Florida quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg, the son of former Detroit Lions head coach Marty Mornhinweg who now serves as the New York Jets' offensive coordinator, could be pressed into action Saturday when the Gators visit South Carolina.
Mornhinweg entered the season as UF's No. 3 quarterback and has never thrown a pass in a college game, but he could be throwing his first under duress when facing Gamecocks star Jadeveon Clowney this weekend. UF starter Jeff Driskel was lost for the season with a knee injury earlier this season, setting up Mornhinweg as the No. 2 behind Driskel's replacement, Tyler Murphy. However, a shoulder injury Murphy sustained in an embarrassing home loss to Vanderbilt Saturday has Mornhinweg on the brink of his first career start.
Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease called Murphy's playing status "a game-time decision" Tuesday, according to the Twitter feed of Gatorsports.com beat writer Robbie Andreu. Murphy himself said "most likely not" when asked if he would be ready.
Mornhinweg is a redshirt freshman. He began warming up on the sideline Saturday after Murphy was hurt, but was never sent to the huddle. South Carolina must beat the Gators to keep pace with Missouri in the SEC East, in hopes of reaching the SEC Championship Game. Florida, meanwhile, is playing for pride and slimming hopes for a bowl bid.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread.*
