There has been a lot of buzz about the Florida offense with the highly respected (and highly successful) Charlie Weis taking over. There is a great deal of anticipation about what the pro-style offense will look like in the fall. And many are already speculating what Weis' first play call will be in the season opener. This is something fans like to bat back and forth during the summer, especially with a new offensive coordinator in place.
I'm guessing Weis' first play will be a play-action pass, but who knows.
While thinking about it, I decided it would be cool to go back and see what Florida's first offensive play of the season has been for the last 10 years. That goes all the way back to Steve Spurrier's last season (if you predict pass for this one, give yourself a cookie).
It's pretty interesting stuff. I don't think anyone will be shocked to see what the first offensive play was in the past four season openers.
Check it out:
2001 - Florida 49, Marshall 14
First offensive play: Rex Grossman completes a sideline pass to Jabar Gaffney for 22 yards.
How the drive ended: Missed 25-yard field goal attempt.
2002 - Florida 51, UAB 3
First offensive play: Rex Grossman throws deep, completing a 59-yard pass to Taylor Jacobs.
How the drive ended: Touchdown.
2003 - Florida 65, San Jose State 3
First offensive play: Ran Carthon runs off left tackle and is hit behind the line for a seven-yard loss.
How the drive ended: Field goal.
2004 - Florida 49, Eastern Michigan 10
First offensive play: Chris Leak completes a pass over the middle to Jemalle Cornelius for a gain of six yards.
How the drive ended: Punt.
2005 - Florida 32, Wyoming 14
First offensive play: Chris Leak throws deep to Bubba Caldwell, but the pass is incomplete.
How the drive ended: Punt.
2006 - Florida 34, Southern Miss 7
First offensive play: Chris Leak completes an 8-yard pass to tailback DeShawn Wynn.
How the drive end: A Leak interception.
2007 - Florida 49, Western Kentucky 3
First offensive play: Kesthan Moore runs up the middle for a 5-yard gain.
How the drive ended: Touchdown (Tim Tebow run).
2008 - Florida 56, Hawaii 10
First offensive play: Brandon James run off right guard for two yards.
How the drive ended: Punt
2009 - Florida 62, Charleston Southern 3
First offensive play: Jeff Demps runs off right guard for a 6-yard gain.
How the drive ended: Touchdown (Demps run).
2010 - Florida 34, Miami (Ohio) 12
First offensive play: Chris Rainey run off right tackle for one yard.
How the drive ended: Lost fumble.
I told you it would not be surprising to see what the first offensive play were the last four seasons. Talk about predictable.
