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QB Brantley shows his stuff

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By MIKE DiFERDINANDO

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 22, 2009

Updated: 11/22/2009 12:45 am

GAINESVILLE - Florida International didn't put up much of a fight Saturday, but Florida made sure there was reason to stick around.

QB Tim Tebow played just one series in the second half before being replaced by John Brantley.

The redshirt sophomore didn't disappoint, completing nine of 13 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns, giving fans a glimpse at what the future might look like.

Brantley was poised in the pocket and found three different receivers for scores. He also showed his mobility, scrambling three times for 23 yards.

"It's always what I've dreamed about - being a starter at the Florida - but I have definitely thought about (how next year it is going to be my team)," Brantley said.

Before the season, coaches said they planned to use Brantley in meaningful situations and talked about installing a package for him, but he has barely seen the field this year, only coming in for mop-up duty.

When Tebow was recovering from a concussion, it looked like Brantley might get his first career start on the road against LSU, but he again had to wait his turn.

"I've been waiting for three years now, but you know what? I've just learned so much and I've taken it all in these three years," Brantley said. "To sit behind one of the greatest players in college football is a blessing to me."

Hines, Hammond make plays

While Brantley appears to be a capable replacement for Tebow, Omarius Hines and Frankie Hammond Jr. showed that he will have plenty of playmakers to get the ball to in the coming years.

Hines broke two tackles and dragged a defender into the end zone on a 20-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter for the first score of his career.

Hammond beat his man for a 31-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-11 play with 2:28 left in the game.

"(Fans) should expect a lot," Brantley said of the two young receivers. "They're great players and they can only get better from here on out."

Hines and Hammond seem to have a rapport with Brantley, who they spend most of their time working with in practice.

"We worked with Johnny B. the whole summer," Hines said. "We have that connection with him."

Spikes gets pick

LB Brandon Spikes intercepted FIU's Paul McCall early in the first quarter and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. Spikes is the nation's only player to return four interceptions for touchdowns in the past two years.

Odds and ends

LB A.J. Jones left the game with an injured medial collateral ligament. Coach Urban Meyer said he's doubtful for next week's game against Florida State. ... ESPN's "College GameDay" crew will visit Gainesville for the 31st time next Saturday.

Mike DiFerdinando

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