Sophomore Tramell Jones Jr. takes over at quarterback as Florida tries to snap a two-game skid against No. 7 Texas and a defensive coordinator who used to run the Gators
AUSTIN, Texas — Tramell Jones Jr. picked a loud place for his first day at the office.
The Florida sophomore makes his first career start at quarterback today when the Gators (4-2, 2-2 SEC) visit No. 7 Texas (4-1, 1-1) at noon ET on ABC. Aaron Philo hurt his shoulder late in last week's 38-19 home loss to South Carolina and was limited in practice all week. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Jones took most of the first-team reps, and ESPN says Philo is dressed but available only in an emergency.
Both teams need this one. Florida opened 4-0 and climbed to No. 8 in the AP poll before losing to Missouri and South Carolina. Texas fell 27-24 to Oklahoma last Saturday, and No. 9 Ole Miss visits Austin next week.
Jones brings a small sample. In relief against South Carolina, he completed 6 of 8 passes for 40 yards with an interception and led one late touchdown drive. His best friend today should be Jadan Baugh, who has run for 672 yards and 12 touchdowns. Dallas Wilson leads Florida with 26 catches for 376 yards, and starting receiver Vernell Brown III (knee) is dressed, with his status unclear.
What waits for them is the problem. ESPN's Football Power Index rates the Texas defense second in the nation. Colin Simmons has 9.5 sacks, and the Longhorns allow just 2.81 yards per carry, so every yard Baugh gains will be earned in the trenches.
On the other side, Arch Manning has thrown for 1,122 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Cam Coleman has turned 17 catches into 318 yards and five scores. The same ESPN index ranks Florida's defense 79th.
Then there's the man calling the Texas defense. Will Muschamp, the Longhorns' defensive coordinator, was Florida's head coach from 2011 to 2014.
The series is short but lively. Texas leads 3-1-1, starting with a 7-7 tie in Austin in 1924. After 1940, the schools didn't meet again until 2024, when Texas won 49-17 in Austin. Florida answered 29-21 in Gainesville last October.
The programs own seven national championships between them, and five Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow for Florida, and Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams for Texas.
Our call rests on Jones starting, which is now confirmed: Texas 34, Florida 14. If Philo had been cleared to start, it would look more like Texas 32, Florida 17.
Our call: Texas 34, Florida 14.