ESPN broadcast: Graham Mertz has earned the opportunity to be on the field despite DJ Lagway's presence

Graham Mertz or DJ Lagway? It seems to be the former after Saturday’s performance against Mississippi State.
Because really, when do two-quarterback systems work in college football? It’s pretty rare and ESPN’s Dusty Dvoracek said Mertz earned the right to start and be the sole quarterback of the offense.
In the 45-28 win, both played well, but Mertz, a veteran, seemed like he owned the moment and should remain the starter. It seemed like play-by-play man Dave Pasch agreed.
“I just I wonder, though, you know, we talked about this earlier, looking big picture if Florida’s really going to turn it around and make a bowl game at some point, do you have to decide on a quarterback,” Pasch asked. “Because, as we’ve seen throughout the history of football, two quarterback systems rarely work when it’s two guys that are coming in. I mean, it’s different if you have one guy coming for one play, it’s different.”
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Dan Lanning
Oregon extends HC six years
- 2New
Bracketology update
Critical changes to 1-line
- 3
Jay Bilas
Suggests multiple rule changes
- 4Hot
Greg Sankey
Claps back at Danny Kanell
- 5
Strength of Schedule
CFB 2025 Top-40 slates ranked
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Dvoracek agreed, while conceding that Chris Leak and Tim Tebow are a rare example of it working. Ironically, they did it at Florida and won a title. Mertz and Lagway are in a bit of a different situation.
“I wonder if the role of DJ Lagway is a little more shrunk, a little more limited,” Dvoracek said. “We’ve seen him come in, be utilized as a runner, red zone situations. He is 6-foot-3, 240. He’s got that big frame, that athleticism, but clearly Billy Napier wants to continue for him to grow and mature, and he sounds like he’s dedicated to keeping this somewhat status quo moving forward. But I agree. I think Graham Mertz, he’s earned the opportunity to be on the field. He’s going to give your team the best chance to win.”
Watch College Football Games Live -Try for Free Fubo! Click HERE NOW
Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW! For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Mertz finished the game 19-of-21 passing for 201 yards, three touchdowns, 24 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground. Lagway did not alternate every series, but rather every third series before Mertz was practically on autopilot.
Lagway was seven-of-seven passing for 76 yards and ran for 22 yards.