Randy Shannon is mixing things up.

The interim coach announced Thursday afternoon that the team plans to open the Missouri game with Malik Zaire as the starting quarterback. Saturday will be the Notre Dame transfer quarterback’s first start for the Gators.

“Malik is the starting quarterback for this upcoming game at Missouri,” said Shannon in a statement. “This is his opportunity to get this team where it needs to be and not to be satisfied just because he’s the starter.

“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 is 12 of 23 on the season for 142 yards. He has yet to throw a touchdown or an interception. After Florida’s offense was completely shut down by Georgia last week, Zaire came off the bench and engineered the only scoring drive of the game.

In his college career, Zaire has thrown for a total of 958 yards and six touchdowns. He has also rushed for 325 yards and two scores. His career highlight may have come all the way back in 2014 when he led Notre Dame to a win in the Music City Bowl over LSU.