Florida QB Jones to replace Philo against Oklahoma

Florida head coach Jon Sumrall confirmed on Tuesday that the Gators will alter their quarterback lineup for the upcoming game against Oklahoma.

Tramell Jones Jr. is expected to make his second career start when the No. 24 Florida team hosts the Sooners on Saturday night, according to a source who spoke to ESPN.

The decision follows a 27-8 loss to Georgia on Saturday, where Aaron Philo threw two interceptions. Sumrall benched Philo after the second pick, inserting Jones in the second quarter.

Jones committed two additional turnovers during his time on the field, though one was negated by a penalty. Despite the turnover issues, Sumrall stated he has a plan already in motion for the offense.

The coaching staff faces a difficult evaluation because the offensive line has struggled to protect the pocket. Sumrall noted that the pressure makes it hard to determine which quarterback gives the team a better chance.

"I don't know if Tom Brady was our quarterback on Saturday if it would have helped us," Sumrall said. "And I'm not trying to be a smart aleck. He would have been under too much duress and pressure to operate."

Jones has completed 70.8% of his passes for 579 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has 77 rushing yards and a score. His previous start came at Texas last month, where he won on the road against a top-10 team, a feat not matched by a Florida quarterback since Jesse Palmer in 1997.

Philo, who is dealing with an injury that may require offseason surgery, has completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,367 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. He has also rushed for 104 yards and three touchdowns.

The Gators are 5-3 overall and 3-3 in the SEC. Oklahoma enters the game with a 4-4 record and a 2-3 mark in the conference. The matchup is set for Saturday night in the Swamp.