John Brantely injured
Florida quarterback John Brantley is helped off the field by medical staff after suffering a high ankle sprain just before halftime against Alabama in Gainesville, Florida, on Saturday. How long he is out for and severity of the injury is still unknown. Reuters

The situation in the Swamp right now is a little sticky.

Florida quarterback John Brantley suffered an injury against Alabama Saturday and is not expected to play against No. 1 LSU on Saturday. Brantley suffered a high ankle sprain, a person close to the QB confirmed Sunday night.

Brantley, a senior who has started 18 consecutive games, left Florida's 38-10 loss to Alabama right before halftime, after he twisted his knee and ankle during a sack by Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw. He was then replaced by true freshman Jeff Driskel. Brantley was helped to the locker room and didn't return for the second half.

Florida coach Will Muschamp declined to discuss Brantley's injury after the game, saying only that the quarterback would be evaluated Sunday.

The Gators may not be as consistent on offense without Brantley, who has made positive strides under first-year offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. Before his injury, Brantley moved the ball well against the Tide defense, despite criticism before the season about his inconsistent downfield passing. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 190 yards with a 65-yard touchdown pass to Andre Debose and an interception.

Driskel, the nation's top high school quarterback last year, completed two of his six passes for 14 yards.

When we lost John, that took the wind out of our sails, Muschamp said after the game.

Clearly, the offense took a step back with Driskel in the game. But, there is still optimism surrounding him. With a week to prepare as the starter, Driskel should perform a little better this Saturday, but with LSU's great defense, that might be an overstatement.

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