Whoever practices the most this week should get the start. It should probably be DJ Lagway to start and see if he can get Florida off to a fast start. Then if Lagway struggles, bring in Graham Mertz off the bench to give Texas AM a different look. Whoever plays the best should finish out the game. ============================================== This situation seems similar to 1993 when you had sophmore Terry Dean and rs freshman Danny Wuerfel playing different parts of the season. Recall, Wuerfel won that dramatic game against Kentucky, played a few good games (i.e, Tennessee, Auburn (L), etc.) but could not do well against Georgia because of the rain & wind that day affecting his throwing-mechanics. So, enter Dean who led UF to victory over the Bulldogs and eventually help the Gators win their 1st ('93) SECC Game against Alabama. =============================================
This is the main issue. I dont see how Mertz can even play now. As soon as he misses one throw the crowd is going to be all over him. He already plays reserved enough, and now he is going to be afraid to make mistakes, likely resulting in poor play. On the flip side, Lagway coming in to bail out Mertz sounds like alot of pressure too. "Dj, we stunk it up on the last 2 drives and need to make something happen. You're in" and now he has to be a savior. It is going to be the conversation the enitre broadcast unless Mertz is lighting it up.
It was rough being at some of those games in 06, because it did feel like people were booing Leak at times. I especially remember him sliding a yard short on some scrambles and people losing their minds. Let's be honest, real fans knew even Tebow wasn't ready to be the starter, and that team doesn't win a title without Leak. We also didn't get to see tebow throw for 400 yards and look like DJ did this past weekend. I don't want to hear people booing Mertz, I'm afraid you will hear the boo birds out in full force if Mertz starts and the offense goes 3 and out. It's not right and I won't be the guy booing, but I'm afraid that's where we are.
not that they are starting at their current schools, but this DOES hurt not having Jaden Rashada and/or Austin Simmons on the roster. Missing out on a 2023 QB hurt last year when Mertz went down and we had to go to Max Brown. Having one of them on the roster as a redshirt freshmen would help us not having to rush Graham back
This is the way. DJ has the most practice since Miami, and is coming off of a nice performance versus Samford. If we are going to do a 2 QB deal, DJ has to start. I think the fans will be more willing sit through it for a couple of drives if DJ is struggling. Mertz however, the first pass that is off target and its going to get ugly.
Which was by design. Meyer knew who his starter was, and the last thing he wanted to see was a QB controversy.
Different deal though, IMO. Tebow was such a force in the run game and brought a completely different element than Leak. The only thing Mertz has at this point is experience (which isn't nothing). But if they're otherwise even, and one is a Sr and the other a Fr, this is a no-brainer.
He didn't look himself, but he also didn't look himself at some points in some games last year. If he wasn't himself because of a concussion, that was dangerous, and he shouldn't have been out there. Also, if it was, he should absolutely not be playing against aTm. For his protection I wouldn't want to see him for a couple more weeks at least. He isn't getting paid enough for a lifetime of TBI.
I’ve dealt with many concussed players over the years and most aren’t cleared for a contact sport by their MDs within two weeks. I know UF has a fine medical staff, but cautiously bringing back a player with a brain injury should always be the preferred approach. It isn’t like an ortho injury that can be rebuilt out of synthetic materials.
I think Lagway is missing some times from his getting banged up, so that may not be the best guage for who should start.
I wonder about Mertz recovering fully from the 1st injury. He was way off vs Miami Now the concussion… I fear for him and the team. That oline seems like it can hang with a mobile qb but not protect Mertz
I'd feel better about this if our last game was against Miss State or someone P4. Just can't get Samford out of my head. Davin Wydner of West Georgia went 24-35 for 275 yards and 2 TDs with 0 INTs. Wydner's next game went 4-10 for 41 yards and 0 TDs in a loss to Abilene Christian. Not sure if Davin was yanked or got hurt.
Anyone look at the thread I just started entitled “One Time, Years And Years Ago”? Might be interesting to try it with Lagway at quarterback.
OK everyone . . . The gratuitous bashing needs to stop. Any decision = bashing. Any announcement = bashing. It's not a good look for Swamp Gas. I haven't stifled discussions but enough bashing and smart-alek comments.
If UF has any real chance of going 6-6 or even 7-5 then this game matters. I really like GM, great stand up guy, leader and someone who says all the right things. Truth is he is nothing more than a dink and dunk qb as history has shown. Teams now will sit on those throws and about all that is accomplished is eating up clock. Without the threat of a mid to long ball, the running game too will suffer since the D will be near the LOS. Furthermore, lack of mobility and awareness and he gets sacked a lot. Here's my point, we cannot afford to waste downs and time when we badly need this win. No doubt BN feels a sense of loyalty but what is needed is a coach who will do what is necessary to win. Lag has the IT factor. It's like putting Trask in, results happen. Lag throws guys open, hits guys in stride, produces chunk plays, buys time in the pocket, will hurt teams with scrambles and simply inspires the offense. Yes I know he did all this verses Samford but it was his first game and GM couldn't do the same vs similar competition. We will only have Lag for 3 years, he is the present and future. I think its a big mistake not to start him and roll with him.
