Notebook: Mullen talks Florida Gators quarterback controversy

Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen spoke to the media on Monday following a second consecutive loss over the weekend to Missouri. He gave some more insight into his plan at quarterback for the South Carolina game and what it will take to put things back together.

Here’s what he said:

• A bunch of guys are banged up right now, but none expected to miss Saturday’s game. Some players may just be limited in practices this week.

• Jacob Copeland is back from his knee injury. With just four games left, he can play the rest of the way and still redshirt.

• Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask graded within one point of each other against Missouri.

• On which QB will start: “We’ll see how this week’s practices go.”

• Mullen said Trask and Franks are similar quarterbacks. He thinks Franks’ arm is a bit stronger and Trask is a bit more physical.

• The game plan for this week is still being put together. “We might play two quarterbacks. We might play three.”

• On Emory Jones: “There’s an injustice to putting guys out there before they’re completely ready to play.”

• Mullen said he didn’t see a lack of physical effort against Missouri, but maybe a lack of mental effort.

• Offensive line play has been down the last few games, but Mullen said the depth is just not there right now to make changes.

• On Saturday’s fan turnout: “I’m not disappointed in any of the fan base. I think they’ve tried to buy in ever since we got here.”

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.