Offense and Blue Game: Team Orange Wins Fourth Consecutive Spring Game

The title is not a typo.

It was an explosive offensive performance as the Gators scored a combined total of 95 points and totaled 920 yards during the 2019 Orange and Blue game.

“A lot of the points we put up this year were explosive plays through the air,” second-year Florida head coach Dan Mullen said. “That’s guys who are older, more experienced and know how to play within the system.”

Quarterback Feleipe Franks led #TeamOrange to a 60-35 victory—a record-high spring game score—during Saturday’s scrimmage.

“Today was a lot about celebration.” –@CoachDanMullen

It most certainly was. #GatorsTogether pic.twitter.com/LNap9Ro6D8

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 13, 2019

Firework Offense

“It’s the same guys, but now you’re talking about another year. These guys are bigger, faster and stronger. A year in the program and understanding the offensive scheme and understanding how to make plays within the offense,” Mullen says about the improvement and versatility of the offense overall.

With a vanilla defensive performance, all eyes were on the offense, in particular, Franks. Teammates like Trevon Grimes were impressed with his performance.

https://twitter.com/sophialafrance/status/1117179755932082176

The redshirt junior threw for 327 yards, just shy of Chris Leak’s 2004 Orange and Blue game record of 334 passing yards. Furthermore, the quarterback’s four touchdowns passes tied with Leak’s 2005 Orange and Blue game record-setting performance.

“There is different pressure on him today then there is on a regular practice,” Mullen says. “If you’re a quarterback in Florida, you’re under a lot of critique.”

Meanwhile, on #TeamBlue, redshirt junior Kyle Trask and redshirt freshman Emory Jones accounted for 326 yards passing and four touchdowns.

Grindin’ Grimes

Franks and Grimes were a dynamic duo on Saturday. The sophomore wide receiver recorded 195 yards, breaking Dallas Baker’s record (176 yards) from the 2004 Orange and Blue game.

https://twitter.com/GatorsFB/status/1117124693943816192

Mullen says having a player like Grimes embrace his position on the field has allowed other receivers and specifically, the quarterbacks have more options.

Other Standout Stars

While #TeamOrange stole the show, senior wideout Freddie Swain on #TeamBlue had five catches—including a 54-yard TD reception from Trask—115 yards and 2 touchdowns.

https://twitter.com/GatorsFB/status/1117128763546972161

Meanwhile, Kadarius Toney opened the spring game with a 40-yard completion to Franks. In addition, the Alabama-native had four receptions for 94 yards including a 41-yard reception from Franks in the first quarter.

What’s next?

With an offense clicking, fans can start the 133-day countdown to the season-opening game against Miami on August 24 in Orlando. While Mullen is proud of his team’s performance, he says there is room for improvement and looks forward to the summer practices to polish his team.