The Florida football fans have been calling for quarterback Graham Mertz to maintain the starting position moving forward.
Mertz had a fantastic first-half of play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, recording three touchdowns and getting out to an early lead. The Gators have maintained a healthy two touchdown lead the majority of the game.
Heading into Starkville, the plan for Florida was to involve both quarterbacks in the offense with Mertz primarily passing and starting the game.
I just think the offense is smoother with Graham Mertz’s quarterback . @GatorsFB #Florida #FloridaGators
— Ethan Santiago (@EthanSa22488650) September 21, 2024
The Gators have done just that, but have not looked to pull the hook as often with Mertz excelling against the Bulldogs. The quarterback went deep into the second-quarter with only one incompletion to his name and a number of explosive passing plays.
Mertz was previously considered to have lost his starting spot by most Gators fans as backup quarterback DJ Lagway excelled in place of the injured starter. Lagway threw for over 400 yards and proved the Florida offense can truly move behind the talented quarterback.
When Mertz was scheduled to come back, many fans wanted Lagway to remain as the starter given his performance. The Florida Gators staff elected to play both quarterbacks instead, but quickly Mertz has shown he is the superior quarterback.
While some fans appreciate Lagway and believe there is a reason he was brought to Florida, others believe Mertz is now the ‘guy’.
Florida Football Quarterback Graham Mertz Wins Many Gators Fans Over During Bulldogs Game
The Florida Gators might have two talented quarterbacks, but it seems as though Mertz has solidified the starting role with his performance.
Graham Mertz today is wheelin and dealin
18/19, 197 yards, 3 TDs
Also 3 runs for 24 yards and a rushing TD.
Great day for him. Really great day. I know Mississippi State is bad but let’s not pretend like Mertz is good by any means.
He looking like a Heisman candidate.
— Todd Jentink (Lone Wolf) (@TAJJRoneandonly) September 21, 2024
While Mississippi State has a bad defense, Mertz has still looked poised and connected with his receivers for deep plays as well. Regardless of the skill-level of the Bulldogs defense this season, it is a great performance for the quarterback.
Many fans and analysts alike are still not ready to admit Mertz is a good quarterback after just one performance, however.
Mertz entered the game against the Bulldogs with 286 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The quarterback also recorded a rating of 30.1 through two losses with the Gators and could not run the ball either.
The quarterback may look incredibly improved this week, but Mertz is also playing against a defense that lost tragically to the Toledo Rockets. The Bulldogs allowed the Rockets to score 41 points in Starkville as the crowd quickly emptied the stadium.
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Should Graham Mertz Continue to Start for the Florida Gators Team, or Should DJ Lagway Start?
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