Gators’ Aaron Philo faces big challenge in QB battle vs. Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
GAINESVILLE — Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss enters Saturday’s visit to the Swamp as a Heisman frontrunner who’ll shoulder the Rebels’ offense, seize the spotlight and demand the Gators’ utmost attention on every snap.
Aaron Philo will steadily go about his business as he pushes to take the biggest step of his fledgling Florida career.
Philo hasn’t been as flashy as Chambliss during the Gators’ fast start, but has been efficient and unflappable at the controls of an attack setting a torrid pace while averaging 54 points. If the No. 21 Gators (3-0) can stay the course, Philo could emerge from his latest quarterback battle once again a winner when No. 4 Ole Miss (3-0) and Florida square off on national TV. (ABC, 3:30 p.m.)
Gators offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner is counting on it, having met Philo as a ninth-grader and seen him overcome everything thrown his way since he followed Faulkner to Gainesville after two seasons together at Georgia Tech.
“He’s just even-keeled,” Faulkner said. “One thing I think about him is as an 18-year-old, (21)-year-old now, he’s extremely comfortable in his own skin. That’s what kind of separates him.”
Chambliss’ dual-threat abilities, pinpoint accuracy and timely playmaking have elevated the Rebels to the top of the sport. Ole Miss was a pass breakup away from beating Miami during last season’s College Football Playoff semifinals and beat LSU 32-24 last weekend in a clash with former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin.
Chambliss now looks to prevail in one of college football’s toughest environments, where top quarterbacks have traditonally struggled.
“It’s a huge advantage, especially on defense,” sophomore edge rusher Jayden Woods said, fresh off a 2.5-sack night at Auburn. “If the stadium is insanely loud, the offense, they can’t operate.”
Philo’s ability to execute Faulkner’s system proved the edge in the quarterback race with Tramell Jones Jr. and has allowed him to deftly distribute the ball to a one of the SEC’s best collection of playmakers, led by tailback Jadan Baugh and receivers Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson.
The months-long competition with Jones prepared Philo for what was to come.
“That’s pressure everyday, it’s something that you got to bring it everyday, which he was able to do,” Faulkner said.
Despite just four collegiate starts, the 6-foot-1, 208-pound Philo has displayed poise and precision while posting a 192.8 passer rating — third in the SEC and 35 points better than Chambliss (157.9). He’s shown enough running ability to keep defenses honest.
Florida will now face a defense ranked 15th in the SEC.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Chambliss has repeatedly masked Ole Miss’ flaws, already beaten a pair of Top-25 opponents — Louisville and LSU — this season and sits 14-2 as a starter.
To get here, the 24-year-old had to secure a February court order on his third try to get a sixth season of college eligibility. Meanwhile, Philo was establishing himself at a new school and preparing to win the starting job.
One quarterback will emerge a winner Saturday. During last weekend’s 44-39 win at Auburn, Philo proved he won’t shy away from the challenge.
“I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time,” he said.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos