Austin Appleby threw for 296 yards in his first start for the Gators. (Photo: Jay Metz/For UAA Communications)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Gators quarterbackmade his first start for the Gators in Saturday's 38-28 loss to Tennessee.He is expected to make his second one at Vanderbilt."He did very good. He played well enough I think for us to win,'' Florida offensive linemansaid Monday. "He played confident and took on a leadership role and stepped up. He did his thing back there."Florida head coachsaid starter, who suffered a left knee injury in the victory over North Texas and did not play at Tennessee, continues to recover. The plan is to ease Del Rio back into practice starting Tuesday."I would say he'd be highly doubtful for this week," McElwain said. "But I'm still not going to count him out."Del Rio made the trip to Tennessee and spoke to the team afterward. So did Appleby following Florida's first loss of the season.Meanwhile, Appleby had an impressive performance for the Gators, completing 23 of 39 passes for 296 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. While the offense went cold in the second half, Florida fans on social media complained more about the play-calling than Appleby's play.McElwain credited Tennessee's defense with some of the lack of production."Probably stuck a little bit to the mom and pop and didn't go to brother-in-law and sister-in-law, which in layman's term is you've got to counter,'' he said. "They took some things away and we didn't take advantage of what they were taking away."Appleby said the offense got too one-dimensional in the second half and faced too many third-and-longs, which allowed Tennessee's defense to gain the advantage and keep the crowd into the game.Making his 12th career start, Appleby found instant success when he connected withfor a 51-yard gain on Florida's opening drive. He passed for 213 yards in the first half but managed just 83 in the second as Tennessee's defense made adjustments and Florida failed to respond."It was important to start fast,'' he said. "I was comfortable. I felt like I saw the field really well. I felt like I was on rhythm. It was just a blast to get out there and play. You miss playing."Appleby watched from the sideline as Del Rio started the first three games."I thought he played well,'' McElwain said. "The reason we had [Luke] dress the last game is I really felt he did a great job with Austin on the sideline. I thought he was really good for our team, said a few words afterward in the locker room as well that really resonated with some guys."Appleby is expected to get another shot to make a favorable impression on Saturday in Nashville when the No. 23-ranked Gators (3-1, 1-1) face Vanderbilt (2-2, 0-1). With Del Rio out, Appleby wants to shine to make it a difficult choice for McElwain when Del Rio is healthy."Go out there and be the most prepared quarterback in the country and try to help the Gators win a game,'' he said. "What happens after that is not in my hand at all. I would like to at least put some pressure on and be the quarterback for this team. I think I am. I didn't come here not to be. But again, that's a question for Coach Mac and hopefully my play takes care of itself."