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No. 17 Florida To Start QB Aaron Philo Against Georgia In The 'Cocktail Party'

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In Short: Florida head coach Billy Napier announced that Aaron Philo will start against Georgia, despite the quarterback's shoulder injury, according to Fox News.

Florida head coach Billy Napier announced that Aaron Philo will start against Georgia, despite the quarterback's shoulder injury, according to Fox News.

Philo’s availability and effectiveness could shape the Gators’ chances against the third-ranked Bulldogs, as reported by BVM Sports.

Both Philo and backup Tramell Jones Jr. Have been dealing with injuries, with Philo recovering from a throwing shoulder injury and Jones managing unspecified bumps and bruises, as noted by Fox News.

Philo took the majority of first-team snaps in practice this week, leading some to believe he will resume his starting job despite leading Florida to consecutive losses and struggling in recent games, as Onlygators reported.

Despite the mixed opinions, Fox News and Onlygators agreed that the decision would come down to 'health and availability,' as both Philo and Jones have been dealing with injuries.

Philo had gone just 5-of-7 passing for 26 yards, with two interceptions, before being replaced by Jones in the Georgia game, according to reports.

Sumrall said Monday that while Philo and Jones could share the field on any given play, there are no plans to alternate quarterbacks unless a performance issue pops up, as quoted by Onlygators.

Both Philo and Jones have shown they can handle high-stakes starts, with Jones winning on the road against a top-10 opponent, as reported by Fox News.

Philo was named starter entering the season as Sumrall and Faulkner believed he had better command of the offense and was more capable than Jones of making checks and calls at the line of scrimmage, according to Onlygators.

Philo missed Florida’s last game, a win over previously No. 17 South Carolina, as reported by Warpbeat.

While there are differing opinions on the quarterback decision, both Fox News and Onlygators agree that No. 17 Florida will start Aaron Philo against third-ranked Georgia in the SEC rivalry game, despite his shoulder injury.

Background

What's confirmed

• 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’s availability and effectiveness—and whether Jones is needed—could shape the Gators’ chances against the third-ranked Bulldogs.
• Philo’s shoulder and Jones’ undisclosed bumps and bruises leave Florida’s quarterback situation uncertain.
• Philo is returning from a throwing-shoulder injury, while backup Tramell Jones Jr. is also managing injuries.
• 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.
• Philo took the majority of first-team snaps in practice this week and will resume his starting job despite leading Florida to consecutive losses and struggling while doing so, the decision remains a point of contention among fans.
• Philo was named starter entering the season as Sumrall and Faulkner believed he had better command of the offense and was more capable than Jones of making checks and calls at the line of scrimmage.
• Philo missed Florida’s last game, a win over previously No.
• 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.

What's still developing

• 3 Georgia on Saturday in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, according to multiple reports.

Sources

• Bvmsportslink
• Fox Newslink
• Onlygatorslink
• Post Registerlink
• The Killeen Daily Heraldlink
• Warpbeatlink
• Oskaloosalink
• Bozemandailychroniclelink
• WarpBeat — background on Florida to Start Philo Against Georgia in SEC Rivalry link
• WarpBeat — background on Florida to Start Philo Against Georgia Despite Shoulder Injury link
• Wikipedia — background on Cocktail party link
• WRUF - Home of the Gators — video link