Franks remains Gators’ starting QB

GAINESVILLE — After being benched during Saturday’s 33-17 loss to Michigan, redshirt freshman

will get his second start at quarterback. “We’ll go back with Feleipe,” UF coach said. “That was kind of the plan.” Franks beat out veterans and

during preseason camp. The 19-year-old looked like the right choice early against the Wolverines. Franks completed a perfect 34-yard toss to receiver

on the game’s second play. But Franks’ inexperience soon began to show.

On the next play, Franks fumbled the snap but recovered it. Later, Franks tripped after receiving the snap and lost seven yards.

Following a fumble on a third-down scramble by Franks, McElwain turned to Zaire, a graduate transfer from Notre Dame. Franks finished 5-of-9 passing for 75 yards. Meanwhile, Zaire finished 9-of-17 passing for 106 yards while taking five sacks. He also fumbled two times, the second leading to Michigan’s final touchdown.

“I thought Malik, he was looking probably to get out of the pocket first before delivering the ball,” McElwain said. “... That’s something he has to get better at.”

The UF coach did not say whether Franks would be the long-term plan at quarterback and planned to keep evaluating the position group.

No. 17 UF vs. Northern Colorado, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., SEC Network

Franks Zaire Josh Hammond Next game: Luke Del Rio Feleipe Jim McElwain Malik