GAINESVILLE — After Florida freshman Jeff Driskel lost a fumble and threw an interception on a tipped pass vs. Kentucky, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis was understanding. With starter John Brantley getting checked out because of an injury, Driskel had two turnovers on his first two drives.
Getting experience was what was important, Weis said after that September win. The No. 17 Gators (4-1, 2-1 SEC) head to No. 1 LSU this week with Driskel expected to start at quarterback and will find out just how far Driskel has come in four games.
Brantley will not play after suffering a leg injury, reported to be a high ankle sprain, against Alabama last week, coach Will Muschamp announced Monday.
"Him having played before, been in the fire before, certainly will help him on game day," Muschamp said of Driskel.
The former Oviedo Hagerty standout will be the first true freshman to start for Florida since Chris Leak in 2003 and just the fifth in program history. His elevation to starter comes as coaches tried to prepare this season in case of an injury to Brantley, a senior.
Brantley left Saturday's game vs. Alabama late in the second quarter after sacks on consecutive plays deep in Alabama territory. On the second one, LB Courtney Upshaw took Brantley down with Brantley's right leg tucked beneath him.
Muschamp classified Brantley's injury only as a lower leg injury and said surgery is not required. Brantley was seen on campus Monday with a protective boot on his right leg and on crutches.
Muschamp also indicated that Driskel might have sprained his ankle in the Alabama game but said he was fine.
Driskel is 7-for-16 for 73 yards with two interceptions in four games. He has also rushed for 26 yards. The Gators played him in the first half of the season opener vs. FAU before they pulled away because the coaches said they wanted to get him experience with the game in the balance.
Undoubtedly, it will be a different experience to go to Baton Rouge, La., facing the top-ranked team in the country and the No. 4 defense in the SEC. Muschamp said he expects the team to respond well.
"He's an outstanding athlete and an outstanding quarterback," Muschamp said. "He's a guy that can give you some variety as far as escaping the pocket and evading the rush, so that's a positive."
Driskel was the consensus top quarterback in the country, the Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida and the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year at Hagerty. He brings a different skill set than Brantley's, with the ability to make plays with his legs in addition to his arm strength.
Muschamp said true freshman Jacoby Brissett and redshirt freshman Tyler Murphy would both get reps in practice this week as well. Running back Trey Burton, who played quarterback last year, could continue to get snaps in the wildcat formation against LSU.
Driskel has already faced the conference's best overall defense in playing the second half vs. Alabama on Saturday. After the game, his teammates expressed nothing but confidence in his ability to take over the position.
"Driskel, he has a strong arm," said receiver Andre Debose. "Just like we tell him all the time, 'We trust you man, so just go out there and be you: Driskel, a great player.' "
Getting experience was what was important, Weis said after that September win. The No. 17 Gators (4-1, 2-1 SEC) head to No. 1 LSU this week with Driskel expected to start at quarterback and will find out just how far Driskel has come in four games.
Brantley will not play after suffering a leg injury, reported to be a high ankle sprain, against Alabama last week, coach Will Muschamp announced Monday.
"Him having played before, been in the fire before, certainly will help him on game day," Muschamp said of Driskel.
The former Oviedo Hagerty standout will be the first true freshman to start for Florida since Chris Leak in 2003 and just the fifth in program history. His elevation to starter comes as coaches tried to prepare this season in case of an injury to Brantley, a senior.
Brantley left Saturday's game vs. Alabama late in the second quarter after sacks on consecutive plays deep in Alabama territory. On the second one, LB Courtney Upshaw took Brantley down with Brantley's right leg tucked beneath him.
Muschamp classified Brantley's injury only as a lower leg injury and said surgery is not required. Brantley was seen on campus Monday with a protective boot on his right leg and on crutches.
Muschamp also indicated that Driskel might have sprained his ankle in the Alabama game but said he was fine.
Driskel is 7-for-16 for 73 yards with two interceptions in four games. He has also rushed for 26 yards. The Gators played him in the first half of the season opener vs. FAU before they pulled away because the coaches said they wanted to get him experience with the game in the balance.
Undoubtedly, it will be a different experience to go to Baton Rouge, La., facing the top-ranked team in the country and the No. 4 defense in the SEC. Muschamp said he expects the team to respond well.
"He's an outstanding athlete and an outstanding quarterback," Muschamp said. "He's a guy that can give you some variety as far as escaping the pocket and evading the rush, so that's a positive."
Driskel was the consensus top quarterback in the country, the Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida and the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year at Hagerty. He brings a different skill set than Brantley's, with the ability to make plays with his legs in addition to his arm strength.
Muschamp said true freshman Jacoby Brissett and redshirt freshman Tyler Murphy would both get reps in practice this week as well. Running back Trey Burton, who played quarterback last year, could continue to get snaps in the wildcat formation against LSU.
Driskel has already faced the conference's best overall defense in playing the second half vs. Alabama on Saturday. After the game, his teammates expressed nothing but confidence in his ability to take over the position.
"Driskel, he has a strong arm," said receiver Andre Debose. "Just like we tell him all the time, 'We trust you man, so just go out there and be you: Driskel, a great player.' "
