Joe Tessitore Shares He Would Be Shocked If Both Florida Gators Quarterbacks Don't Play Week 3

On Friday's airing of "The Paul Finebaum Show," ESPN broadcaster Joe Tessitore joined to answer whether he believes veteran Graham Mertz or freshman DJ Lagway should start at quarterback this Saturday against Texas A&M.

When asked by Paul Finebaum, Tessitore said he would be shocked if head coach Billy Napier elects to play a singular quarterback against the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday.

"I will be shocked if we don't see both quarterbacks play significant amount of time," Tessitore said. "Whether that's one guy takes two series, another guy takes two series, I will be stunned if that's not the case."

Lagway excelled in the Gators' Week 2 45-7 drubbing of the Samford Bulldogs by completing 18-of-25 passes for 456 yards and three touchdowns.

Lagway was thrust into the starting role in Week 2 following Mertz's concussion in the program's Week 1 loss to the Miami Hurricanes.

As for Mertz, the quarterback has thrown for 11-for-20 with 91 yards and one interception through three quarters of play so far this season.

Some, including Tessitore, believe that playing both quarterbacks on Saturday will allow the Gators to play situational offense, especially against a head coach in Mike Elko, who is known to have a stingy third-down defense.

Time will tell whether the Napier plans on using both quarterbacks or sticks with a singular starter. Saturday's clash with the Aggies will be the first SEC conference game for both programs and will be particularly critical for the trajectory of the Gators' 2024 campaign.

The matchup is set to be a 3:30 p.m. start from Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 14 and will air on ABC.

Related: Texas A&M QB Conner Weigman Appears On Injury Report For Florida Game