GAINESVILLE -- Sophomore Jeff Driskel had to battle to win the starting quarterback job, but since doing so he has improved each week.

Coach Will Muschamp said that is because of one thing.

“It wasn’t talent level. It wasn’t arm talent. It wasn’t guts. It wasn’t toughness, mental and physical. It was experience,” he said. “The more snaps [Driskel] continues to get, the better he is going to get.”

Driskel split repetitions with fellow sophomore Jacoby Brissett throughout camp and in Florida’s season opener against Bowling Green. But Driskel took over the job heading into Week 2 and hasn’t looked back. He has had his share of mistakes — eight sacks against Texas A&M and an interception Saturday against Kentucky — but Driskel, for the most part, has been very smart with the football.

“He is a cerebral guy,” Muschamp said. “He is going to learn and work at it and watch the film and understand. He takes coaching very well. Again, the more snaps you get, the more opportunities you get, the game starts to slow down.”

Nixon must improve

Starting left tackle Xavier Nixon was replaced by freshman D.J. Humphries at halftime Saturday, and Muschamp on Monday left the door open for Humphries to supplant Nixon going forward. Nixon has been dealing with a minor shoulder injury, but Muschamp said there are things he needs to clean up.

“He blocked extremely well in the run game,” Muschamp said. “He didn’t finish on a couple of things. Protection is something we need to solidify as far as his pass protections is concerned.”