With Georgia and Florida only a few days away from their annual meeting, the biggest question on the Gators’ side isn’t scheme or matchup - it’s who lines up at quarterback.
Florida has two options in Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr., and both have reportedly been practicing injured this week. Since they’re still on the field, one of them should be available, but the uncertainty leaves Georgia with a problem of its own. The Bulldogs have no clear read on who they’ll actually have to defend, and that uncertainty may end up helping Florida more than it helps Georgia.
The twist is that Florida isn’t dealing with a backup situation in the usual sense. Both quarterbacks have already shown they can win big games.
Philo has started six of Florida’s seven games this season, including the upset over Ole Miss. Jones has made one start this year, stepping in when Philo was out with an injury in Florida’s last game at Texas two weeks ago, and that ended in a win as well.
That puts Georgia in an awkward spot. It can’t simply prepare for one quarterback and hope that’s the right call. Both players are capable enough that the Bulldogs have to spend time on each, and there’s even a possibility they could see both on Saturday.
Florida probably won’t name a starter until its offense takes the field for the first time, though Georgia could still get a break if the Gators reveal that decision before kickoff.
If the choice comes down to style, Georgia may actually prefer seeing Philo. He’s Florida’s preferred starter, but he hasn’t been the same threat as a runner that Jones has been.
Philo is averaging 2.4 yards per carry this season. Jones is at 4.4.
That gap matters, especially against a Georgia defense that already had issues with a mobile quarterback last time out. Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown ran 26 times for 115 yards against the Bulldogs, and Georgia never really found an answer for him.
Florida could try to lean on Jones in a similar way, but Philo doesn’t appear to bring quite the same rushing element.
Georgia is favored by more than double digits, and no matter who Florida starts, the Bulldogs are still expected to win.
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