Florida Fans Are Saying The Same Thing About QB Graham Mertz

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz did little to inspire confidence during the Gators' opening half of the season, leading to calls for his benching.

Mertz completed just 7 of 14 passes for 49 yards against a stingy Miami defense in the first half. He averaged just 3.5 yards per attempt, and Florida trailed 24-10 at the break.

Mertz's first season in Gainsville was decent. He completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,903 yards with 20 touchdowns to just three interceptions. But calls for Florida to give freshman DJ Lagway a shot are growing.

"Florida needs to put in DJ Lagway. Graham Mertz sucks," one fan said.

Lagway was a five-star prospect and provides a lot more upside than Mertz, especially as a runner.

"UF Coaches have about 5-6 years of actually video evidence of how Mertz plays ball and still choose to not play Lagway," another fan wrote.

Another Florida fan ranted: "Play Lagway. It’s not like it can get any worse than what Mertz has done and he adds a different element to the offense and keeps linebackers honest at least."

Mertz was injured on an interception return while down big in the second half. Florida inserted Lagway, who got in a few drives. Mertz finished his day with 91 yards and an interception.

Lagway guided a touchdown drive, which included a mix of passes and runs. He did have a rough interception, with Miami DB Jaden Harris picking him off while lying on the ground. Lagway got hit on the play, affecting the throw.

After a 5-7 campaign last season, it's a make-or-break year for Florida. And things did not get off on the right foot. If Mertz continues to struggle, it seems like only a matter of time before Florida gives Lagway a longer look.

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