The Florida Gators thought the worst about the injury quarterback Graham Mertz suffered last game, and unfortunately were right.
Mertz, a former starter for the Wisconsin Badgers, transferred into the program and has faced heavy criticism. The Gators are still not where many fans thought they would be, and much of the blame has been placed upon the quarterback. Mertz was previously injured this season and missed a game, allowing five-star backup DJ Lagway to spectacularly play.
Mertz has recorded 791-yards through the air along with six touchdowns and two interceptions this season for the Gators. The quarterback currently has a rating of 71.6, which ranks 34th in the college football landscape. Mertz recorded 20 touchdowns and three interceptions last year despite the record of the team not being perfect.
REPORT: Florida QB Graham Mertz is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a knee injury vs. Tennessee, per @CBSSports🙏https://t.co/rnb5fa1hH2 pic.twitter.com/EeqQUOSdDr
— On3 (@On3sports) October 14, 2024
The quarterback suffered an injury during the recent game against the Tennessee Volunteers, one of the top SEC teams this season. Lagway recorded 98-yards passing, one touchdown, and one interception against the Volunteers after coming in for the injured starter. Lagway currently has 765-yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions for the Gators on the season.
While the injury to Mertz might be a big blow for the Florida Gators, many of the Gators fans believe that it might be time for Lagway to take control of the offense.
Lagway time
— Terps Recruiting (@TerpRecruiting) October 14, 2024
Lagway szn
— J (@Julianhunter00) October 14, 2024
Lagway time. Get better soon Graham 🙏
— Red Raider Man🌵 (@redraiderman1) October 14, 2024
Other Florida Gators fans expressed prayers and good health towards Mertz after the unfortunate injury occurred. Mertz could be potentially found in the NFL next year on a practice squad, as he eligibility will likely be denied. The quarterback participated in five games this season, thus putting himself over the allowed threshold.
Damn that sucks 💔
— 🏴☠️ (@rachaadszn) October 14, 2024
Prayers for Mertz 🙏
— Allen Jenerette (@jenerette_allen) October 14, 2024
Get well soon
— JARL 🅅 🄾 🄻GRUUF THE GREATER (@423VOL) October 14, 2024
Mertz can still apply for a medical redshirt since two of the games he participated in resulted in injuries. The application process will not take place until the offseason, but could open the door for Mertz to either return to Florida or attend another school.
Florida Gators Quarterback DJ Lagway Expected to Step Into Starting Role
With Mertz down for the season for the Florida Gators with a knee injury, the avenue for DJ Lagway to start has been fully opened.
Nobody wants to start because of an injury as it takes the wind out of the sails of accomplishment and hard-work. However, someone needs to and Lagway would be the perfect option given his experience with the team this season. Lagway has nearly the same amount of yards through the air as Mertz, while also offering an excellent rushing ability for the Gators.
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