Florida’s biggest storyline this week is staring everyone in Gainesville right in the face: who takes the first snap against Georgia?
The No. 17 Gators head into Saturday’s showdown with the No.
3 Bulldogs in Atlanta still sorting out the quarterback picture after junior Aaron Philo missed the Week 7 game against Texas because of a shoulder injury. In his place, sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. stepped in and helped engineer a huge road comeback win, leaving first-year head coach Jon Sumrall with a choice that carries real weight heading into one of Florida’s most important games of the season.
Sumrall addressed the situation Monday morning and said both quarterbacks are in position to play this weekend.
"They both practiced today. Both of them are available, I think, this week." - Sumrall on QBs … "Both guys are available.
Believe in both guys. Not going to name a starter.
We need both of those guys to be ready to play."
He also gave a rough window for when he expects to settle on a starter, though he made clear there won’t be any dramatic reveal attached to it.
"By Wednesday, I'll probably know. I'm not going to make some big announcement." - More Sumrall on QBs … "There's not going to be a big QB1 announcement for this game, or any game."
So for now, Sumrall is keeping the decision under wraps. The only certainty is that Florida will need whichever quarterback gets the nod to be sharp against a Georgia defense that will make every mistake expensive on Saturday.
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Floridas Biggest Georgia Question Still Has Playoff Stakes
With Floridas trip to Georgia looming, Jon Sumrall still has a significant decision to make at quarterback. Freshman Tramell Jones Jr. and returning starter Philo are both available for the matchup, and Sumrall said he expects to have a starter in place by Wednesday, though he has not made anything official yet.
It is the kind of choice that reaches beyond one game, especially with playoff implications hanging over the stretch run. Both quarterbacks have posted similar completion percentages and each has been part of the offense this season, which makes the decision less about finding a clear emergency option and more about settling on the one that best fits the moment. [Read more 🡒]
Florida Still Has One Massive Question Heading Into Georgia
Florida still has its biggest offensive decision hanging over the buildup to Georgia, with Jon Sumrall declining to name a starting quarterback for the matchup with the No. 3 Bulldogs. Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. are both available, both practiced, and both remain in the mix as the Gators try to settle on the best option for one of the seasons most important games.
Sumrall said he needs both quarterbacks ready and may wait until after he reviews practice film before making the call. However the choice goes, Florida knows it will need steady play at the position and continued production from Jadan Baugh, who remains a key part of the offense heading into the showdown. [Read more 🡒]
Floridas Georgia Upset Hopes May Come Down To One Unsettled Spot
Florida has given itself a real chance to make Saturday feel bigger than a typical rivalry game, largely because the Gators have found some traction on the ground and have started to look more competitive than they did earlier in the season. Georgia is not the same invincible force it has been in recent years, but the Bulldogs still carry the weight of a long stretch of success in this series, which is part of what makes this matchup feel like such a difficult test for Florida.
The problem, as always, is that the Gators still have a few self-inflicted issues hanging over them, and one of the biggest questions remains the most important one on the field. If Florida is going to turn its improved running game into something meaningful against Georgia, it may need clearer answers under center, because the uncertainty at quarterback leaves a lot of the game plan unresolved heading into one of the season's most demanding spots. [Read more 🡒]