Redshirt senior Mackenzi Adams led Vanderbilt to a road victory over then-No. 6 South Carolina in his first career start in 2007.
He peaked early.
Since then, Adams struggled to hold off Chris Nickson as the team's starting quarterback while passing for 1,925 yards, 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in his sophomore and junior seasons combined.
Sophomore Larry Smith usurped him as the Commodores' starting signal caller this year and showed signs of promise as a passer and runner.
But Smith tore his hamstring last week against Georgia Tech, and Adams will once again be Vanderbilt's starting quarterback this weekend against Florida.
"Somebody has to step up and take the place of those players you were counting on," Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. "You have to prepare them the best you can when that happens and try to dig deep down in your depth, or lack of depth whatever you want to call it, and try to get some players ready to go."
The Gators boast the Southeastern Conference's toughest passing defense, as they have surrendered 138.8 yards per game through the air.
In two career games against UF, Adams has completed 21 of his 40 passes for 206 yards and three interceptions, though he did rush for two touchdowns in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in 2007.
Florida coach Urban Meyer said Adams brings some familiarity to the game, but his team won't have to make any last-minute adjustments.
"(Smith) was a tremendous athlete, a big athlete," Meyer said. "(Adams) is a very good athlete. We've played against him before. We're not changing our game plan. I don't think they'll change their offense."
