Normally, the loss of a starting quarterback, or any position for that matter, is traumatic and diminishes all hope of the team’s success, but the University of Florida is an odd exception. Jeff Driskel fractured his fibula in his right leg in the first quarter of last week’s Tennessee game. Before he left the field, he had managed to throw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Plays such as that are why Florida fans should have no reason to worry.

Jeff Driskel was the number one quarterback recruit of his class, ranked higher than Braxton Miller, Brett Hundley, and Kevin Hogan. His athleticism and potential arm talent gave scouts reason to believe he could be elite. Unfortunately, they were wrong. Driskel has been nothing but incompetent as a Gator. He’s been surrounded by numerous players that are either currently in the NFL or are bound to end up there, yet he’s failed to produce. Through his two years as a starter, including this year (16 total games), Driskel has only 19 total touchdowns. His athleticism lived up to the hype, but his arm talent- and how he decides to use it- have been difficult to watch. He often holds the ball much too long and/or makes forced, panicky throws that lead to interceptions more often than not. Luckily, Tyler Murphy is the polar opposite.

Florida’s defense is an absolute powerhouse and is arguably the best defense in the nation. Quinton Dunbar, Solomon Patton, and the Florida running game, offensive line included, make for an impressive, talented supporting cast for any quarterback. With such pieces and phenomenal defense, the Gators don’t need much more than a game managing quarterback that commits few turnovers. Tyler Murphy fits such bill.

As Driskel’s reliever against Tennessee, Murphy was 8-of-14 passing for 134 yards and a touchdown. The most impressive- and most opposite of Driskel- was the fact that he did not throw an interception. All throughout the game, Murphy showed much more poise and intelligence than Driskel ever has. Although, it doesn’t end there. Driskel’s promising athletic ability may have been the only reason he still had a starting job and his loss should have had an impact on the team’s unpredictability, but it didn’t. Murphy, who has a better understanding of when to run, flashed equal athleticism to Driskel as he ran for 84 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee.

The notion that the loss of Jeff Driskel has negatively impacted Florida’s offense is absurd. In his two games and a half of a quarter, Driskel already had three interceptions, one of them thrown within the red zone. His incompetence as a leader of a talented offense will not be missed. It is Tyler Murphy’s job now and it is his time to shine. Jeff Driskel, barring severe injury to Murphy once Driskel is healthy, will never be the Florida Gators starting quarterback again.