You have to get back into the flow of things and knock off the rust built up while away. For Mertz though, it wasn’t just that he’s dealing with. He’s also contending with star freshman DJ Lagway looking over his shoulder every game after the stellar day he had in Week Two against Samford.

Florida football (2-2, 1-1 SEC) defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-3, 0-1 SEC) on the road by a score of 45-28 in what seemed like a must-win game for Billy Napier and his Gators. The cowbells in Starkville,

Mertz entered Week 4 having thrown 1 touchdown pass this season. He struggled in Week 1 against Miami, a game he left with a concussion. Mertz missed Week 2, and freshman DJ Lagway dazzled as the starter. Florida’s offense struggled in a Week 3 loss to Texas A&M, but Mertz was the more effective QB against the Aggies.

Saturday’s 45-28 victory at hapless Mississippi State wasn’t a cakewalk, won’t quell the conversation about coach Billy Napier’s future or put to rest the perceived

It's Florida football vs Mississippi State in Week 4 of the 2024 college football season. Follow along for live score and game updates from Starkville, Miss

Florida is sticking to a specific playing time plan for quarterbacks Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway against Mississippi State.

As tensions surrounding the Florida football program continue to rise, Gators quarterback Graham Mertz has had to deal with a variety of professional and personal issues, both on and off the field.

Will Graham Mertz return to starting for Florida football vs Texas A&M or will Billy Napier and the Gators turn to true freshman DJ Lagway. What to know:

Florida coach Billy Napier told ESPN that Graham Mertz would be the first quarterback on the field against Texas A&M and that freshman DJ Lagway would play specific possessions each half and certain plays throughout possessions.