A Quarterback... Finally

Today, Will Muschamp finally announced a starting quarterback for the 2012 edition of the UF football team. The decision, unsurprising after Saturday's pitiful win against Bowling Green, was Jeff Driskel.

Going into the game, Muschamp promised the contenders a quarter to demonstrate why each should be given the keys to drive the bus (hopefully, not over the cliff that seemed imminent last year). Neither Driskel nor Jacoby Brissett put on the display that Florida fans were hoping to see. The next Tebow or Wuerffel did not magically appear; both looked little improved over last year.

The fact that the team had no starting quarterback this weekend, that both were so evenly matched that they were on the field simultaneously to take the first offensive snap of the game, is concerning. I was hopeful that the lack of a named quarterback meant that Driskel and Brissett were both setting the practice field on fire and the coaches had an abundance of riches to choose from. After watching them both play, I'm going to guess that was not the case.

Not to say that Jeff Driskel didn't settle down and look competent. He did. He also had major issues against a team that in no way resembles the superb defenses he will face the rest of the year. His running ability looked better than average, which is definitely an advantage, but it must first be paired with a passing threat. Through the majority of the game, Bowling Green was less than intimated by by a deep ball, often stacking the box with eight or nine guys at a time. If LSU, or even this week's Texas A&M team, feel that the they can concentrate solely on the running game, we are in for a world of hurt.

Hopefully, having a starting quarterback will eliminate some of the stupid penalties that plagued the team on Saturday. The announcers, on multiple occasions, blamed two "different voices" for some of the false start penalties. We'll see. Those of us who follow this team are more concerned that it indicates the same lack of discipline that we've seen the past couple of years. This team, unlike SEC Championship teams of the past, is not good enough to overcome 10+ penalties every game.

I think Jeff Driskel is good enough that this team will challenge for the SEC East title, like it should every year. Having a week of practice where you get all the first team snaps can't hurt.

This team faces a huge test this week. Not only is it the first road game of the season, but it is Texas A&M's introduction into the world of Big Boy Football in the SEC. GameDay will be there. The 12th Man will be out in full force.

Hopefully Jeff Driskel can handle the pressure. If not, this battle may not be over for long.