Billy Napier, Florida Applauded by CFB Fans for Closing Season Strong with Bowl Win
For the first time since 2019, Florida won a bowl game.
The Gators cruised to a 33-8 victory over Tulane in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl on Friday.
Head coach Billy Napier's team didn't get off to a hot start, holding a narrow 6-0 lead at the half due to a pair of field goals from kicker Trey Smack. Still, Florida scored 10 points in the third quarter to gain some separation from the Green Wave before pulling away in the fourth.
Tulane struggled offensively, missing quarterback Darian Mensah after he transferred to Duke on Dec. 11. Backup Ty Thompson started in Mensah's place, but offensive issues were rampant throughout the contest.
Thompson finished just 11-of-29 for 125 yards and one touchdown compared to three interceptions.
The Gators were buoyed by a strong rushing performance, picking up 224 yards on 44 attempts as a team. This included a one-yard carry by defensive tackle Desmond Watson that fired up his teammates on the sideline.
Florida quarterback D.J. Lagway also threw for 305 yards and a touchdown to go along with a pair of interceptions.
Fans and pundits were impressed with the Gators' defense as well as the overall finish to the 2024 season by Napier's squad.
While Tulane was missing starters on both sides of the ball, it was still an impressive performance by the Gators against the second-best scoring defense in the AAC.
Florida hurt its chances at competing in the SEC by opening the year with a 1-2 record, but a strong finish to the season gives Napier's program some momentum heading into 2025.
