Florida’s 2023 Orange and Blue game didn’t generate a ton of confidence in the new-look offense, especially at quarterback, as the game was decided on a 46-yard field goal from [autotag]Trey Smack[/autotag] with no time left on the clock. Team Orange won, 10-7.
The spring game is always an interesting night for any college football team. Expectations are set for the coming season, but most fans know that what’s seen in April is rarely what you get in September.
All eyes were on Wisconsin transfer [autotag]Graham Mertz[/autotag], who is considered the favorite to start at quarterback over [autotag]Jack Miller III[/autotag], but neither signal-caller shined early. Both found a receiver for a score in the second quarter, but Mertz won the night finishing 18-29 for 244 yards over Miller’s 10 of 20 for 141 yards.
Billy Napier praised his defense in an attempt to make a rather boring exhibition appear more fruitful than it was.
“A lot of young players getting an opportunity to play,” Napier said when asked of his thoughts on the game during the fourth quarter. “New players, alright? Overall, the defense made it a lot harder. You certainly have to be pleased with that given where we’re at as a team. Unbelievable experience for this group. Great film to teach and learn from.”
It wasn’t the greatest or most inspiring spring game any team has ever put together, but Florida has the pieces to build a better team than it had a year ago. Losing [autotag]Anthony Richardson[/autotag] hurt, but the defense has taken a step forward, and the running game should still be strong even if it wasn’t on full display tonight.
Here’s how fans and experts reacted throughout the night.