Skyler Mornhinweg has the task of a lifetime.
Florida’s third-string quarterback will likely be asked to start against undefeated No. 2 Florida State at home on Saturday with Tyler Murphy doubtful to play due to injury.
“I’m preparing all week like I’m going to be the guy,” Mornhinweg said. “We’re excited to play this game.”
That excitement could soon turn to misery for the Gators, who continue to stumble through one of the worst seasons in program history.
Florida State, which is a win away from going 12-0 for the first time since its 1999 national championship season, is pummeling opponents. The Seminoles have scored at least 40 points in every game this season. Juxtapose that against a Florida offense that is averaging fewer than 20 points per game, and there is ample cause for concern in Gainesville.
Mornhinweg is not to blame. The redshirt freshman was unexpectedly thrust into action when Murphy could not tolerate the pain stemming from a sprained AC joint he suffered against LSU on Oct. 12.
However, Mornhinweg has not brought much to the table. In two games since replacing Murphy, he has completed 63.2 percent of his passes but is averaging just 114.5 passing yards per game in losses to South Carolina and Georgia Southern.
“I’ve got to execute better,” Mornhinweg said. “We’ve got to make some plays.”
Injuries: Florida continues to be eviscerated by injuries.
UF will be without linebackers Michael Taylor (MCL sprain) and Alex Anzalone (shoulder dislocation) against FSU. Each suffered his respective injury during a loss to Georgia Southern. Taylor’s injury will not require surgery, but Anzalone’s will.
Also expected to be sidelined Saturday is left tackle D.J. Humphries, who continues to deal with the effects of a sprained MCL.
“There’s some key components for our football team that aren’t playing for us right now,” coach Will Muschamp said. “We’re very thin in some areas. I’m not making excuses. That’s just the facts.”
UF is expected to have Marcus Roberson (ankle) and defensive end Jon Bullard (hamstring/knee) available.
Follow Phillip Heilman on Twitter @phillip_heilman.
Skyler Mornhinweg drops back to pass during Florida’s 19-14 loss to South Carolina on Nov. 16 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.
