The Florida Gators turned some heads at their annual Orange and Blue Game this past Saturday. Unfortunately, for many fans, they decided not to air this game on television. Unless you attended in person, you were forced to check social media for any updates. In this new age of college football, head coaches are becoming extra cautious regarding their Spring Games. With some choosing not to even take part in a game, televised Spring Games could be coming to an end. Despite not being streamed live, there were still many talking points to cover. With no DJ Lagway playing at quarterback, other players stepped up and showed off their skills. With Florida honoring their national champion basketball team at halftime, this was one big party for all who attended. A shootout from start to finish, fans should be satisfied with how the team performed.
Gators’ Offense on Fire
Young Players Ready
One name that immediately stood out was freshman wide receiver Dallas Wilson. The heralded recruit flipped to the Gators from Oregon late in the recruiting process. Rated as one of the highest recruits in the country, fans were excited about his early potential in this offense. However, no one expected the stellar performance he put forward on Saturday. In a record-setting day, he hauled in 10 receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Showcasing his skillset, he could certainly be in line for a starting role. A deep position group, the Gators did lose two receivers to the NFL draft. Wilson could be in line for a special freshman campaign if he keeps this up. Other freshmen receivers Vernell Brown and Naeshaun Montgomery had their fair share of contributions. Montgomery had 70 yards receiving including 38 yards after the catch. Brown added four receptions for 34 yards.
QB Battle
With Lagway sitting this game out nursing his injuries, fans were able to watch a quarterback competition unfold. Both Aidan Warner and transfer Harrison Bailey are gunning for the role of QB2. Bailey, a transfer from Louisville, showed off a live arm but also had his struggles. Through the air he was a force, throwing for 363 yards and three touchdowns. A veteran signal caller, he has been a valuable addition to this locker room. However, whether it was his fault or not, he did take five sacks. Not the most mobile player, he brings a different skillset than the one Lagway provides. Warner started one game last season for the Gators, a blowout loss against the Texas Longhorns. Struggling immensely against SEC competition, he looked much more poised this Spring. Throwing for 157 yards and two touchdowns, he did what was asked of him.
Running Wild
Despite all eyes being on the freshman receiver Wilson, the running back group as a whole had a monster day. Headlined by Ja’Kobi Jackson, this rotation is littered with playmakers. Entering his second season in Gainesville, Jackson ran for a whopping 198 yards on only 10 rushing attempts. Showing some speed that many thought he lacked, he broke off some long runs for touchdowns. The rest of the rotation also came to play, as did both offenses. Rising Sophomore Jadan Baugh ran for 56 yards on 11 rushing attempts. He also added one catch for 48 yards, a testament to his versatility. A revelation last season, the hope is that he can be the Gators’ bell cow. The orange team did not have the same success on the ground. An offense littered with backups, Duke Clark and Kelvin Jimenez both ran for a combined 52 yards.
Defensive Troubles?
As previously mentioned, both offenses lit up the scoreboard, with a final score of 38 to 32. Now, was this a result of great offense, or was the defense sorely lacking in their game plan? On the Blue team, linebacker Ty Jackson led the defense with 11 tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss. A true freshman, he could turn some heads early for this upstart Gators defense. Safety Drake Stubbs had the lone interception for the defense, as well as eight tackles. The Orange team (littered with defensive starters) allowed the offense to move the ball at will. Led by linebackers Myles Graham and Jaden Robinson, there is some work to be done. These players were efficient; the offense was simply better on Saturday. This is certainly something to monitor as Lagway was not even playing. However, no one will be sure until this defense plays in August.
Final Thoughts
The Florida Gators Spring Game is always a fun time for the fans and allows backups to make their mark. Unfortunately, it was disappointing not to see this game televised, as many were forced to watch small highlight clips after the culmination of the game. Despite the initial letdown, this was still an interesting game. With loads of offense, the young Gators turned some heads. Both quarterbacks played well, as did all the skill position players. The defense was bullied all day, and they must be better when the regular season begins. Head coach Billy Napier should be pleased with this day, as there were contributions from a variety of players. Hosting a halftime party for the basketball team, fans will be hoping that history repeats itself. If the Gators want to turn some heads, Napier must keep Lagway healthy and shore up the defensive physicality.
Main Image: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The post Gators Turn Heads: Orange and Blue Game Analysis appeared first on Last Word on College Football.