Former Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz is now playing for the Florida Gators. A former five-star recruit, Mertz never really found a groove in Wisconsin’s run-heavy offense. 2021 was his first full season as the Badgers’ starting quarterback, he three more interceptions (11) than touchdowns (10). Last season, he threw for 2,136 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, but the offense failed to score points, head coach Paul Chryst was fired, and a definite change was needed.
After Luke Fickell was hired instead of defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jim Leonhard, Mertz decided to transfer. After initially committing to Kentucky, Mertz changed his mind and committed to Florida. For their part, Wisconsin brought in several transfer quarterbacks, with Tanner Mordecai named as their starter this season.
Former Wisconsin Badgers Quarterback Graham Mertz’s Debut with the Florida Gators Was Not Good
Prior to the season, it was reported that Florida chose Mertz from a pool of 24 quarterbacks that they studied, hoping to find their next starter. There were certainly high hopes among Florida fans with Mertz coming in, but they were sorely disappointed by the team’s debut.
Utah defeated Florida 24-11 in their season opener on Thursday night. Mertz did not have a bad statistical game, completing 31 of 44 passes for 333 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Even that interception was not really all his fault as it bounced off his receivers hands.
But of course, stats do not tell the whole story, and Mertz struggled to make plays for most of the game. It did not take long for fans to post on social media what they thought of the new Gators quarterback:
While the play-making was lacking from Mertz, it was also lacking from the team as a whole. Additionally, the 333 passing yards Mertz had is the most he has ever thrown for in a college game (not to mention he completed 70% of his passes).
All this to say that Mertz has talent and is an okay game manager. However, he continued to show that he lacks the “it” factor that would put him among the NCAA’s best quarterbacks. Unfortunately for him, he now plays in the SEC, where his play will be scrutinized even more.
It’s just one game, but it was not a good one for the team. If Florida continues to struggle, Mertz will be among the first to be blamed.
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