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Aaron Philo Set to Start for Florida Against Georgia
· Confirmed
In Short: Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against Georgia in their rivalry game.
Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against third-ranked Georgia in the Southeastern Conference rivalry known as 'The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.' The decision was made despite Philo's shoulder injury and Tramell Jones' undisclosed injuries, with head coach Jon Sumrall emphasizing the importance of health and availability.
Sumrall stated, 'I’ve said the whole time I think we can win with either guy.' Philo's shoulder injury has been a concern, and he missed Florida's win over Texas due to it. Meanwhile, Jones, who led Florida to a 27-24 upset win over Texas in Week 7, has been dealing with 'a couple of bumps and bruises,' according to Sumrall.
Philo's performance this season includes a 70.5% completion rate and 1,341 passing yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions. He started the first six games of the season before missing the Texas game. Jones, who started against Texas, has also been listed as questionable for the Georgia game.
Vernell Brown III, Florida's speedy receiver, is expected to return for the first time in over a month, providing a boost to Philo's passing game. However, the Gators' receiver corps remains depleted, with Brown missing his fourth straight contest.
Philo's decision to start against Georgia carries personal significance, as he graduated from the University of Georgia in 2016 but never received a scholarship offer to play for the Bulldogs. Instead, he signed with Georgia Tech as a class of 2024 prospect.
The game will be a test for Philo, who had a rough start against Georgia in their previous meeting, going just 5-of-7 passing for 26 yards with two interceptions. Fans and analysts are questioning whether Sumrall made the right decision to start Philo over Jones for the first six games of the season.
Despite the uncertainty, Philo's availability and effectiveness could shape Florida's chances against the third-ranked Bulldogs. The quarterback's health remains the defining variable in this rivalry game.
Background
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Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against Georgia in their rivalry game.
What's confirmed
- No. 17 Florida will start quarterback Aaron Philo against third-ranked Georgia in the Southeastern Conference rivalry known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party."
- They split repetitions in practice all week, and Sumrall said the decision would come down to “health and availability.” Florida quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct.
- “I’ve said the whole time I think we can win with either guy,” Sumrall said.
- No. 17 Florida plans to start Aaron Philo against No. 3 Georgia in Saturday’s rivalry game in Atlanta, though the quarterback decision remained unofficial Friday.
- Philo should have speedy receiver Vernell Brown III back for the first time in more than a month.
- Philo had gone just 5-of-7 passing for 26 yards, with the two interceptions.
- Jones became the first Florida quarterback since Jesse Palmer in 1997 to win his first career start on the road against a top-10 team.
What's still developing
- On a third-and-11 near midfield, Philo evaded pressure and rolled right, but stumbled.
- “Yeah, he broke all kinds of records,” Smart said of Philo.
- Florida had mustered only 20 yards rushing, as well.
Sources
- Ajclink
- Bozeman Daily Chroniclelink
- Bvmsportslink
- Fox Newslink
- On3link
- Onlygatorslink
- Oskaloosa Heraldlink
- The Killeen Daily Heraldlink
- Postregisterlink
- Alligatorlink
- On3link
- WarpBeat — background on Florida vs. Georgia Game Livestream Options link
- WarpBeat — background on Aaron Philo Set to Start for Florida Against Georgia link
- ROC Boys Football — video link