GAINESVILLE — Florida’s latest trip to No. 7 Texas is feeling a lot like the Gators’ last fruitless visit to Austin.

A quarterback injury. A struggling team. A daunting opponent on its home field. And the possibility that a backup will look to fix what has bedeviled Florida during a pair of lopsided losses.

First-year coach Jon Sumrall hopes this version ends differently.

Sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. could make his first career start Saturday, stepping in for injured quarterback Aaron Philo as Florida (4-2, 2-2 SEC) tries to revive its attack against one of the nation’s top defenses. Philo, who injured his throwing (right) shoulder during last Saturday’s 38-19 loss to South Carolina, remains a game-time decision but appears unlikely to play.

In 2024, backup Aidan Warner stepped in for injured starter DJ Lagway against the Longhorns and was overwhelmed, throwing for 132 yards with two interceptions during a 49-17 Gators’ loss to a Texas team ranked No. 5 at the time.

Jones offers a more promising alternative to Warner, a former walk-on from Winter Park and now a UF senior. A four-star prospect out of Jacksonville, Jones pushed Philo for the starting job and offers the arm strength and poise to give Florida a chance to stretch the field — something the Gators have struggled to do consistently.

“I believe in Tramell,” Sumrall said Monday. “I think Tramell can be our starting quarterback here, and we can win football games.”

Sumrall’s declaration came two days after Philo’s injury, following a practice in which Philo did not throw. Two days later, he attempted some passes. Yet Philo was listed as questionable on Wednesday and Thursday’s SEC availability report, leaving the quarterback situation unresolved.

Quarterback uncertainty isn’t the only challenge facing Florida.

The Gators have just four touchdowns and committed four turnovers over their past two games and now face a defense ranked third overall in the SEC. Star receiver Vernell Brown III remains questionable after missing two games with a knee injury, and Bailey Stockton joined him on the injury report after recording a career-high eight catches for 127 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown last weekend.

Texas (4-1, 1-1) has allowed an SEC-low four touchdowns in the red zone, tied with Oklahoma, and just eight overall, the fewest in the conference. The Longhorns have produced 18 sacks, including a nation-leading 9 1/2 by Colin Simmons, and allow opponents to convert just 30.9% on third down — ranking third in the league in each category.

“The thing I like watching their defense right now, you can tell that they’re wired to execute at a high level, which is a challenge,” said Sumrall, a longtime defensive coach.

Former Florida head coach Will Muschamp, long considered to have one of the sport’s top defensive minds, is back in a defensive coordinator for the first time since 2015 at Auburn and calling plays for Longhorns, as he did in 2009 when Mack Brown’s team advanced to the national title game against Alabama.

Gators’ offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has a long history with Muschamp, dating to Faulkner’s sophomore season at Valdosta State, when Muschamp coordinated the defense. They later served on Kirby Smart’s Georgia staff from 2020-22, a stretch featuring back-to-back national championships.

“I’ve known him for a long time,” Faulkner said. He’s a great football coach. His fire, intensity, his passion … you see it on film. His kids are gonna play hard.”

Another buzzsaw could await a Gators’ attack that has been in retreat since producing 28 touchdowns in September.

Jones, just 19, could get the opportunity he has been waiting for. If he can seize the moment, Florida might avoid another afternoon in Austin reminiscent of the last one.

“Tramell is gonna be ready when his number is called,” Sumrall said.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

Source: Yahoo Sports