It was great to see Lagway hit multiple receivers in different ways including the tight ends. We seem to be overly dependent on Wilson, that I was wondering if he was injured due to lack of touches in the first half Football vs Samford on 9/7/2024 - Box Score - Florida Gators
A lot of players got touches yesterday. It was probably the only game to get so. Almost everyone contributed too. Very good night for receivers and RB evaluation. Was good to see WR downfield vs screens and bubbles I was surprised that Trey wasn’t able to pull away from defenders on routes as I thought he was a blazer. Definitely stellar quickness. I still think his usefulness is get him the ball Fast and let him use that quickness (like TD run) vs a deep receiver. Unless we can get better separation, the smaller receivers have a disadvantage in fighting for the ball.
When was the last time that we had a QB that could make all the throws with accuracy and be able to turn upfield and make good yardage. Lagway moves the ball. Mertz is a good QB but is not good or consistent moving the ball and scoring. DJ already showed out in the spring game, against Miami and Samford. Wasn’t Emmit Smith the starter after the Alabama game? Of course! To go back to being inconsistent would be disastrous for the Gator program.
Credit to Billy for letting him cut loose though. Honestly I expected him to hand the ball off and run screens all night and escape with a 24-10 win.
The big difference I noticed between Mertz and Lagway was that when Mertz gets behind schedule in downs it very rarely leads to a first down for us. Lagway seemed to keep good down and distance and was very aware of were the ball needed to be to get that first down. He throws a very catchable ball and puts it in the right spots as well. I don't dislike Mertz at all but Lagway shows all the signs of being ready for the big time. Granted the competition was sub par but the team did not play down to their competition for a first time in a long time.
I mostly agree but didn't get to watch the actual game thanks to YouTube TV and ESPN+ and my inability to work these apps sometimes without my granddaughter here. LOL! That said, Shane (on the radio) was concerned about DJ's middle of the field throwing for some reason so we need to remember that since Shane knows what he's talking about (usually). Experience may cure that though the game moves faster for DJ still right now. Thankfully that seems to be improving too.
Comp was not good.. however Lagway put the ball on the money on the throw to Mizell.. and Mizell came down with a ball others would have likely dropped. Lagway also moved around the pocket well with his eyes down field. Not easy for a freshman no matter the competition. The throw to tank was as behind him but a good read. But my favorite was hitting the big TE over the middle. That is something we need.
For folks with the “it was just Samford talk”: Mertz vs McNeese State (0-12) last year in a 49-7 win game 2: 14-17 193 yards 1 TD Lagway vs Samford in a 45-7 win in game 2: 18-25 456 yards 3 TD’s
His pocket mobility makes the O linemen look a full grade better. And not many players can throw a ball that far into a paper cup like he can. He can improve, the mid passes need some work but he looks like a generational talent. The recruiting this season from Georgia, Bama, Texas, etc., is going to be intense.
Lagway is clearly superior to Mertz, especially in terms of upside. Mertz should be a firm #2 on the depth chart as of this morning. That said, the "it was Samford" is more about how our OL handles SEC caliber defenses, which will inevitably hinder Lagway's performance. It's a lot easier to distribute the football when your guys are so much faster than their guys. Lagway is legit, but he needs a real coach to come in and showcase his talents properly.
Lagways long ball was very good. Definitely work on setting his feet… but nice upgrade in arm strength. He seems to recognize and make a quick decision. Want him to stay healthy. Both QB are going to need COACHES help in varying and new play calling to help. OL, they are going to need routine help, an extra lineman, FB or blocking TE Baugh looked good other than fumble, lol, LB looked okay. D still gave up a TON of yards, but they got a look at a lot of players in a game situation. Still a lot of communication issues and getting lined up correctly. The lack of regular dominance on both lines was concerning. Special teams looked good. Something about Dike, just can’t put my finger on it…… Go Gators
