Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Bulldogs expecting to face backup QB Zaire
GAINESVILLE Quarterback Malik Zaire did not leave Notre Dame for the Florida Gators to hold a clipboard.
Zaire came to Gainesville looking to end his college career on a high note and bring much-needed experience and playmaking ability to a position in dire need of both.
Instead, the 22-year-old has not played since a season-opening loss to Michigan. He now enters the home stretch of his final regular season seemingly stuck on the sideline.
But maybe there still is time for Zaire. Entering Saturday’s matchup with unbeaten Georgia (7-0, 4-0 SEC), Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart thinks the timing would be perfect for the Gators (3-3, 3-2) to use him.
“I certainly expect to see Malik Zaire — he’s a good athlete,” Smart said.
At this point, the struggling Gators — losers of two straight games and twotouchdown underdogs — have little to lose by changing the pace with Zaire.
A kitchen-sink approach Saturday, featuring some trick plays and, perhaps, a quarterback switch at some point, might be the Gators’ only shot against Georgia. The Bulldogs have won four conference games by an average margin of 31.3 points.
While Zaire’s college career winds down and redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks struggles, McElwain said there could be a point where Zaire gets another chance.
“There will be,” McElwain said. “If he keeps continuing to work and getting a little bit better.”
Asked if Zaire simply does not fit the style of offense UF runs, McElwain was equally vague.
“He’ll continue to work the way it’s been and get his opportunities when and if that comes up,” McElwain said.
Meanwhile, Franks’ struggles intensified during close losses to LSU and Texas A&M.
Explosive sophomore Tyrie Cleveland’s ankle injury left Franks without his top down-field threat in those games. Even if Cleveland returns to the lineup as expected Saturday, Franks will have to be much sharper against the nation’s thirdranked defense.
Against LSU and A&M, Franks totaled 243 passing yards on 43 attempts, failing to complete a pass longer than 20 yards. He also took 10 sacks.
McElwain said Franks worked during the bye week on seeing the field better and not focusing on his primary receiver.
“Just take your one cue and move from there and throw it to those guys that are open,” McElwain said.
UF’s receivers also have to do a better job winning one-on-one matchups to help Franks.
“We’ve faltered at one point,” receivers coach Kerry Dixon said. “But we took some practices and corrected some of the mistakes. We just have to continue to hone our technique and our skills and continue to get open on the outside.”
A loss Saturday would end the Gators’ slim chances to defend their SEC East title.
If Franks continues to struggle, McElwain might have to bench the 19-year-old for the third time this season.
The first time, against Michigan, Zaire replaced Franks and failed to ignite the offense, ending the day 9-of-17 passing for 106 yards and five sacks. Zaire also fumbled twice, one leading to a Michigan touchdown in the UF end zone.