Aaron Philo to Start for Florida vs. Georgia
No. 17 Florida (5-2, 3-2 SEC) is expected to return to its original starting quarterback as it prepares for one of its biggest tests of the season.
Junior Aaron Philo is expected to start Saturday against No. 3 Georgia (6-1, 4-1 SEC), according to Gators Online Zach Abolverdi. Philo suffered a shoulder injury during Florida’s homecoming loss to South Carolina on OCt. 10 and spent the following three weeks working his way back to the lineup.
His return comes as Florida prepares for its first Atlanta meeting with Georgia. The Gators enter the rivalry matchup looking to build on the momentum from their 27-24 win over Texas on Oct. 17.
For Philo, Saturday’s game also means a return to a familiar setting. The Georgia native last started at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during his senior year of high school, when he led his team to a state championship victory.
“It’s definitely a core memory in here,” Philo said. “It’s definitely one of the greatest venues in my eyes. Great stadium, brings a lot of energy, so it’ll be awesome to play in there.”
Philo was under center during Florida’s 4-0 start, helping the Gators climb to No. 8 in the AP Top 25. Through his first six games, he completed 71.2% of his passes for 1,341 yards and nine touchdowns while adding three scores on the ground.
Missing the Texas game marked the first time in Philo’s career that an injury forced him to sit out. While he was disappointed he couldn’t take the field, he said his shoulder is feeling good heading into the Georgia matchup.
“It was definitely tough and frustrating, because I’m a competitor and I want to be out there,” Philo said. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me to be out there last week against Texas, but I’m ready to get back out there and play again.”
With Philo sidelined against Texas, sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. received his first career start. Jones completed 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns, helping Florida overcome a 14-point deficit to secure the road victory.
Philo was among the first to congratulate Jones following the performance. He said Jones settled into the game after the opening dries, showing poise and doing a good job commanding the offense.
Despite the significance of the rivalry and the opportunity to play close to home, Philo said the Gators cannot let the atmosphere become a distraction.
“Florida, Georgia, it’s different, and anybody that says that it’s not is crazy,” Philo said. “But at the end of the day, you can’t make it bigger than it is. Got to go out there and play great football game and execute the play.”
The Gators face Georgia Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ABC with coverage starting at 12:30 p.m. on WRUF.
Category: Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Football
