Michigan Football: What to make of Florida starting a Freshman QB

Michigan football still hasn’t named its starter for Saturday, but Florida has and its freshman Feleipe Franks, here is what to make of it.

Maybe Jim McElwain was hoping that if he revealed his starting quarterback, Jim Harbaugh would do the same for Michigan football. Or maybe, McElwain just wanted to distract from the growing list of suspensions.

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But either way, McElwain announced who Florida’s starting quarterback will be in the showdown Saturday with Michigan football and it will be redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks.

Here is what McElwain told reporters about his decision Wednesday from MLive:

“The big thing is the whole body of work from spring on,” McElwain said. “Him being there, being apart of that, I think he was a little bit ahead. He deserves it. He’s done a really good job.”

Now it’s hard to say that the move is a surprise, although personally, I was kind of expecting McElwain to start Malik Zaire, the graduate transfer from Notre Dame.

But the thing about Franks, is that he’s 6-6, but also has the ability to run. Yet, making his first start against Michigan football and its aggressive defense, won’t be easy.

Michigan Wolverines Football

There has been a lot of focus on the losses Michigan football has suffered on defense, but there are still plenty of impact players. Rashan Gary is going to be a stud, as is Maurice Hurst. In fact, the entire front seven is pretty salty.

Certainly, you would expect Don Brown to dial up even more pressure against a freshman, especially since the Gators are missing some key players on the outside.

Jim Harbaugh and his staff are obviously prepared for Franks, but you have to wonder if this alters their game plan at all. My guess is no. And the truth is, Zaire may still see some time in certain packages.

My estimation is that Florida wants to run the ball. But it will also want to test Michigan’s young secondary. Having a mobile quarterback with a strong arm will help. But it won’t help much if the Gators can’t hold up against Michigan’s pressure packages.

It seems with a young quarterback, Michigan can expect a more conservative attack. The Gators will want to work the clock and try to win with defense.

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We’ll have to wait and see if that works. Against the Wolverines that won’t be so easy. Michigan will try to force the young passer into mistakes and if it succeeds, it just might win.