Florida Gators Turn To Tramell Jones Jr. At Quarterback Against Oklahoma

A Change Under Center

No. 24 Florida is making a switch at quarterback for Saturday night's home game against Oklahoma. Tramell Jones Jr. is expected to make his second career start for the Gators.

Head coach Jon Sumrall updated the depth chart on Monday to place an "or" between Jones and Aaron Philo. Sumrall stated he had a plan that is already kind of in motion and in place.

The decision comes after Philo was benched during a 27-8 loss to Georgia on Saturday. Philo threw two interceptions early in the game. His first turnover occurred on the opening series when he stumbled trying to avoid a sack and threw an underhand pass toward the sideline. Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV intercepted the pass. Sumrall said he had never seen a play like that before. Philo was benched after throwing another interception two drives later.

Protection Problems in the Swamp

Jones entered the game in the second quarter against Georgia. He committed two turnovers, and a third turnover was negated by a penalty.

Sumrall noted that evaluating the quarterbacks is tough because Florida's offensive line has been so porous. It makes it hard to tell which player gives the Gators a better chance against the Sooners.

"I don't know if Tom Brady was our quarterback on Saturday if it would have helped us," Sumrall said. "He would have been under too much duress and pressure to operate."

Comparing the Quarterback Stats

Jones won his previous start at Texas last month while filling in for Philo, who had a shoulder injury. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions against the Longhorns. Jones became the first Florida quarterback since Jesse Palmer in 1997 to win his first career start on the road against a top ten team.

On the season, Jones has completed 70.8% of his passes for 579 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has rushed for 77 yards and one score. Sumrall said recently that Jones is dealing with an injury that might require offseason surgery.

Philo has completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,367 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. He also has 104 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Florida enters the weekend at 5-3 overall and 3-3 in SEC play, while Oklahoma comes in at 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the conference.

What it means for the next game

Oklahoma Sooners at Florida Gators (College Football, Sun, 08 Nov): Florida Gators win 67%, Oklahoma Sooners win 33%; projected score Florida Gators 27, Oklahoma Sooners 20. Our safest pick: Florida to win.

Florida Gators at Kentucky Wildcats (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Kentucky Wildcats win 49%, Florida Gators win 51%; projected score Kentucky Wildcats 29, Florida Gators 27. Our safest pick: Kentucky +8.5.