KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Injured UF starter Luke Del Rio took the field first at Tennessee's Neyland Stadium, wearing full uniform and a left knee brace.
Backup quarterback Austin Appleby joined him and began warming up.
The momentary suspense soon ended when Del Rio stepped aside, put on a headset and prepared to assist Appleby during his first start with the Gators. Appleby quickly showed he was in control — at least for awhile — against the Vols.
Under pressure during the second half from Tennessee's defense, and likely from within, Appleby was not the attacking, confident quarterback who had helped stake a 21-0 UF lead.