Advertisement

What's at stake in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl between Florida and Tulane?

Dec 22, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of the champions trophy prior to the Gasparilla Bowl between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the UCF Knights at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of the champions trophy prior to the Gasparilla Bowl between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the UCF Knights at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl will kick off on Friday in Tampa, pitting Florida and Tulane against each other for a trophy treasure trove of pirate booty.

The 7-5 Gators will try to close the season, a highly uneven one for coach Billy Napier, on a high note.

Napier did enough to stick around in Gainesville for another year, but a bowl game win against Tulane would give his athletic department just a bit more confidence that he's the guy to return Florida to national prominence.

While all teams are playing for pride in these bowl games, at least Florida has the chance to do so in front of a friendly Tampa crowd.

As for 9-4 Tulane, coach Jon Sumrall recently earned a major contract extension with the Green Wave after a season where his school was ranked for multiple weeks. Winning the bowl game is a cherry on top for Sumrall.

Tulane being able to close the 2024 season by sticking it to an SEC team in its home state would have to feel great for Sumrall's group going into 2025. Even if it loses, this team has a lot to be proud of for how the season went.

More College Football!

What's at stake in the Cure Bowl between Ohio and Jacksonville State?

What's the coldest college football game of all time? Here's an answer.

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik and Texas safety Michael Taaffe won a high school state title together

This article originally appeared on For The Win: What's at stake in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl between Florida and Tulane?