Florida’s quarterback situation has been a little of everything this season: some uneven stretches, some big moments, and enough production to keep Oklahoma on alert.
On Saturday in Gainesville, the Sooners are expected to see sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. get the start, according to a report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Jones and Georgia Tech transfer Aaron Philo have shared the quarterback workload for Florida this year, and OU coach Brent Venables spent part of Tuesday’s press conference laying out why both players demand attention.
“They’re both very good players,” Venables said. “Both can run, both are excellent throwers, they put the quarterback on the move, do a ton of pocket movement, they both throw the ball really, really well.”
Philo opened the season as Florida’s starter and helped push the Gators to a 4-0 start before the wheels came off in a lopsided loss to Missouri on Oct. 3. He then got hurt in Florida’s loss to South Carolina, opening the door for Jones.
Jones responded with the kind of performance that changes a conversation. In his first start, he helped Florida pull off a road upset of No.
7 Texas, finishing 22 of 35 for 155 yards and two touchdowns while adding 41 rushing yards. After a bye week, Philo returned against No.
3 Georgia, but that game swung quickly. He threw two interceptions on just seven pass attempts before Florida went back to Jones.
Jones finished the 27-8 loss with 172 passing yards, an interception and a rushing touchdown.
“They had a couple turnovers early in the game against Georgia and then Tramell came in,” Venables said. “Tramell was the starting quarterback when they beat Texas a few weeks ago - a really talented Texas football team and defense.”
Even with Jones expected to get the nod, Philo could still factor into the game. Venables pointed to his greater experience and the work he has done in the system with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who came to Florida from Georgia Tech.
“Philo's had more experience in the system coming with (offensive coordinator) Buster Faulkner from Georgia Tech,” Venables said.
The Sooners also know this isn’t just about whichever quarterback is under center. Florida’s offense has leaned on a dangerous ground game, and that has taken pressure off both passers. Jadan Baugh leads the SEC with 13 rushing touchdowns and ranks third in the conference with 100.1 rushing yards per game.
Venables said the Gators’ balance is what makes the whole operation difficult to handle.
“They've had great balance with what they're doing on offense,” Venables said. “Their ability to run the ball really opened up some opportunities to throw the ball down the field. They've got excellent players to get the ball to at receiver, tight end, running back, etc., etc.”
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