Aaron Philo starts as Florida keeps Jones available against Georgia
Philo returns from an unspecified injury, while Tramell Jones gives Florida a possible running changeup after starting in the Oct. 17 win at Texas.
Florida runs over the past three games gaining zero or losing yards
Georgia rushing yards allowed per game
Philo completion rate behind the starting decision
What Happened Florida will start Aaron Philo, back from an unspecified injury, at quarterback against No. 3 Georgia on Saturday, Oct. 31, while keeping Tramell Jones available after starting in Florida’s Oct. 17 win at Texas.
The Gators have not said whether Jones will enter the game or outlined his workload. That leaves Florida with a possible changeup against Georgia rather than a simple return to its previous starter.
For 5-2 Florida, turning its 27-24 win at Texas into an upset of 6-1 Georgia depends on finding offense from Philo, Jones or both against a defense allowing 91.4 rushing yards per game. Georgia averages 43 points, leaving little room for the early-down losses that have bogged down the Gators.
Tim Tebow backed the decision to start Philo while pointing to Jones’ different skill set.
“I might not even be shocked to see both of them in the huddle at a certain point because I think Tramell adds something unique to this offense.”
Tim Tebow> “Well, I think it’s a really good decision to start Aaron if he’s healthy, and I think Tramell Jones is also an added asset to this offense because of his skill set,” Tebow said.
Why This One Matters Philo has completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has 104 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Jones showed what Florida can get from a second quarterback in the Texas win, completing 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns while running for 41 yards. Tebow described Jones as an added asset because of his skill set.
Florida averages 194.3 rushing yards per game, fourth in the SEC, and Jadan Baugh has 763 yards and 13 touchdowns. But 31% of Florida’s carries over its past three games have gained zero or lost yards. Baugh had 13 yards in the Oct. 3 loss at Missouri and 59 in the Oct. 10 loss to South Carolina.
That is the problem against Georgia’s front. Tebow put it plainly:
> “In the last three games, 31% of Florida's runs have gone for no yards or negative yards. You do not beat Georgia that way ever. Georgia's way too good. They're way too physical. So, I think they've got to find a way to get the running game early.”
What Most People Are Missing The decision may not be limited to which quarterback takes the first snap. Jones could give Florida designed-run or option looks that make Georgia account for the quarterback and keep the Bulldogs from loading up against Baugh.
Tebow said a two-quarterback look would not surprise him.
> “I wouldn’t be shocked to see both quarterbacks play in this game,” Tebow said. “I might not even be shocked to see both of them in the huddle at a certain point because I think Tramell adds something unique to this offense.”
Receiver availability could shape how much of the passing game Florida can use. Eric Singleton Jr., Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III have logged only five snaps together this season, according to Tebow. Brown moved from probable to questionable Friday, while Bailey Stockton moved to questionable. Philo and Jones were upgraded to probable Friday.
Next Man Up Jones remains Florida’s meaningful alternative after starting in the win at Texas, though the Gators have not confirmed that he will take a snap against Georgia. He gives Jon Sumrall a runner who can change the picture without requiring Philo to leave the game for good.
What the Coaches Can Actually Change Florida can use Jones selectively, get the ball to Brown on screens if he is available, or spread Georgia before turning to Baugh. The priority is more modest than piling up one big rushing total: avoid the zero- and negative-yard plays that put the Gators behind schedule.
The Pate State Read Philo has earned the start with his 70.5% completion rate and nine touchdown passes. But Jones’ Texas performance gives Florida a credible second answer against a Georgia defense built to punish a one-dimensional run game.
Watch Florida’s opening drives for Jones’ involvement, its rate of runs stopped at or behind the line and whether Singleton, Wilson and Brown share the field. The unsettled part is how many answers Florida can put around Philo.
01 · The Open QuestionsQuestions to Be Answered
How much will Florida use Tramell Jones against Georgia?
Jones started the Oct. 17 win at Texas and completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns while running for 41 yards. Florida has not said whether he will enter against Georgia or outlined his workload. His opening-drive involvement would show whether the Gators plan to use the designed-run or option looks Tebow described.
Can Florida get its ground game out of negative plays?
Florida averages 194.3 rushing yards per game, fourth in the SEC, but 31% of its carries over the past three games have gained zero or lost yards. Baugh had 13 yards at Missouri and 59 against South Carolina. Against a Georgia defense allowing 91.4 rushing yards per game, the early-down run results will determine whether Florida stays on schedule.
Will Florida have its full receiver combination available?
Eric Singleton Jr., Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown III have logged only five snaps together this season, according to Tebow. Brown moved from probable to questionable Friday, while Bailey Stockton also moved to questionable. Whether Singleton, Wilson and Brown share the field against Georgia will show how much of the passing game Philo and Jones can access.
02 · The Watch ListWhat to Watch Next
Does Tramell Jones enter on the opening drives?
Florida has not confirmed that Jones will take a snap, but he gives the Gators designed-run or option looks and a way to change the picture for Georgia.
Can Florida avoid runs stopped at or behind the line?
Thirty-one percent of Florida’s carries over its past three games have gained zero or lost yards. Georgia allows 91.4 rushing yards per game, and Florida wants to get the running game early.
Do Singleton, Wilson and Brown share the field?
The three receivers have logged only five snaps together this season. Brown was questionable Friday, and receiver availability could shape how much of the passing game Florida can use.