Graham Mertz keeps Florida's offense ahead of schedule

Kentucky is very familiar with Florida starting quarterback Graham Mertz. The former Wisconsin quarterback was a top-100 recruit in the class of 2019 who entered the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2022 regular season. The Wildcats hosted the redshirt senior for an official visit before accepting a commitment from Devin Leary. Now Kentucky must go head-to-head with the former recruiting target on Saturday afternoon.

Mark Stoops is familiar with Mertz’s game. After throwing for 5,405 yards (7.0 yards per attempt) with 46 total touchdowns in the Big Ten, the veteran quarterback is having a career year through four games. Mertz has a strong passing success rate (52.1%) and ranks No. 4 nationally in completion percentage (77.8%). Florida head coach and play-caller Billy Napier is asking the new starting quarterback in Gainesville to keep the offense ahead of schedule and moving forward.

That shows up on tape.

“He’s been very good with the football. They have very few turnovers in general. Want to say he maybe only has one. He’s been very efficient, very smart,” Stoops said about Graham Mertz on Monday. “Getting rid of the football and taking care of the ball and running their offense. He’s been very efficient.”

Mertz only has one interception in 85 throws (1.2% interception rate this season). At Wisconsin, the quarterback had 26 interceptions in 773 throws (3.4% interception rate). The veteran is making quick decisions and getting the ball out fast. Mertz’s average depth of target (6.4 yards) is the fourth-smallest in the FBS, according to PFF. The Gators are getting the ball out quickly and not asking their new quarterback to stretch the field vertically too much.

That will be a different challenge for Kentucky’s defense on Saturday. The Wildcats will have to leverage the football and make tackles in space. That’s before even addressing the run-heavy aspect Napier’s offense typically has. Graham Mertz is giving the Gators good QB play and that has turned into a 3-1 start even though he’s been asked to be mostly a game manager to this point.

“He’s played very well,” Stoops said.