The No. 20 Florida Gators enter the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party with some uncertainty at quarterback. Florida's usual starter Aaron Philo missed the Texas Longhorns game after being listed as questionable. Philo was "available more in an emergency capacity" as Tramell Jones passed for 155 yards and two touchdowns in the Gators' upset win over Texas.
Now, Florida coach Jon Sumrall won't name a starter ahead of the Saturday, Oct. 31 game against the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs.
"I’m not gonna name a starter today," Sumrall said. "Like, I know that’s probably been a big point of conversation. We need both of those guys ready to play. That’s what I’ll say."
Both Philo and Jones have engineered major wins for the Gators. Philo helped Florida crush
Ole Miss at home.
Sumrall shares that "both guys are available" against Georgia. We'll see if Philo is listed on Florida's SEC availability report when that is released on Wednesday night.
Sumrall added that Jones "found himself within the game" against Texas and improved his confidence. However, Philo is not the only Florida quarterback with injury questions. Jones got beat up during Florida's win at Texas. Both Philo and Jones are taking reps and had the benefit of a bye week in preparation for Georgia.
"Philo, I think, is gonna be available from the injury," Sumrall continued. "Tramell, in full disclosure, I am not gonna tell you everything, but you go play your first game, he’s got a couple of bumps and bruises, too, now. And he had, you know, pulled the guy fresh out of that garage and he goes and plays, and he got a couple fender benders."
Much like Georgia coach Kirby Smart, Sumrall is keeping Florida's injury situation close to the vest. The Gators and Bulldogs both have to do an SEC availability report, but those do not always provide crystal clear answers on if a player will play or not.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Florida coach refuses to name starting QB ahead of Georgia game
