TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl hosts the Tulane Green Wave (9-4) representing the American Athletic Conference and the University of Florida Gators (7-5) from the Southeastern Conference.
The Gators finished the regular season on a high note winning their last three games. Two of the three teams were top 25 ranked opponents, which essentially got them a bowl game.
Having a bowl game in Tampa Bay — down the street from Gainesville, where Gator Nation is very much alive — isn’t a bad deal.
“Tampa is Gator Nation at its finest, so we anticipate a big crowd and it'll certainly be a good day for football. It will be 65 degrees and sunny,” UF head coach Billy Napier said.
“First off, the weather is phenomenal. It's always great when it's a quick easy trip you feel like you're going to these practices and everywhere you go you see you guys and gator colors and that's pretty neat,” UF co-offensive coordinator Russ Callaway said.
However, the job’s not done yet. Florida is riding a wave of momentum going into the Gasparilla Bowl. Led by freshman quarterback DJ Lagway.
Napier wants to end the year with a win.
“I think the most important thing for us, regardless of home, away or neutral. It’s about the execution, but we’ll certainly be thankful for the fans that do show up,” said Napier.
There are a handful of Florida players who will be competing in a bowl game for the first time.
It’s a great way to prepare the Gators for next season.