The game featured Florida of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Tulane of the American Athletic Conference (AAC or "The American"). This was the 22nd all-time meeting between Florida and Tulane, although their first meeting since 1984; entering the Gasparilla Bowl, the Gators led the all-time series, 13–6–2.[3] From 1932 to 1965, the Gators and Green Wave were conference-mates in the SEC before Tulane left due to increasing competitive disparity.
Florida entered the bowl with a 7–5 record (4–4 in conference). The Gators faced six ranked opponents during their regular season, defeating LSU and Ole Miss while losing to Miami (FL), Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas.
Tulane entered the bowl with a 9–4 record (7–1 in conference). The Green Wave faced and lost to two ranked teams during their regular season, Kansas State and Oklahoma. Tulane qualified for the AAC Championship Game, which they lost to 24th-ranked Army, 35–14.
(00:29) TUL – Mario Williams 16-yard pass from Ty Thompson, Ty Thompson pass to Zycarl Lewis Jr. for 2-point conversion (Drive: 5 plays, 55 yards, 0:42; Florida 33–8)
