The Gasparilla Bowl was a must-watch during bowl season because Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway was going to be playing quarterback.
There were multiple players on both sides who weren’t playing in the game due to either opt-outs or entering the transfer portal, but the nation’s best young quarterback still suited up and led the Gators to a 33-8 victory over the Tulane Green Wave.
The game was one that the Gators should have won by an even bigger margin. They controlled the ball for 38:57 and outgained Tulane 529 yards to 194 yards. One of the reasons why the Green Wave was still in the game was Lagway playing like a freshman.
Lagway threw two interceptions in the first half, including one in the end zone as the Gators were inside the 10-yard line. They were both simple mistakes: he didn’t see the shallow defender in the zone. That’s something you cannot miss as a quarterback.
However, Lagway got things straightened out. He was very patient in the pocket, escaped when he needed to and threw for 305 yards, earning himself the Gasparilla Bowl MVP award. Lagway didn’t run much at all, which could stem from the hamstring injury he suffered against the Georgia Bulldogs.