Florida QB Tyler Murphy Goes 12-For-12 In First Half

Sep 28, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tyler Murphy (3) runs the ball against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Florida quarterback Tyler Murphy resoundingly answered questions about the Gator offense with starter Jeff Driskel lost for the year to injury. Murphy continued on a promising effort in the Gators’ win over Tennessee in Week 4 with an outstanding first half against Kentucky, going 12-of-12 for 130 yards and a touchdown.

Murphy’s efforts led Florida to a 21-7 halftime lead over the Wildcats.

Five different Gator receivers caught passes, with Trey Burton’s six catches leading the way. Burton was also on the receiving end of Murphy’s scoring strike.

The injury bug has bitten this Florid team particularly hard. Running back Matt Jones was sidelined early with a viral infection, and Driskel’s broken fibula compounded the problem. The Gators have been built on defense the past two seasons, and they haven’t been free from major losses on that side of the ball either.

Dominique Easley was lost for the season earlier this week with a torn ACL.

While Kentucky is building under a first-year coach, Murphy’s performance gives the Florida offense some room for optimism heading into the meat of the SEC schedule.