The Florida Gators handed the Tulane Green Wave a decisive defeat on Friday.

In the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida triumphed over Tulane 33-8. The bowl, themed around the legendary pirate José Gaspar, saw both teams initially struggling to score, despite the festive atmosphere created by broadcasters donning pirate attire and end zones decorated with treasure maps.

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway had a challenging first half, throwing two interceptions while the Gators only managed six points. However, the team rebounded impressively, scoring 27 points without answer in the second half to secure an easy win. Lagway ended the game with 22 completions on 35 attempts for 305 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back KD Daniels contributed significantly with five rushes for 82 yards and a touchdown, alongside wide receiver Chimere Dike who caught six passes for 96 yards.

On the other side, Tulane quarterback Ty Thompson made his debut as a starter after Darian Mensah transferred to Duke earlier in the month. Thompson faced difficulties throughout the game but was able to connect with receiver Mario Williams for a 16-yard touchdown just before the end, alongside a successful two-point conversion.

In total, Thompson completed 11 of 29 passes for 125 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions, additionally scrambling nine times for 17 yards. Tulane finished with only 194 total yards of offense, while Florida amassed 529.

Check out YSL News Sports’ highlights and recap of the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl:

Ty Thompson throws a touchdown for Tulane

Thompson’s connection with Mario Williams for a 16-yard touchdown in the final minute marked Tulane’s first points of the game, followed by a successful two-point conversion that brought the final score to 33-8. This achievement also represented Thompson’s first career touchdown, marking his debut start for the team.

Mario Williams had a standout performance with six catches for 91 yards and one touchdown, exceeding 1,000 receiving yards for the season during this game.

“I’m incredibly thankful for this team and the coaching staff for believing in me. Although we didn’t achieve a win, this Tulane team is going to be a force next year. I truly appreciate Coach Sumrall for his excellent leadership,” Williams expressed after the game.

Anthony Rubio, son of Senator Marco Rubio, scores

As Florida built a commanding 26-0 lead, they began substituting in other players, including walk-on running back Anthony Rubio. The son of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) scored a nine-yard touchdown, increasing Florida’s lead to 33-0 with just over a minute remaining in the game. The celebration among teammates in the end zone earned a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, but did not dampen Florida’s victorious spirits.

Rubio concluded his night with six carries totaling 32 yards and one touchdown.

Florida increases lead to 16-0 over Tulane

On their ninth possession, Florida’s quarterback DJ Lagway found tight end Tony Livingston for a seven-yard touchdown, pushing the Gators’ lead to 16-0 with 4:30 left in the third quarter. This touchdown was the first of the game for either team and capped off a 60-yard drive. Lagway’s performance so far included 20 completions from 30 attempts for 275 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

Halftime: Florida 6, Tulane 0

The end zones at Raymond James Stadium were adorned like treasure maps to celebrate the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, but neither team succeeded in scoring a touchdown in the first half. Instead, two field goals from Florida allowed them to lead Tulane 6-0 at halftime.

Florida came close to increasing their score late in the second quarter when facing a third-and-goal on Tulane’s 4-yard line. Unfortunately, QB DJ Lagway’s pass was intercepted by Tulane linebacker Dickson Agu, marking Lagway’s second interception of the day. At halftime, Lagway had completed 14 of 22 passes for 190 yards and two interceptions.

Tulane struggled offensively, with only 62 total yards compared to Florida’s 269. Backup QB Ty Thompson had a tough outing, completing three of 12 passes for 28 yards and one interception.

Tulane misses field goal, trails Florida 3-0

At the end of the first quarter, Tulane remained scoreless. They had a chance to tie the game at the start of the second quarter, but kicker Patrick Durkin missed a 35-yard field goal, marking his second miss in consecutive games. He had previously missed a 38-yard attempt in Tulane’s recent 35-14 defeat against the Army Black Knights in the American Athletic Championship on December 6.

Florida scores first, leading Tulane 3-0

Florida struck first, turning a defensive play into an offensive score. After Tulane QB Ty Thompson threw an interception to Florida’s Trikweze Bridges at the Gators’ 24-yard line during their opening possession, Florida’s DJ Lagway marched down the field to Tulane’s 16-yard line. However, a critical sack by Tulane’s DL Adin Huntington limited Florida to a field goal.

When is the Gasparilla Bowl between Tulane and Florida?

The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl featuring the Tulane Green Wave and the Florida Gators is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

How to watch Tulane and Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl

The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, featuring the Tulane Green Wave against the Florida Gators, will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

Watch the game live on Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Catch the Tulane vs. Florida match in the Gasparilla Bowl on Fubo

Odds and Line for Tulane vs. Florida

The Florida Gators are considered the favorites against the Tulane Green Wave in the Gasparilla Bowl, based on the latest BetMGM college football odds from Thursday.

• Spread: Florida (-10.5)
• Moneyline: Florida (-400); Tulane (+310)
• Over/Under: 49.5

Predictions for the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl: Florida vs. Tulane

YSL News Sports: All Experts Favor Florida

• Scooby Axson: Florida
• Jordan Mendoza: Florida
• Paul Myerberg: Florida
• Erick Smith: Florida
• Eddie Timanus: Florida
• Dan Wolken: Florida

ESPN: Florida 31, Tulane 17

“While Florida players and fans might typically not be thrilled about a non-CFP bowl in mid-December, the team’s encouraging finish under coach Billy Napier, along with successful recruitment efforts, has boosted morale considerably. Although the anticipated quarterback showdown between Florida’s DJ Lagway and Tulane’s Darian Mensah is less exciting now that Mensah is reportedly entering the transfer portal.”

Adam Burke, VSiN: Tulane to Cover the Spread

Burke notes, “This line has been set too high. (Tulane quarterback Ty) Thompson came from Oregon and was rated highly as a recruit. (Makhi) Hughes has NFL potential, and (Mario) Williams could find a place in the league too. Tulane appeared unmotivated against Army after their CFP hopes diminished. Florida’s (DJ) Lagway hasn’t been a very efficient passer, and Tulane’s run defense has proven solid against teams like Kansas State and Oklahoma.”

Jaren Kawada, ClutchPoints: Florida (-13.5)

Kawada comments, “Considering how (DJ) Lagway and the Gators’ offense have been performing, there’s little reason to believe a Tulane team without (Darian) Mensah can keep pace with them. Lagway isn’t the only Gator showing improvement as running back Montrell Johnson Jr. has rushed for over 90 yards in three of the past four games.”

Blake Silverman, Sports Illustrated: Florida to Prevail

Silverman mentions, “With a strong finish to the season and the aim to build momentum heading into his second year in Gainesville, (Florida QB DJ) Lagway is expected to hit the ground running in the bowl game. Meanwhile, (Tulane QB Ty) Thompson will seek to shine, but the absence of (Darian) Mensah due to his transfer is a significant setback, especially against a formidable SEC rival like Florida.”

Expert Picks for the Bowl Game

Here are the predictions from YSL News Sports experts for all college football bowl matchups.

Tulane vs. Florida: Series History

The Tulane Green Wave has faced the Florida Gators 21 times throughout their history. Florida leads the series with a record of 13 wins, 6 losses, and 2 ties.

In their last meeting on September 15, 1984, Florida triumphed over Tulane with a score of 63-21.

College Football Bowl Game Schedule

The college football bowl season commenced on December 14 and will conclude on January 20, culminating in the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta. Click here to view the schedule for all upcoming bowl games, including the College Football Playoff, and the results of games that have already taken place.