For the third time this season, the Florida Gators will have another starting quarterback. The graduate transfer out of Notre Dame, Malik Zaire, was named the starting quarterback over Feleipe Franks for the Missouri game. The change at quarterback comes after Zaire played in the fourth quarter of the Georgia and led the Gators to their only touchdown drive in their embarrassing 42-7 loss. Interim head coach Randy Shannon told reporters on Monday that there would be competition at every position including quarterbacks.
Malik Zaire at Notre Dame
At Notre Dame, Zaire played three out of his four seasons in South Bend. He was redshirted his first year but played in five games and started two games as a redshirt-freshman. Zaire completed 21 out of 35 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Zaire also started in the Music City Bowl and beat the LSU Tigers. He completed 12 out of 15 passes for 96 yards with a touchdown and had 22 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.
As a redshirt-sophomore, Zaire was named the starting quarterback for Notre Dame and played pretty well in his first two starts but was sidelined for the rest of the season due to an injury. In his two starts, he beat Texas 38-3 and Virginia 34-27. Against Texas, he completed 19 of 22 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. Against Virginia, Zaire completed 7-18 for 115 yards with a touchdown and rushed for 87 yards on 10 carries.
At Florida, Zaire has played in two games with the Florida Gators against Michigan and Georgia. Against Michigan, Zaire completed 9-17 for 106 yards. Against Georgia, Zaire completed 3-6 for 30 yards and rushed for 30 yards on two carries.
The Florida Gators will travel to Columbia to take on the Missouri Tigers. Kickoff is at 12pm EST on ESPN 2.
