Florida loses starting quarterback Graham Mertz for season
Florida had Tennessee on the ropes on Saturday night in Neyland Stadium but could not finish the deal and ultimately lost in overtime. Part of the reason the Gators blew a double-digit lead was because starting quarterback Graham Mertz was lost to a non-contact injury in the third quarter.
The former Wisconsin transfer — and Kentucky transfer target — will now miss the rest of the season.
The super senior is out for the season with six games to play. Florida will turn to five-star true freshman DJ Lagway when Kentucky rolls into town this weekend.
Graham Mertz’s season finishes with some good numbers. The veteran quarterback was completing a career-high 76.6 percent of his 18.8 throws per game on 8.4 yards per attempt. The starter was responsible for seven total touchdowns and is a big reason why the Gators rank the No. 24 overall in offensive success rate. Mertz finds completions and has recorded an impressive 53 percent success rate. Florida will lose some efficiency with the Big Ten transfer in the lineup.
DJ Lagway has created more explosive plays as a situational quarterback, but ball security (five interceptions/fumbles) has been an issue in 177 snaps. The blue-chip prospect is averaging over 10 yards per attempt, but most of that damage came in a start against Samford in Week 2. Lagway is completing only 50 percent of his passes and averaging 6.6 yards per attempt with two touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Florida offense will be turning to the future with Lagway taking over. Can Kentucky be the next power conference defense to slow down Lagway? The loss of Mertz is a significant one in Gainesville.
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