TAMPA, Fla. – Much of the build-up among Gator Nation heading into Friday afternoon’s Gasparilla Bowl against Tulane swirled around quarterback DJ Lagway. After all, it was the true freshman who was a savior of sorts in starting the final six games of the regular season and helping lead the Gators’ turnaround from 4-5, and daily calls for coach Billy Napier to be canned, into 7-5.
Make it 8-5 as Florida defeated the Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium, 33-8, in front of 41,472 mostly UF fans.
“To see Gator Nation out there in full force was special,” said Napier. “Great to finish the right way and I am really proud of our players.”
Lagway made several nice throws, though there were a few of the head-scratching variety. A late-first half interception in the end zone was particularly puzzling as there was not an open receiver. Another pick was into triple coverage.
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Lagway was not only a culprit in a first half that saw the Gators outgain Tulane, 269-62, but hurt themselves with penalties and ineffective play in the red zone. The result was only a 9-0 lead on a trio of Trey Smack field goals.
However, when all was said and done, Lagway completed 22 of 35 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown to earn MVP honors. The Gators finished with 529 yards.
“Not taking care of the ball, but the guys rallied around me and we came out and played a much better second half,” said the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Lagway.
Facing backup quarterback and Oregon transfer Ty Thompson after starter Darian Mensah (sixth nationally in pass efficiency) transferred to Duke, the Gators were able to key on the Green Wave’s running game and limited star running back Makhi Hughes to 29 yards on eight carries. UF held Tulane to 194 yards and 11 first downs.
The win, which gave the Gators a 25-24 mark in bowl games, closed the season with a four-game win streak.
“I was so impressed with how the players took ownership and the players bringing solutions to the table,” said Napier. “All of a sudden, you have confidence that you can play with anybody, and that’s what happened about midway through the season.”
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