After 10 games of waiting and an offseason of preparation, Jacoby Brissett is getting his chance.
Brissett entered Saturday’s 27-20 win against Louisiana in the third quarter after starter Jeff Driskel suffered a sprained right ankle.
Coach Will Muschamp called Driskel doubtful for Saturday’s game against Jacksonville State.
The sophomore is wearing a walking boot on his injured ankle as a precautionary measure.
Muschamp plans to evaluate Driskel during Wednesday’s practice before making a final decision.
Muschamp is confident Brissett can do the job.
The sophomore backup started two games as a true freshman and stayed in contention for the starting job this season until Sept. 3 — the Monday following the season opener.
“We have all the confidence in the world that Jacoby will play well,” Muschamp said.
“He’s going to have the opportunities to make good choices and decisions on the field, which he’ll do.”
Brissett completed 6 of 8 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in relief of Driskel.
He engineered the game-tying drive against the Ragin’ Cajuns, capping it off with a 3-yard touchdown pass to wideout Quinton Dunbar.
“We knew it was a ‘man down, man up’ situation,” wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. said. “He’s a pretty good quarterback too, so we knew that eventually he could come through and pull this game through for us.”
Brissett, the former two-sport star at West Palm Beach Dwyer High, teamed up with tight end Jordan Reed for the offensive play of the game.
His 39-yard completion to Reed put Florida at the Louisiana 3-yard line and set up the tying score to Dunbar.
Brissett always dreamed of leading his team to a comeback victory.
“It was great,” Brissett said. “That last drive is probably the best drive, the best feeling you’ll have in the world.”
With Driskel solidifying himself as the starter, Brissett said the hardest part has been staying on track.
His coaches and teammates made sure he knew he was one play away from taking over.
“That’s what I had to take with me going to watch film every day, making sure I’m out at practice really locked in and not just standing around waiting for my next rep to go in,” Brissett said.
Although Brissett came through late, Florida’s passing offense had another subpar performance.
UF’s two quarterbacks combined for 162 yards against the nation’s No. 112 pass defense.
While Driskel gives Florida a running threat, Brissett attacks defenses from the pocket.
Brissett’s first start of 2012 will be against Jacksonville State, the 110th-ranked pass defense in the Football Championship Subdivision, the lower class of Division I.
His continuing effort to stay involved in the offense impressed teammates and coaches, including offensive coordinator Brent Pease.
Muschamp thinks the rest of the Gators can learn from Brissett’s preparation.
“You never know when your number is going to be called,” Muschamp said.
“There’s no question. I think it’s a great example for us all. When your number is called, you better hurry up and perform, and perform well.”
Contact Adam Pincus at apincus@alligator.org.
Sophomore quarterback Jacoby Brissett announced his intention to transfer from the Florida Gators.
