A little over a month ago, it looked like the Florida football program would be losing for its fourth straight season and third under Billy Napier. The Gators rebounded last month and capped the 2024 season with a 33-8 victory over Tulane in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl. The win marks Florida’s fourth straight and finishes with a record of 8-5, the program’s best record since its 8-4 record in 2020.

Career firsts

Let’s start with something positive. The Gasparilla Bowl was full of career firsts. Play it safe: Alfonzo Allen and true freshman linebacker Myles Graham recorded their first career interceptions in the contest. True freshman KD Daniels recorded his first career touchdown with a 27-yard rusher that he picked up from the ground in the backfield. Walk on running back Anthony Rubio, the son of Florida Senator Marco Rubio, scored his first career touchdown late in the contest. Finally, 449-pound defensive tackle Desmond Watson recorded his first career rushing yard, a one-yard gain in which he simply carried a linebacker on his back for three yards and a first down.

The thing about bowl games is the fact that in most cases you get to see players you didn’t see much of in the regular season, whether due to injuries, opt-outs or coaching staffs wanting to see what they’re up to younger players have players. Typically, coaches work a lot of different players into the game plan, and that’s exactly what Florida did. It also helps that Florida was able to jump out to a pretty big lead in the 4th quarter, giving us a number of exciting career firsts.

The red zone offense struggled early

Florida’s red zone offense struggled early in the contest, resulting in Florida only maintaining a 9-0 lead midway through the 3rd quarter. The Gators fell behind in key situations due to sacks and penalties. Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway also didn’t do himself any favors in the red zone, missing a wide-open Chimere Dike and throwing an interception into triple coverage that led to a touchback. Florida had no trouble moving the ball as they had 529 total yards of offense, but they continued to shoot themselves in the foot and fail in critical situations.

The Gators finished strong with two red zone touchdowns from Tony Livingston and Anthony Rubio.

The defense carried Florida to victory

Tulane didn’t find the scoreboard until less than 30 seconds into the contest. Florida held the Green Wave to just 194 yards of total offense and 3.4 yards per play. The Gators eliminated Tulane’s potent rushing attack, led by one of the better running backs in the country, Makhi Hughes, who was held to just 3.6 yards per carry. This forced Tulane’s backup quarterback Ty Thompson to try to beat Florida through the air, but he was unable to do so. The former Oregon QB completed 11-29 passes for 125 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.

Despite the lack of execution from Florida’s offense early in the game, it never felt like the Gators were going to lose this game thanks to their defense. Florida executed their game plan perfectly and forced a questionable passing attack to beat them. There were a lot of different defenders switching during the game, but the decline wasn’t noticeable.

DJ Lagway didn’t appear to be 100% healthy

Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway had a hamstring injury and it was clear once again that he wasn’t fully healthy. He limped up on a few throws and didn’t seem comfortable putting much weight on his legs while throwing. This caused Lagway to make some throws too short and the mechanics were poor. He was also hesitant to run at times throughout the competition. The Gators want him to be fully healthy for spring camp.

Still, by the end of the game, Lagway improved to 6-0 as the starting quarterback. He also set the Gasparilla Bowl record with 305 yards.

Trey Smack sets record

Florida kicker Trey Smack went a perfect 4-for-4 in the contest and for a while it looked like it could be the difference in the game. Smack’s four field goals tied the Gasparilla Bowl game record. Smack was responsible for 15 of Florida’s 33 points against Tulane.

Smack made 18 of 21 (85.7%) field goals and all 44 of his extra point attempts this season. Smack will be a senior in 2025 and is poised for another outstanding season.