Malik Zaire Named Florida's Starting QB vs. Missouri

Florida interim head coach Randy Shannon announced on Thursday that transfer quarterback Malik Zaire would be the team's starting quarterback at Missouri, according to Will Pantages of FloridaGators.com.

"This is his opportunity to get this team where it needs to be and not to be satisfied just because he's the starter," Shannon noted. "Today is an opportunity for him to run the offense and understand the expectations that we have for him. This is not a time for him to feel comfortable and feel like he's made it. We want him to keep grinding and understand that competition is very good."

Zaire transferred from Notre Dame this offseason and has served as the backup to Feleipe Franks, appearing in relief against Michigan and Georgia. For the season, he's 12-of-23 for 142 yards. 

Franks—who lost the starting job to Luke Del Rio in September before Del Rio broke his collarbone, offering Franks a second crack at the starting gig—will serve as his backup.

At Notre Dame, Zaire threw for 816 yards and six touchdowns, though his time with the Fighting Irish was marred by a broken ankle that cut his 2015 season short and his demotion in the 2016 season after DeShone Kizer took over as the team's starter that year.

With the Gators limping to a 3-4 start this season and firing Jim McElwain, however, Zaire has the opportunity to inject a bit of life into a Florida season that has been quickly derailed. While the team's hopes of winning an SEC title are dashed, the opportunity to reverse course and qualify for a bowl game is still within its grasp.  

Leading the Gators to one now falls on Zaire's shoulders.