Andreu's Answers

During the fall, veteran football beat writer Robbie Andreu comes up with five questions before each game, then answers them after the game. We keep the tradition going with the Orange and Blue game:

1. Do the Gators have enough healthy offensive linemen to have a traditional spring game?
No. There were not enough offensive linemen to divide up into two teams and have a game. So, the coaches changed the format to basically make it an offense vs. defense game. Here's how it worked: the No. 1 offense and the No. 2 defense comprised the Blue team, while the No. 2 offense and No. 1 defense made up the Orange team. It played out like a spring game, in a way. But it seemed a little different seeing all the defensive players on one sideline and the offensive players on the other. Regardless, there was a score — and the huge crowd didn't seem to mind.

2. No. 2 quarterback John Brantley has had a hot hand the past week. Does it continue?
It did, very much so. Brantley was very effective throwing the ball and did an excellent job managing the offense. He said he was nervous before the game, but he certainly looked poised and polished once he got on the field. He completed 12-of-18 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Orange over Tim Tebow's Blue team. He throws a beautiful deep ball. On the second play of the second half, he connected with redshirt freshman wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. for a 50-yard TD play. Brantley played for both teams in the second half, so he closed the spring with lots of reps — and lots of positive vibes — heading into the offseason.

3. Will Emmanuel Moody have a breakout game at tailback?
This never had a chance to happen, because Moody was one of many veteran players given the day off. Moody underwent surgery to have a pinned placed in his hand last week, but he practiced at full speed on Wednesday and Friday and could have played Saturday if needed. He had a very good spring overall and appears to be much more comfortable (and confident) in the offense. With Chris Rainey or Jeff Demps likely to fill the Percy Harvin role in the fall, Moody will have his chances to shine if he stays healthy.

4. Which young guys will have a chance to shine?
A whole bunch. With most of the established players taking the day off, this became a young-guy spring game, for sure. The most productive young players were Brantley, Hammond, wide receiver T.J. Lawrence, middle linebackers Brendan Beal and Jon Bostic, center Sam Robey, fullback T.J. Pridemore, defensive tackle Jaye Howard and nose tackle Omar Hunter. Based on Saturday's game, the Gators definitely improved their depth this spring.

5. How many established starters will see minimal (or no) playing time?
It's easier to list the established starters who did play. That would be Tebow, Rainey, offensive guard Carl Johnson, wide receiver Deonte Thompson and offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert. The most notable offensive player not to play was tight end Aaron Hernandez, who had a huge spring. The defense is easy. All 11 defensive starters sat out the game, along with some prominent backups.

Contact Robbie Andreu at 374-5022 or at andreur@gvillesun.com.