UF’s coach Mullen stands by embattled quarterback Franks

GAINESVILLE – Two things we learned during Gators' 48-10 win against Colorado State:

1. Coach Dan Mullen plans to stick with quarterback Feleipe Franks.

Mullen made it clear after Saturday’s win Franks is not on a short leash. Mullen plans to stick with his choice at QB through thick and thin.

Things looked bleak for Franks during the opening quarter Saturday in the Swamp.

Boos rained down on the much-maligned redshirt sophomore during the game’s opening 15 minutes. Franks would end the quarter 0-of-6 passing, with an interception and a minus-33.3 QB rating.

Following the game, Mullen even made light of his quarterback’s nightmarish start.

“He did complete one, just not to our team,” Mullen joked.

Franks kept his coach’s faith because he weathered the adversity.

If a time comes when the 20-year-old gives in to his doubts and doubters, Mullen might consider making a change. Until then, Franks will be under center for the Gators.

“I told him this, if he goes out there and throws a bunch of picks he throws a bunch of picks,” Mullen said. “If he pouts about it and whines about it and stops taking coaching and drops his head, I might pull

him. But I’m not going to pull him for throwing picks or making mistakes.”

2. The pass rush has potential.

Expected to be relentless off the edge of in Todd Grantham’s 3-4 alignment, the Gators failed to record a single hurry during a loss to Kentucky and their elusive QB, Terry Wilson.

On Saturday, UF tallied five sacks and six quarterback hurries to slow down a CSU passing attack averaging 369 yards.

UF had three sacks during the second quarter - 2.5 by Jabari Zuniga. After Zuniga dumped Rams’ quarterback K.J. CartaSamuels for a 7-yard loss at the CSU 28, UF freshman Amari Burney blocked a punt recovered in the end zone by Tyrie Cleveland.