By David Jones, Florida Today
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Florida football coach Will Muschamp said Monday that Jeff Driskel will start at quarterback Saturday as the Gators visit Texas A&M in both teams' Southeastern Conference opener.
"I told Jeff I don't want you looking over your shoulder but you need to play well,'' Muschamp said.
"He wants me to play loose and calm so that's what I'm going to do," Driskel said. "He told me today I was going to play. He told me the choice wasn't just based on Saturday, through out camp and through out practice they had been evaluating us for a while.''
Driskel completed 10 of 16 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown in the season-opening 27-14 win against Bowling Green. He shared the job with Jacoby Brissett last week.
"I just felt like at this time it's good to name one guy and go with it,'' Muschamp said.
He said Driskel's ability to make things happen running with the ball "played a big part'' in the decision.
"I think right now in the development of our offense, that's something that's going to benefit us,'' Muschamp said.
He added Brissett needed to understand "he's one snap way.''
Brissett "wasn't very happy'' when being told he was No. 2, the coach said.
"I would expect that,'' Muschamp said.
Brissett was the No. 2 quarterback last season behind John Brantley, after Driskel started the season as the backup. Now it's Brissett, also a sophomore, who must take a back seat. Driskel said he planned to talk to his teammate but that the conversation would remain private.
"Obviously it was tough,'' Driskel said of falling behind Brissett last year. "But I didn't let it get to me too much. At first I was real upset and going through a little tough time. But I had the support of family and friends and just stayed working hard.''
