The passer’s two first-half interceptions cost his team scoring opportunities, certainly no fewer than six points given placekicker Trey Smack’s confidence on a 4-field goal day.

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway wraps up his true freshman campaign by taking home the Gasparilla Bowl MVP. Congratulations to the 2024 @UnionHomeMtg Gasparilla Bowl MVP, DJ Lagway. The @GatorsFB true freshman QB put on a dominant performance and helped the Gators take home the treasure. pic.twitter.com/wRs0n3P4dy

The Gasparilla Bowl presents the ideal setting to stretch the resurgence into 2025. It will be the only game in Friday’s 3:30 p.m. window and will serve as an opening act to the initial College Football Playoff contest — Indiana at Notre Dame — that evening. For one afternoon, Lagway and the Gators (7-5) will have the stage to themselves.

Florida football coaches have been impressed with DJ Lagway's football IQ and work ethic, which has allowed them to expand the playbook. Could Lagway take another step?

DJ Lagway shrugged off a couple of first-half turnovers and threw for 305 yards and a touchdown to lead Florida to a 33-8 victory over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl.

One of the SEC’s hottest teams was greeted Friday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium by modest gusts and a veritable ocean of orange and blue, ideal conditions for another late-season ride on momentum’s wave.