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.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Graham Mertz passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Florida over Mississippi State 45-28 on Saturday. The Gators had 503 yards of total offense and completed 93 percent of their passes with Mertz 19 of 21 for 201 yards and DJ Lagway completing all seven of his throws for 76 yards.

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,