Florida Preparing Backup QB to Start Against No. 7 Texas Longhorns

The Florida Gators have lost two straight games heading into a tough matchup against the No. 7 Texas Longhorns. The Gators' matchup could be more challenging, as backup quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. could get the start.

Starting quarterback Aaron Philo is dealing with a shoulder injury and may miss time, which would make Jones the starter. Philo has been solid for Florida, completing 70.5 percent of his passes for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions, while rushing for 144 yards and three touchdowns.

Jones has appeared in two games for the Gators, completing 23 of 29 passes (79.3 percent) for 252 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also rushed for 25 yards on five carries.

To ease the pressure off Jones, they will need to lean on star running back Jadan Baugh. Baugh and the run game have struggled in the last two weeks, as he ran for 13 yards on 12 carries against the Missouri Tigers and 59 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Baugh is one of the best running backs in the country, as he's rushed for 672 yards and 12 touchdowns while catching seven passes for 46 yards.

Establishing the run against the Longhorns is pivotal to any chance of upsetting one of the top teams in the country. In the passing attack, Florida could also be without wide receivers Vernell Brown Jr. and Bailey Stockton due to injuries. 

Brown has been a quality weapon with 17 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns, while Stockton has 23 receptions for 258 yards and two touchdowns. If they are out, Dallas Wilson will need to have an even bigger role in the offseason. This season, Wilson has 26 receptions for 376 yards and three touchdowns.

The Gators' offense has put up fewer than 20 points in their last two matchups, and if they do that against Texas, it will be tough to win the game. The Longhorns have a talented offense led by Arch Manning and Cam Coleman.

Manning has completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,122 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions while rushing for 102 yards. His top target, Cam Coleman, has been dynamic, catching 17 passes for 318 yards and five touchdowns.

It will be a challenge for Florida to get stops, which could leave Jones and the Gators vulnerable. The game could turn into a shootout if Baugh is productive and allows Jones to settle in if Philo is unable to go.