Florida's quarterback competition is silly. In fact, the ongoing saga has provided the most ridiculous story coming out of the Gators' fall camp.
"Jacoby and Jeff are still about 50/50 down the middle," UF coach Will Muschamp said Monday. More like every day.
Muschamp says nothing consequential. New offensive coordinator Brent Pease has kept his lips sealed. Even the players have failed to let any details slip.
Perhaps the most insane detail regarding this asinine PR stunt is that it is simply unnecessary. Jacoby Brissett is the better quarterback.
Gasp! I know.
How could a late signee hand-picked by Charlie Weis be better than Jeff Driskel, the consensus No. 1 signal-caller in the Class of 2011 and the next Tim Tebow?
Four words: Where do I begin?
Immediately, toss out the stats (though Brissett bested Driskel in most categories last season). Given the circumstances, last year's numbers don't really mean much.
However, how each freshman reacted when thrown into the fire speaks volumes.
Brissett had a greater sense of calm in the huddle. Recall last season's loss to LSU. Despite the enormity of the situation, he never lost his cool. Florida still lost, but at least Brissett was not an emotional train wreck.
Then, there was Driskel's second half against Alabama. Quite frankly, he looked and played as if he was terrified. Granted, the 2011 Crimson Tide defense would scare just about anyone, but you need more gusto to play quarterback in the Southeastern Conference.
Coaches took notice. Down the stretch last season, which signal-caller did Muschamp turn to when John Brantley missed time with various injuries?
Driskel took his last snap of the year against Auburn. Meanwhile, Brissett played in Florida's final seven regular-season games.
Muschamp trusted Brissett under fire. Driskel was a wild card.
Fast forward to 2012, and Muschamp has suddenly forgotten which guy is battle-tested.
When Driskel hurt his left shoulder at practice Aug. 12, it seemed like the act was over. Brissett would finally earn the job he deserves, even if by default.
However, Muschamp was quick to quell speculation, saying on Aug. 15 that "the competition is ongoing."
And that brings me to the Gators' lone open practice, held Saturday. Most of Driskel's throws were dumps to running backs and tight ends. When he went deep, it was not pretty. Overall, he looked skittish in the pocket.
Brissett, on the other hand, was in command. He stood strong in the pocket and took chances on deep throws. Granted, he was far from perfect, and it's silly to put too much stock into one practice. But, comparatively speaking, Brissett looked like the better quarterback, and he should start Sept. 1.
Muschamp has his motives for hiding behind the veil of a quarterback competition. Maybe he is trying to avoid a Driskel transfer, in case Brissett suffers an injury.
Whatever the reason, the drama has run its course. It's time for Muschamp to name a starting quarterback, and Brissett is the man for the job.
Florida needs a leader, not a competition.
Contact Joe Morgan at joemorgan@alligator.org.
