Florida Taps Philo As Starter For Georgia Showdown
No. 17 Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against third-ranked Georgia on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference rivalry known as "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because coach Jon Sumrall had not made the decision public.
Philo and backup Tramell Jones Jr. were both listed as questionable on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the game in Atlanta. The two split practice repetitions throughout the week, with Sumrall saying the call would hinge on "health and availability." Philo missed Florida's win at then-No. 7 Texas on Oct. 17 because of an injured throwing shoulder, hurt the previous week while being tackled in a home loss to South Carolina. He traveled with the team to Austin and served as emergency quarterback behind Jones and Aidan Warner. apuestas bandy
Jones made the most of his first career start, becoming the first Florida quarterback since Jesse Palmer in 1997 to win a road debut against a top-10 opponent. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 41 rushing yards on 10 carries, including a third-and-7 keeper that let the Gators run out the clock. Sumrall declined to detail Jones' current injury, describing it only as "a couple of bumps and bruises" sustained since the Texas win. "I've said the whole time I think we can win with either guy," Sumrall said.
Florida could get a boost with receiver Vernell Brown III, listed as probable, expected to play for the first time in more than a month after missing three games with a sprained right knee suffered in a home win over then-No. 4 Mississippi on Sept. 26. Georgia, meanwhile, is expected to be without receiver Bailey Stockton and linebacker Jaden Robinson, both listed as doubtful. Kickoff in Atlanta pits Florida against a Georgia team ranked third nationally, with the winner gaining significant standing in the SEC race.
