Gators: New QB will start

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida will start its third quarterback of the season Saturday at Missouri.

Interim coach Randy Shannon announced Thursday that graduate transfer Malik Zaire will start against the Tigers (3-5, 0-4 Southeastern Conference), a game the Gators (3-4, 3-3) probably need to win to make a bowl this season.

Zaire replaces redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks, who was benched in three of six starts.

“This is his opportunity to get this team where it needs to be and not to be satisfied just because he’s the starter,” Shannon said in a released statement. “Today is an opportunity for him to run the offense and understand the expectations that we have for him.

“This is not a time for him to feel comfortable and feel like he’s made it. We want him to keep grinding and understand that competition is very good.”

Zaire has played in two lopsided losses this season, completing 12 of 23 passes for 142 yards. He was sacked five times in the opener against Michigan but looked much more comfortable against Georgia’s backups last Saturday.

Former coach Jim McElwain and embattled offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier added Zaire to Florida’s quarterback room in June, an indication they weren’t completely satisfied with Franks and Luke Del Rio.