The University of Florida, looking to avoid its second straight late-season swoon, will have to rely on a new quarterback to take them home.
Starter Luke Del Rio is out for Saturday’s game against South Carolina with an injured shoulder. That leaves transfer Austin Appleby to start for the Gators. Freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask could see playing time.
Florida coach Jim McElwain said he was planning to evaluate the quarterback position even before Del Rio’s injury. Del Rio threw for only 229 yards and two interceptions.
Appleby started two games earlier in the season, losing to Tennessee and barely beating Vanderbilt.
“I haven’t played well,” Del Rio told reporters. “I haven’t taken care of the ball. I need to be consistent with my decision-making and my accuracy.”
The Gators play South Carolina Saturday. They still have to travel to LSU and FSU later in the year.