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Treon Harris named Florida's starting quarterback

Treon Harris named Florida's starting quarterback

True freshman quarterback Treon Harris is now Florida’s starter.

Coach Will Muschamp announced the move Wednesday stating that Harris, who replaces fourth-year junior Jeff Driskel, has performed better during his opportunities.

"You saw what he did late in the game," Muschamp said. "He has a knack for making plays and making some good things happen for our football team. We've struggled with production at the quarterback position, and that's been an issue for us along with others. Been a huge issue for us.”

Harris was suspended the week after leading Florida to a come-from-behind 10-9 victory at Tennessee after police began investigating an alleged sexual assault. Harris was reinstated five days later after the accuser withdrew her complaint.

Florida’s offense has been abysmal this season. It’s scoring offense ranks 12th in the SEC and its total offense is 11th. Driskel has had 12 turnovers in 14 quarters this year. The latest offensive debacle came in a 42-13 loss to Missouri last weekend. Missouri scored on a kickoff return, a punt return, a fumble return and an interception return. It only managed seven first downs and 119 yards of offense, but took advantage of Florida’s multitude of mistakes. In the third quarter — of the homecoming game no less — fans started to boo Driskel and chant for Muschamp’s firing.

With a bye this week, Muschamp is hoping Harris can inject some energy into his offense as it prepares to face No. 9 Georgia on Nov. 1.

While Muschamp said Harris is the starter, he did note that Driskel would have some role in the game, though he didn’t specify what that would be.

"(Harris) got a much better understanding as we continue to move forward. We've got an open week now where he's getting a bunch of reps. Jeff's still going to have a role on our football team as a quarterback. Right now we feel like that was the best move moving forward."

For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!

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