Home · Sports · Oct 31 archive
Florida to Start Philo Against Georgia in Rivalry Game
Confirmed
In Short: No. 17 Florida plans to start quarterback Aaron Philo against No. 3 Georgia in the 'Cocktail Party' rivalry game.
Florida head coach Billy Napier announced that Aaron Philo will start against Georgia, despite both Philo and Tramell Jones Jr. Dealing with injuries.
Philo is returning from a throwing shoulder injury, while Jones is managing unspecified injuries.
According to Napier, the decision came down to health and availability, with Philo taking the majority of first-team snaps in practice this week.
Philo, a transfer from Georgia Tech, was named the starter at the beginning of the season due to his better command of the offense and ability to make checks and calls at the line of scrimmage.
Despite Philo's recent struggles, including consecutive losses, he is expected to resume his starting role against Georgia.
Philo's return coincides with the availability of speedy receiver Vernell Brown III, who has been out for more than a month.
Sumrall praised Jones for his performance against Texas, particularly his ability to find himself within the game.
Both quarterbacks have shown their potential, with Philo's leadership and Jones' ability to perform under pressure.
The decision to start Philo is a significant one, as it could shape Florida's chances against the third-ranked Bulldogs.
What this adds
The decision to start Philo remains unofficial until confirmed by the coaching staff, though multiple reports suggest he will be the starter.
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.
- Philo should have speedy receiver Vernell Brown III back for the first time in more than a month.
What's still developing
- Philo’s shoulder and Jones’ undisclosed bumps and bruises leave Florida’s quarterback situation uncertain.
- Florida is leaning toward Philo, but the quarterback’s health remains the defining variable in a rivalry game where Jones has already shown he can deliver under pressure.