Vandy Spoils Florida's Homecoming Game 34-17
With three interceptions and a fumble on Saturday, it’s easy to overlook the good things Murphy did in the loss to Vanderbilt.
Like throwing for a career-high 305 yards.
Murphy
completed 30 of 46 passes and became the first UF quarterback since
John Brantley in 2011 against Furman to throw for 300 yards. Murphy's
30 completions were the most for a UF quarterback since Tim Tebow's 31
in the 2010 Sugar Bowl, his final game with the Gators.
A
redshirt junior who took over the Gators’ offense when quarterback Jeff
Driskel broke his leg against Tennessee, Murphy has also endured injury
this season.
Murphy sprained the AC joint in his throwing
shoulder at LSU and has not thrown the ball as crisply as he did in
wins over Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas.
His throws missed the mark a few times Saturday.
Murphy’s
first interception came on a throw that sailed on him and was picked
off by Andre Hal. He threw two more and all three picks led to
Vanderbilt touchdowns.
Murphy declined to blame any of his mistakes on the shoulder.
"I wouldn’t say it’s affecting me at all,” Murphy said. “I don’t make excuses. I didn't play well.”
At
one point questions about whether Murphy would stay in the game
surfaced when redshirt freshman quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg was seen
warming up on the sideline during the second half.
Muschamp insisted that there was never a plan to switch quarterbacks.
“I think he’s our best opportunity to win,” Muschamp said.
|