Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio will miss Saturday’s game against South Carolina due to a shoulder injury.
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Del Rio Out vs. South Carolina
Monday, Nov. 7
Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times reported the news.
Gators coach Jim McElwain told reporters he “should have made a change at halftime” during Saturday’s loss to Arkansas. Del Rio suffered the injury at some point during the first half.
The sophomore struggled throughout the game, throwing for 229 yards and two interceptions. Florida accounted for just 241 total yards and allowed Arkansas to hold possession for more than 39 minutes.
“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. I felt we’ve had really good game plans in all the games. Guys have done their jobs. I need to do mine.”
McElwain had said he planned to re-evaluate the quarterback position this week regardless of Del Rio’s injury status. Senior Austin Appleby, who started two games earlier this season when Del Rio was out, will likely get the first crack at the starting job. Freshmen Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask could also play their way into the start, but putting them into the lineup would burn a potential redshirt.
With just three regular-season games remaining, it’s likely McElwain would prefer to avoid using Franks or Trask. But with trips to LSU and Florida State remaining, the Gators could be in real trouble if they can’t find a better option under center.
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