at the UF 24-yard line.
- 3:03: After a brief injury timeout for Tulane’s right guard Josh Remetich, the Green Wave’s drive stalls, leading to a punt.
- 4:01: Tulane converts a 4th-and-1 but sees Remetich carted off the field due to an injury.
- 7:48 (FLORIDA FIELD GOAL): Gators kicker Trey Smack successfully kicks a 34-yard field goal, putting Florida on the board first.
- 10:14: Florida advances into the red zone with a 29-yard completion to wide receiver Aidan Mizell.
- 12:43 (TULANE TURNOVER): Tulane’s Ty Thompson throws an interception to UF cornerback Trikweze Bridges on the Green Wave’s first offensive play.
- 12:51: Florida fails to convert on 3rd-and-5, leading to a punt.
- 15:00 (KICKOFF): Tulane wins the coin toss and defers possession to the second half.
What Lies Ahead?
The matchup promises to be an exciting day for college football. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Gators can turn their season’s narrative and claim victory in today’s bowl game.
