They're all in for a shock... if our player's words on Mertz are any indication of how good he is... look out.
I was there! Can’t recall who threw the block taking out 2 guys to spring Callaway for the TD. Without that block it isn’t the game-winning TD
I'm not sure why this guy is attacking a strawman, but just about everybody covering Florida football is not just counting on Mertz to improve, they're essentially taking it for granted. How likely that improvement is, and how significant that improvement could be, are different questions, and probably unanswerable at this point. And not for nothing, but even if Mertz doesn't improve by so much as an inch, there's a very real chance that even his established, unimpressive level of play is a significant upgrade on the other options available. Which would be problematic in its own way, but such is life.
If he does NOT improve then that would be more of an anomaly than if he improves greatly. Go back 5 or 6 years and see for yourself how many QB1 transfers get better the year after they transferred to their next school.
Man I miss that player... he and Robinson torched Ole Miss and their #5 ranked team in Gainesville...
4 of the last 6 Heisman Trophy winners were transfer QB's who transferred for reasons ranging from being buried on the depth chart (burrow) to losing their starting position (mayfield) to even losing trust/relationship with coaching staff and wanting a new start (kyler murray) and now last years Heisman trophy winner transferred after winning it because he didn't want to stick with the new coaching staff. You could even add Jalen Hurts in there who transferred because he lost his spot to Tua but went on to have a Heisman worthy season himself
It's easy for sportscasters to knock Mertz based on the stats and record at Whisky. What is not being considered much is what Napier told us. The UF recruiting army did a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the QB's available in the portal..........and chose Mertz. Napier, in a press conference, said Mertz was fully vetted and thats why he got the green light from Florida. So Gator faithful - Who are YOU going to trust: The talking heads that are only looking at the surface, or coach and the staff, who looked in depth? On top of that the young man has been exceptional according to reports. A film room fiend, a workout warrior, a guy that is busting his can to ingratiate himself in the system and with his team-mates. Napier only talks in glowing terms of him. It's almost criminal to judge Mertz on that flag football spring game when Austin brought the house every other play. We will know in 6 days what kind of QB we have. Utah is favored by what? Anywhere from 5 to 7.5? They provide an excellent and stern test. When was the last time they lost at home? Coach W is saying this is his most talented Utah team EVER. Hey, if it does not work out we still have Deleon and Max. I agree with Ali Peek, this game will be won or lost in the trenches anyway. Intersting factoid by Ali - UF's offensive line outweighs Utahs defensive line by 45 lbs a man. I understand weight does not translate to "better" but against evenly matched opponents it can make a difference in the second half of a ground and pound game. LOL - classic post, I'm talking myself into my own game narrative. Win or lose we love our Gators!
What a block it was. What did he clear out? 3 Vols?? I bet that was fun to watch in the film room with the team the following week. Think there was some "Wooo Hooo" going on?? lol
One of my favorite things to come out of this game is this gem from Big Vol Daddy. Touchdown FLARDA. Hahaha.
