Florida wasn’t all the time certain it was going to win sufficient video games to turn into bowl-eligible.
Tulane flirted with the potential of taking part in its manner into the Faculty Soccer Playoff.
Finally a late-season surge by the Gators (7-5) and consecutive losses by the Inexperienced Wave (9-4) landed them each within the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday in Tampa.
Florida, which did not make a bowl recreation at 5-7 final season, dropped two of its first three video games this yr, falling to then-No. 19 Miami and Texas A&M. The outcomes led to early-season hypothesis that third-year coach Billy Napier may not make it to the tip of the season, not to mention coach a fourth season.
Nonetheless, when the Gators reached 4-4 after being aggressive in losses to then-No. 8 Tennessee and then-No. 2 Georgia, athletic director Scott Stricklin stated Napier would proceed as head coach.
After dropping the following recreation to then-No. 5 Texas, the Gators improved over the ultimate three video games behind freshman quarterback DJ Lagway. Florida swept these three contests, defeating then-No. 21 LSU 27-16, then-No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17 and Florida State 31-11.
“We need to hold the momentum we now have,” Napier stated.
Lagway, who’s 5-1 as a starter and has handed for 1,610 yards with 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, is anticipated to begin towards Tulane. He has been hampered by a hamstring harm sustained towards Georgia on Nov. 2, an harm that saved him out towards the Longhorns.
Napier would not count on a major variety of absences on account of opt-outs.
“We discuss quite a bit by way of, it would not matter who the opponent is, the place we’re taking part in, what time we’re taking part in, who’s obtainable,” Napier stated. “It is type of turn into a part of our DNA. Once they put the ball down and kick the factor off, we’ll be able to go.”
Tulane, which gained eight consecutive video games earlier than dropping 34-24 at dwelling to Memphis on Nov. 28 and 35-14 at Military within the American Athletic Convention championship recreation on Dec. 6, hasn’t been as lucky with its quarterback state of affairs.
Redshirt freshman Darian Mensah, who unexpectedly gained the beginning place throughout preseason camp and helped lead the Inexperienced Wave to as excessive because the No. 17 spot within the CFP rankings, entered the switch portal after the loss to Military and dedicated to Duke.
Kai Horton additionally departed by the portal, leaving former Oregon five-star signee Ty Thompson because the starter and solely skilled quarterback for the bowl recreation. This can be his first faculty begin, however he did play in 11 video games this season as a wildcat change of tempo to Mensah.
Thompson averaged 6.1 yards on 40 rushes, scoring six touchdowns, and accomplished 6 of 11 passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns with out an interception.
“I am actually, actually blessed for this chance,” Thompson stated. “I’ve prayed for this since I used to be 17 and confirmed up in faculty.”
Thompson has indicated he may depart by way of the portal as properly, however he’s sticking round to face the Gators.
“His response (to not profitable the beginning job) says quite a bit about who he’s,” Tulane coach Jon Sumrall stated of Thompson. “He wished to be the man and wasn’t, so he might have both tanked it or pushed on to get higher. He actually dealt with it the suitable manner.”
Thompson figures to have prime receiver Mario Williams and prime rusher Makhi Hughes obtainable.
–Area Degree Media