Auburn starts John Franklin III at quarterback

Published Nov. 5, 2016 1:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) Quarterback John Franklin III made his first start for No. 11 Auburn against Vanderbilt.

The junior college transfer replaced Sean White, who started the first eight games but has an unspecified injury. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn had not indicated during the week that White was injured, but Franklin led the first team during pre-game warmups with Jeremy Johnson behind him. White was also announced as the starter before the game.

The sophomore is leading the Southeastern Conference in passing efficiency while passing for 1,511 yards and eight touchdowns against just two interceptions. He's completing 68.5 percent of his passes.

Franklin came into the game with 7-of-11 passing for 85 yards while playing in all eight games, mostly in a Wildcat role. He had run for 256 yards.