Aaron Philo to Start for Florida Against Georgia

No. 17 Florida will start Aaron Philo at quarterback against No. 3 Georgia on October 31 in Atlanta. The junior is returning after a right shoulder injury kept him out of Florida’s 27-24 win over then-No. 7 Texas. During the week, Florida listed Philo and reserve Tramell Jones Jr. as questionable, while coach Jon Sumrall said the decision would hinge on their health and availability.

Jones opened against Texas and connected on 22 of 35 passes for 155 yards, with a pair of scoring throws and zero interceptions. He added 10 carries for 41 yards, including a third-down run that helped Florida run out the clock. Jones has since been dealing with what Sumrall described as a couple of bumps and bruises, and he could still play against Georgia. Sumrall has said he believes Florida can win with either quarterback.

Philo was Florida’s starter through its opening six contests, completing 70.5% of his throws for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. He was injured late in a loss to South Carolina on October 10, then missed the Texas game. The Florida native played at Georgia Tech before transferring to Gainesville. Receiver Vernell Brown III is expected back after missing three games with a knee injury; receiver Bailey Stockton and linebacker Jaden Robinson are listed as doubtful.

Florida is 5-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC; Georgia is 6-1 and 4-1. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, with ABC airing the game from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It is the first time the rivalry has been played in Atlanta while Jacksonville’s EverBank Stadium undergoes renovations.