True freshman quarterback Jeff Driskel has played in four of five games this season, but it wasn’t until the second half of the Alabama game that Gator fans got their first in-depth look at Driskel. He replaced an injured John Brantley against an Alabama defense considered one of the best in the nation. As you might expect, Driskel struggled to find his footing on such short notice, finishing just 2 of 6 for 14 yards.
In his first season at UF, Driskel is a modest 7 of 16 for 73 yards and two interceptions. The biggest play of Driskel’s young career came on a third-and-14 in the third quarter against Alabama when he flashed some of the mobility he is known for and raced 31 yards for a first down.
The Gators will need more of those kinds of plays from Driskel if he starts at No. 1-ranked LSU on Saturday as expected. If so, he’ll become only the fifth true freshman quarterback to start for the Gators, joining Wayne Peace (1980), Donald Douglas (1989), Jesse Palmer (1997) and Chris Leak (2003).
Prior to the Alabama game, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis said Driskel was firmly set as Brantley’s backup following a spotty performance at Kentucky when Driskel replaced an injured Brantley briefly late in the first half. Driskel was 0-for-3 with an interception and lost fumble, but Weis remained confident in Driskel’s ability despite some growing pains.
“He runs our team well,” Weis said. “The team is not afraid when he is in there. He can make every throw. Gaining experience, that's what he's doing. Every time he's out there it's a good thing regardless what happens because he's just gaining experience.”
by S.Carter
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