Enthusiastic fans turned out for the revamped Orange & Blue Game last spring in Dan Mullen's first season. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
Carter's Corner: The O&B Game Adds More Flavor & Fun
Sunday, March 24, 2019 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The late Jones Ramsey was a giant in his field. And a quote machine.
A bear of a man, Ramsey used to say he was "the world's tallest fat man."
Ramsey started his career as a sports writer and later transitioned into the sports information director at the University of Texas, where he had his most famous quip: "There's only two sports in Texas: football and spring football."
I remember first hearing that quote -- substitute "Texas" with "Florida" -- at some point during my career at The Tampa Tribune when the Gators, Seminoles and Hurricanes were in the national championship hunt every year.
There's a touch of truth in that saying in the Sunshine State, although not nearly as much as in the past because of the success and added exposure other sports receive. The Gators are one of only four schools in Division I to win national titles in football, men's basketball and baseball.
The Gators also have national championships in gymnastics, softball, track, swimming, tennis, golf and soccer, earning a reputation as one of the most well-rounded athletic departments in the nation.
Still, in paying homage to Ramsey's celebrated one-liner, spring football remains a big deal in Texas, Florida and many other states in our country of football fanatics. Remember last year's Orange & Blue Game at Florida Field?
An announced crowd of 53,015 – the fourth-largest in school history and the largest of any without Urban Meyer as UF's head coach – turned out for the first spring game with Dan Mullen leading the program.
Mullen, following four months of building goodwill with a fan base that was beaten down, was appreciative of the turnout.
"To see that was really special,'' he said.
The Gators announced plans surrounding next month's Orange & Blue Game (April 13, 1 p.m.) on Saturday. The event continues to grow and will feature music, more food options than ever before, and Mullen addressing the crowd following Gator Walk.
I had no memory of the final score of last year's game until I just looked it up, but I do remember the festive day, former Gators defensive back Lawrence Wright's stumbling touchdown grab, and of course, the busted play that ended with quarterback Feleipe Franks connecting with former UF receiver Travis McGriff for a 60-yard touchdown.
Franks was supposed to throw to ex-Gator quarterback Doug Johnson first, and then Johnson throw deep to McGriff. Hey, who can blame Franks. He hadn't had a receiver that open since he arrived in Gainesville.
Last year's spring game was fun and carried over to the regular season when the Gators, coming off a 4-8 year, surprised nearly everyone by finished 10-3 and ranked seventh in the final AP Top 25.
They held their sixth practice of spring camp on Saturday in front of an enthusiastic crowd who is hoping for more in 2019. There's plenty of reasons for optimism.
Franks and the majority of the skill players on offense return. The offensive line remains a mystery but has an abundance of young talent getting much-needed reps this spring. The defense has eight starters back and the kicking game is solid with Evan McPherson and Tommy Townsend.
Spring is a time of renewal, and that's been the vibe around camp the first two weeks. Year 1 for Mullen was a return to relevancy. The Gators hope Year 2 is another step toward returning the program to elite status.
Of course, the Orange & Blue Game won't determine what kind of season the Gators will have. Those revelations begin Aug. 24 against Miami. But it does allow fans an opportunity to imagine the possibilities while enjoying a day in The Swamp.
And if you arrive early, to enjoy so much more than during Orange & Blue Games of days gone by.
A bear of a man, Ramsey used to say he was "the world's tallest fat man."
Ramsey started his career as a sports writer and later transitioned into the sports information director at the University of Texas, where he had his most famous quip: "There's only two sports in Texas: football and spring football."
I remember first hearing that quote -- substitute "Texas" with "Florida" -- at some point during my career at The Tampa Tribune when the Gators, Seminoles and Hurricanes were in the national championship hunt every year.
There's a touch of truth in that saying in the Sunshine State, although not nearly as much as in the past because of the success and added exposure other sports receive. The Gators are one of only four schools in Division I to win national titles in football, men's basketball and baseball.
The Gators also have national championships in gymnastics, softball, track, swimming, tennis, golf and soccer, earning a reputation as one of the most well-rounded athletic departments in the nation.
Still, in paying homage to Ramsey's celebrated one-liner, spring football remains a big deal in Texas, Florida and many other states in our country of football fanatics. Remember last year's Orange & Blue Game at Florida Field?
An announced crowd of 53,015 – the fourth-largest in school history and the largest of any without Urban Meyer as UF's head coach – turned out for the first spring game with Dan Mullen leading the program.
Mullen, following four months of building goodwill with a fan base that was beaten down, was appreciative of the turnout.
"To see that was really special,'' he said.
The Gators announced plans surrounding next month's Orange & Blue Game (April 13, 1 p.m.) on Saturday. The event continues to grow and will feature music, more food options than ever before, and Mullen addressing the crowd following Gator Walk.
#OBGame:
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) March 23, 2019
📅 April 13
🕰 1 PM
📍 #TheSwamp
🎫 Free Admission
🚗 Parking Info
🎉 Gator Walk Village
🛒 Gators SportShop
😋 Food Trucks
⛺ Tailgating
📱 #GatorsWiFi
🏈 @Bubbaburger Fan Fest
DETAILS: https://t.co/iGYHr5dfFz#SwampMoment#WeChompWeekend
I had no memory of the final score of last year's game until I just looked it up, but I do remember the festive day, former Gators defensive back Lawrence Wright's stumbling touchdown grab, and of course, the busted play that ended with quarterback Feleipe Franks connecting with former UF receiver Travis McGriff for a 60-yard touchdown.
Franks was supposed to throw to ex-Gator quarterback Doug Johnson first, and then Johnson throw deep to McGriff. Hey, who can blame Franks. He hadn't had a receiver that open since he arrived in Gainesville.
Last year's spring game was fun and carried over to the regular season when the Gators, coming off a 4-8 year, surprised nearly everyone by finished 10-3 and ranked seventh in the final AP Top 25.
They held their sixth practice of spring camp on Saturday in front of an enthusiastic crowd who is hoping for more in 2019. There's plenty of reasons for optimism.
Franks and the majority of the skill players on offense return. The offensive line remains a mystery but has an abundance of young talent getting much-needed reps this spring. The defense has eight starters back and the kicking game is solid with Evan McPherson and Tommy Townsend.
Spring is a time of renewal, and that's been the vibe around camp the first two weeks. Year 1 for Mullen was a return to relevancy. The Gators hope Year 2 is another step toward returning the program to elite status.
Of course, the Orange & Blue Game won't determine what kind of season the Gators will have. Those revelations begin Aug. 24 against Miami. But it does allow fans an opportunity to imagine the possibilities while enjoying a day in The Swamp.
And if you arrive early, to enjoy so much more than during Orange & Blue Games of days gone by.
Players Mentioned
Road to Gameday: Florida Football
Thursday, April 30
Road to Gameday: Florida Football Spring Game (Season 2)
Wednesday, April 29
Jon Sumrall Postgame Press Conference 4-11-26
Saturday, April 11
Buster Faulkner Postgame Press Conference 4-11-26
Saturday, April 11
