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Florida goes back to Del Rio, names him starting QB vs. Vandy

Rob Foldy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Florida is benching quarterback Feleipe Franks and will give Luke Del Rio his first start of the season Saturday against Vanderbilt, head coach Jim McElwain told Paul Finebaum of the SEC Network on Monday.

Franks started the first three contests of the season, but was temporarily replaced in two of them as the Gators' offense repeatedly sputtered with him at the helm. Del Rio - who was Florida's starter last year but failed to retain the job in fall camp - was reinserted into the fold two days ago against Kentucky, and led the Gators to a comeback victory.

After beating Kentucky, McElwain said he would evaluate his quarterback options before announcing a starter against the Commodores. The Gators also have Malik Zaire at their disposal, but he struggled in the season opener when given an opportunity to spark the offense.

Florida QBs - season stats:

QB CMP% YDS TDs INTs
Feleipe Franks 61 372 3 1
Malik Zaire 53 106 0 0
Luke Del Rio 64 73 1 1

The Gators sport a 2-1 record, but they're two improbable last-minute touchdowns away from being 0-3. Florida ranks 13th out of 14 SEC teams in passing yards for the season, and last in the conference in total offense.

Del Rio, a junior, threw for 1,358 yards with eight touchdowns and eight interceptions a year ago.

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