The 2024 Gasparilla Bowl features the 9-4 Tulane Green Wave against the 7-5 Florida Gators. Here is the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl Preview.
Tulane Green Wave
Tulane won nine games this season to qualify for a bowl game. They defeated three bowl-eligible teams this season: Louisiana, USF and North Texas. All four losses this season were to teams that made bowl games.
The Green Wave score 37.2 points per game, ranking ninth in the country. Tulane passes for 215.8 yards (ranked 82nd) and rushes for 205.4 yards per game (ranked 17th).
Starting quarterback Darian Mensah is in the transfer portal and heading to Duke. Some other quarterbacks are in the portal as well, so the starter could be Kellen Tasby. He has not attempted a pass at the college level. Three receivers have at least 450 receiving yards on the season. Mario Wiliams leads the team with 54 catches for 940 yards and five touchdowns.
Mekhi Hughes has been the star running back for the Green Wave this season. He has rushed for 1,372 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. Arnold Barnes III and Shaadie Clayton-Johnson have helped out with 400 and 209 rushing yards respectively.
The Green Wave defense has allowed 19.7 points per game, ranking 17th in the country. They give up 138.9 rushing yards (ranked 53rd) and 167.9 passing yards per game (ranked sixth). Tyler Grubbs leads the team with 59 total tackles. Patrick Jenkins and Kameron Hamilton are tied for the team lead with 4.5 sacks. Micah Robinson has impressed in the secondary with six passes defended and two interceptions.
Florida Gators
Florida had a tough schedule, but won seven games to qualify for a bowl game. They defeated two teams that qualified for bowl games at Ole Miss and LSU. All five of their losses were to teams who made bowl games.
The Gators score 27.9 points per game, which ranks 68th in the country. They pass for 219.1 yards (ranked 78th) and rush for 156 yards per game (ranked 75th).
Freshman DJ Lagway took over the starting job midway through the season. He passed for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 59.2 percent completion. Three pass catchers had at least 250 receiving yards for the Gators. Elijah Badger leads the team with 37 catches for 789 yards and four touchdowns.
Florida has a few running backs who have played well this season. Jadan Baugh has led the team with 603 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Montrell Johnson and Ja’Kobi Jackson have rushed for 593 and 452 yards a piece as well.
Defensively, the Gators have surrendered 24.3 points per game, ranking them 63rd in the country. They allow 156.2 yards (ranked 80th) and 236 passing yards per game (ranked 97th). Trikweze Bridges has led the team with 68 total tackles. Tyreak Sapp has the team-high with seven sacks. Jordan Castell has made an impact with eight passes defended.
Prediction
Jon Sumrall returning to Tulane gives them a boost, but the lack of experienced quarterback play can be really detrimental. Florida should be able to keep the all on the ground to win by over a touchdown n this game.
Florida Gators 35 Tulane Green Wave 25
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