GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The quarterback battle waged by Florida sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel during preseason camp isn't over. It's simply to be continued.
Gators coach Will Muschamp announced Friday that both Brissett and Driskel will play in the Sept. 1 season opener against Bowling Green.
"I met with both quarterbacks this morning,'' Muschamp said. "Both guys will play in the first game. They both deserved the right to play. They have earned that. They both have had really good camps."
Brissett and Driskel have battled for the position since spring camp and Muschamp and offensive coordinator Brent Pease have said all along how even the competition has been.
Muschamp pointed out Friday that the numbers don't lie.
"We're right down the middle as far as 62, 63 percent completion percentage [for] both of them,'' he said. "Their numbers are very similar. We have taken the details down all the way."
Muschamp said they decided that both would play in the first game last week after Brissett and Driskel both performed about the same in the team's second scrimmage.
Brissett has two career starts – both coming last season when starter John Brantley suffered a midseason ankle injury – while Driskel's five career appearances are off the bench.
Muschamp said who will take the first snap remains in question. The Gators are practicing Friday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium working on reps missed when Tuesday's scrimmage was canceled because of inclement weather.
Muschamp and Pease will continue to monitor both quarterbacks closely as they prepare the game plan against Bowling Green before coming to a final decision on the starter.
"Both guys are very even and our football team has great confidence in both of them,'' Muschamp said. "I told both of them today that the last position I'm worried about is the quarterback. I feel very comfortable about both guys."
