For three years John Brantley stood on the sideline at Florida football games with a headset and a clipboard, learning everything he possibly could from the coaching staff and former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.
He watched and listened intently, so that when his time finally arrived, he'd be ready.
Many believed the transition from Tebow to Brantley would be seamless and the Gators' offensive production would even improve with a drop-back, pro-style passing quarterback. But two games into the season, the offense has sputtered, and Brantley acknowledges he's still finding his way.
Today most likely will be a defining moment in that progression.
"His career high is 170 yards; he has got to be a 200-plus-yard passer," coach Urban Meyer said. "He's doing a better job. So much of playing quarterback is giving us a great protection, making the right check, management of the offense, and this will be really challenging. It is nice when everyone quiets down at home and you do your deal. Now we are really going to challenge him on the road."
With two starts of playing experience, Brantley leads the No. 10 Gators into Knoxville, Tenn., for his first SEC road game in one of the most hostile environments in the league. He is fully aware that a big part of today's spotlight will focus on how well he responds against the Vols.
"I am ready," he said.
Brantley's margin for error will be much smaller on the road against the Vols than the first two games as Florida aspires to play better than it has in seven of its first eight quarters. The Gators had two first downs in the first quarter of their first two games, mustered a combined 45 yards in 34 plays in the first quarter of both games, and has yet to score in the first quarter. Florida is No. 11 in the league in passing offense (142.5 yards per game), No. 10 in total offense (317.5) and Brantley is No. 9 in passing efficiency (128.8). The Gators went three and out in their first possessions of both games.
But midway through the third quarter last week against USF, the offense picked up, which Brantley believes is a positive sign.
"I do think the offense is coming together," the redshirt junior said. "The next thing we need to do is have it together from the beginning. We started out a little slow, but towards the end of the first half and second half, we got it going. But we need to have that together that first drive."
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