Stage Is Set For Orange And Blue Debut

After a month of spring practices and scrimmages, the Florida football team is ready to take the field for their annual Orange and Blue Debut. Contrary to previous reports, the event on Saturday is going to play out more like an actual game than a scrimmage. All in all, head coach Jim McElwain is pleased with the effort his team gave throughout the spring.

“Overall, I think the adapting to the change offensively, those guys have done a pretty good job. And defensively, we got a good defense. We’ve got some good players over there. Those guys are playing their tails off.”

The Gators are going to compete in four 12-minutes quarters with a running clock except in the last two minutes of each half.  The quarters will be followed by an overtime period that will be untimed. McElwain stated that he is going to limit the live plays during the scrimmage to prevent potential injury to the offensive line. Essentially, the both lines of scrimmage will not being going at full speed at times during the debut. McElwain tips his hat to the offensive line this spring.

“We’ll compliment our offensive line, for how few they are and how many reps they took.”

On another note, wide receiver Chris Thompson has been excused from the team to handle a legal matter. The junior has a formal complaint against him in a battery incident.

Staying on the offensive side of the ball, McElwain announced on Thursday that offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier will take responsibility of play-calling to start the season. After being hired in January, it has been unknown if Nussmeier or McElwain will be calling plays.

The Orange and Blue Debut will kickoff on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Players will sign autographs in both end zones after the game.

For full audio clips of quotes above and more, click below:

McElwain applauds the offensive line

McElwain pleased with the team’s adaptability

McElwain on the status of Chris Thompson

McElwain’s thoughts about the scrimmages during the spring