Missouri coach Gary Pinkel declared junior quarterback James Franklin the starter for the Tigers’ game this week against Florida.

Franklin, who had been sidelined since Oct. 6 because of a sprained MCL in his left knee, subbed in for Corbin Berkstresser during the second half of MU’s 33-10 win over Kentucky last Saturday and provided a steady hand as the Tigers proceeded to outscore the Wildcats 16-0 over the final two quarters.

“People don’t understand he just started running the Sunday before last week’s game against Kentucky,” Pinkel said of Franklin on Monday. “He really made great strides all of last week and we expect him to get better and better and better … I think he got some confidence playing in that game and then we will determine what we do with him and what we ask him to do. We are anticipating him being very close to being 100 percent, and that’s calling plays to quarterback the way he does.”

• Senior cornerback Kip Edwards, who left Saturday’s game because of a strained neck, is listed as the starter in Missouri’s weekly release.

• Senior guard Jack Meiners remains out because of a sprained knee.