Florida coach Will Muschamp named true freshman Treon Harris as the new starting quarterback over struggling Jeff Driskel.
Harris replaces fourth-year junior Driskel, who has struggled in the Gators’ last four games including an embarrassing 42-13 homecoming defeat to Missouri last Saturday. Fans booed Driskel and chanted “Fire Muschamp” during the game.
“(Harris) is getting all the reps right now,” Muschamp said Wednesday, “and Jeff is certainly going to have a role in that game.”
The Gators (3-3, 2-3 SEC) have a bye week before facing No. 9 Georgia (6-1, 4-1) on Nov. 1 in Jacksonville, Fla.
Driskel has 12 turnovers during the past four games, including six during consecutive home losses to LSU and Missouri.
Harris was suspended after leading Florida to a come-from-behind 10-9 victory at Tennessee on Oct. 4 after police investigated an accusation of sexual battery from another university student. Harris was reinstated five days later when the accuser withdrew her complaint.
Harris sat in the coaches booth during the 30-27 loss to LSU on Oct. 11 and then returned to the field against Missouri. He was 8-of-12 passing for 98 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also ran for a touchdown and lost a fumble on a first-quarter sack.
“You saw what he did late in the game,” Muschamp said Wednesday of Harris. “He has a knack for making plays and making some good things happen for our football team. We’ve struggled with production at the quarterback position, and that’s been an issue for us along with others. Been a huge issue for us.
“He’s got a much better understanding as we continue to move forward. We’ve got an open week now where he’s getting a bunch of reps. Jeff’s still going to have a role on our football team as a quarterback. Right now we feel like that was the best move moving forward.”
Harris will being to trying to save the Gators season and possibly his coach’s job.
Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said Monday that he would continue to evaluate Muschamp.
“At the beginning of the season, we said we would evaluate the season as it plays out,” Foley said in a statement. “We will continue to do so. Our sole focus right now is supporting our coaching staff and players as they prepare for Georgia.”
Muschamp is in his fourth season and was 4-8 a year ago. The Gators have lost 10 of 13 games as Muschamp’s record sits at 25-19 at Florida, including 15-14 in conference games.