Florida’s quarterback picture took one more twist before Saturday’s rivalry game with Georgia, and it could matter just as much as the matchup itself.
Aaron Philo was announced as Florida’s starter earlier in the week after both quarterbacks landed on the injury report. That decision drew plenty of attention, especially with many Florida fans believing Tramell Jones should have gotten the nod after he helped lead the Gators to an upset win at Texas in their last game. But Jones, who was also injured this week, is now available to play against Georgia.
That opens the door for Florida to use both quarterbacks if it wants to keep Georgia guessing. Philo is the more traditional passer, while Jones brings a true dual-threat element that could stress a Georgia defense that has had trouble at times with mobile quarterbacks. Georgia would clearly prefer to see Philo for most of the game, but the possibility of Jones getting snaps changes the equation.
And it would not be surprising if Florida mixed him in. Auburn’s quarterback ran for 115 yards in the Tigers’ upset win in Athens two weeks ago, a reminder of how much damage a mobile quarterback can do in this matchup. If Florida is looking for an edge, sprinkling Jones into the game plan makes sense.
The Gators also got a late hit at receiver. Vernell Brown was ruled out, and he ranks third on the team in both receptions and receiving yards.
Bailey Stockton is a game-time decision, and he sits second on Florida’s roster in both categories. Florida still has its leading receiver, Dallas Wilson, available, but losing Brown and possibly Stockton would leave the passing game thin.
That matters even more with Georgia safety KJ Bolden expected to play. Bolden, who is viewed as a potential first-round draft pick, gives Georgia another major piece in the secondary.
If Stockton is out and Brown is already unavailable, Florida’s path gets a lot steeper. Playing both quarterbacks could still give the Gators a chance to make things uncomfortable, but Georgia would like its odds a whole lot better if Stockton doesn’t suit up.
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Georgia Now Has A Bigger Concern Than Beating Florida
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Kirby Smart said Robinsons knee tightened up, and there was no confirmed structural damage at the time of the report, but the bigger issue now is his status going forward. For a defense that leans on depth and versatility in the back end, the uncertainty around Robinsons availability is the kind of development that can linger well beyond a rivalry game. [Read more 🡒]