The Florida Gators are preparing for two quarterbacks in their week 11 matchup against LSU as starting QB Jayden Daniels suffered a head injury early in the 4th quarter against Alabama a week ago.
Daniels has completed 72.1% of his passes for 2,792 yards, 27 touchdowns, and four interceptions through nine games. The dual threat QB has also added 684 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground, cementing himself as a top candidate for the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
“He worked out this morning and it appears as though that workout went well, which is the last stage before he’s cleared for non-contact practice, so we’re expecting him to practice today,” LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly said on Wednesday morning. “If all things go well through practice today, then he’ll be cleared for contact on Thursday.”
The challenge of preparing for two quarterbacks is something that this Gators’ defense has dealt with several times this season as Utah and Vanderbilt kept Florida’s staff guessing up until game time with their unique quarterback situations.
“Part of the challenge this week will be the uncertainty around their quarterback situation. Both of these players have experience and both have done a nice job of moving the offense,” Billy Napier said during Wednesday’s teleconference.
While Daniels brings more physical tools to the table, Garrett Nussmeier is a capable quarterback in an extremely skilled LSU offense.
“I think Nussmeier obviously has been a very productive player as well,” Napier said on Monday. “I think if you really dig into the tape, when he’s been given opportunities, he’s done a nice job moving their team.”
“Nussmeier because of kind of the flow of the last couple of years has had an opportunity to play significant snaps and really play at some meaningful times,” Napier added on Wednesday. “They both do a good job of making decisions, distributing the ball. Obviously Jayden has played as good as any player in the country this year and has had some really impressive performances. Jayden’s ability to run is the great equalizer. I know I mentioned that earlier. Nussmeier knows the system, he’s accumulated reps in the system and they have fantastic front and skill players around him. Either way, it’s a great challenge there and one that is going to require us to be at our absolute best.”
With Daniels under center, the Tigers have put together one of the best offenses in college football, ranking 1st in total offense and 3rd in scoring offense in the FBS.
“I think we’ll prepare for both. They’re definitely different players, but they’re both very capable. And I think ultimately they do a nice job distributing the ball to the skill they have,” Napier said. “This group of receivers, the backs, the tight end, and I think the offensive line. That’s one of the best offenses if not the best offense in the entire country at this point.”
Brian Kelly did not name a starting quarterback during Wednesday’s teleconference, but Daniels has been cleared for a non-contact practice today and could potentially be cleared for contact ahead of LSU’s week 11 matchup with Florida.
Kelly was directly asked if Daniels was in concussion protocol. Here was his response.
“It certainly triggered our protocol for a concussion, I don’t know what the medical bar is for that,” Kelly said on Wednesday. “But I’ll tell you he has moved through these stages to the point where he has worked out this morning, ran 20 mph and today will be able to practice in a non-contact fashion. If he goes through today’s practice, then we’ll decide his preparation level relative to Nussmeier’s preparation and make the decision about who starts Saturday.”
Daniels did not practice on Tuesday.