Florida turns back to Aaron Philo against Kentucky
Gators Online reported that Philo received Florida’s first-team practice snaps Monday after Tramell Jones Jr. started the loss to Oklahoma.
| Kickoff | 7:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Venue | Kroger Field |
| Spread | Florida -4.5 |
| Total | 44.5 |
| TV | Not announced yet |
|---|
The TV network for Florida at Kentucky is set by the conference's TV partners closer to game week. Each school's radio network carries the game.
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Follow the full play-by-play and box score →Florida will start Aaron Philo at quarterback against Kentucky in Lexington on Saturday, according to Gators Online. Coach Jon Sumrall returned the first-team practice snaps to Philo on Monday, setting up the Gators’ fourth consecutive week with a different starter.
Philo followed offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner from Georgia Tech and started Florida’s first six games before suffering a shoulder injury in the loss to South Carolina. Tramell Jones Jr. then directed a road win over top-ranked Texas, but Philo regained the job after Florida’s bye week.
The rotation continued against Georgia. After Philo threw two interceptions in Florida’s first three drives, Jones replaced him. Against Oklahoma, Jones started and completed 10 passes while throwing two interceptions in a 23-7 loss to the Sooners.
Philo has completed 70.5% of his passes across 174 dropbacks while averaging 8.8 yards per attempt. He has accounted for 12 total touchdowns, nine passing and three rushing, with seven turnover plays. Non-sack rushing: 161 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.
Across 127 dropbacks, Jones has a 65.8% completion rate and averages 6.4 yards per attempt. Four passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown give him five total touchdowns, alongside 10 turnover plays. His non-sack rushing total is 138 yards at 4.6 yards per attempt.
Kentucky coach Will Stein said Tuesday that the switch should not force a major adjustment because both quarterbacks play similar styles and Florida’s offensive identity remains largely the same. Jones also played the entire second half of Florida’s loss at Kroger Field last season.
Andy Staples told 11 Personnel that quarterback has not been the root of Florida’s offensive issues, placing the focus on the offensive line. Kentucky’s defensive task is to stop the run and pressure Philo.
Why it matters
Philo has been more efficient than Jones in completion percentage, yards per attempt and total touchdowns. Kentucky does not expect a major change in Florida’s offensive identity, keeping the focus on controlling the line of scrimmage.
What to watch next
Philo is set to start when Florida plays Kentucky in Lexington on Saturday.
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