Florida coach Will Muschamp has been a staunch defender of quarterback Jeff Driskel over the course of his career, and after Driskel's 9-for-28 passing performance Saturday in a blowout loss to Alabama, the redshirt junior needs his coach's confidence perhaps more than ever.
Meanwhile, one of the greatest Florida players of all time -- former Dallas Cowboys star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith -- has apparently lost his confidence in the quarterback.
Context here is important, as it should be noted that Smith's tweet came during the Crimson Tide's 42-21 dismantling of the visiting Gators on Saturday. It's possible that Smith was referring only to Muschamp's handling of the quarterback position during the Alabama game, and not making a judgment for the balance of the season.
However, for a coach who already is under fire after last season's 4-8 record, there might not be much difference.
Muschamp can ill-afford another tumultuous season, and Driskel didn't look much like a quarterback capable of leading the Gators to a redemptive campaign on Saturday. He threw for just 93 yards and was intercepted twice against the Crimson Tide, despite the benefit of three turnovers. Florida enters a bye week before a stretch of games that will go a long way to determine how Driskel is remembered by Gator Nation: at Tennessee, vs. LSU, vs. Missouri and vs. Georgia (in Jacksonville, Fla.).
In time, it could prove to be an equally important stretch for Muschamp, too.
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