Florida Gators coach Will Muschamp, who many believe is coaching for his job, made the decision to bench starting quarterback Jeff Driskel in favor of true freshman Treon Harris, ESPN reports.
Driskel has struggled significantly during the last month of Florida's season. The junior signal caller has thrown at least two interceptions in each of the Gators last four games. He has 12 turnovers in his last 14 quarters.
"[Harris] is getting all the reps right now," Muschamp said, "and Jeff is certainly going to have a role in that game."
Florida will face the No. 9-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1 SEC) on Nov. 1 after their bye week.
The Gators (3-3, 2-3 SEC) have lost two straight games including an embarrassing 42-13 blowout loss to Missouri on Sunday in which boos and "Fire Muschamp" chants were audible from the crowd. The loss was so bad that it inspired former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow to question the team's leadership and criticize the offense.
Harris sparked the offense when he entered in the fourth quarters of games against Tennessee and Missouri. He was suspended while police investigated an accusation of sexual battery by another UF student but reinstate five days later when the accuser withdrew her complaint. The suspension came directly after Harris led the Gators to a comeback win at Tennessee.
Harris went 8-of-12 for 98 yards, a touchdown and an interception against Missouri. He scored another touchdown on the ground.
"You saw what he did late in the game," Muschamp said Wednesday. "He has a knack for making plays and making some good things happen for our football team. We've struggled with production at the quarterback position, and that's been an issue for us along with others. Been a huge issue for us.
"He's got a much better understanding as we continue to move forward. We've got an open week now where he's getting a bunch of reps. Jeff's still going to have a role on our football team as a quarterback. Right now we feel like that was the best move moving forward."
