Under-pressure coach Billy Napier outlines his strategy for utilizing two quarterbacks in the upcoming game against the Bulldogs.
Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby and Florida’s Billy Napier are both under scrutiny this week.
While Lebby’s Bulldogs suffered an embarrassing loss to a MAC team last week, his job remains secure. Napier, on the other hand, is already facing speculation about his potential replacement.
A win this weekend would be crucial for both teams, but Florida presents a unique challenge. The Gators have used two quarterbacks across their first three games with mixed results, leaving uncertainty over which QB Mississippi State will face.
#Gators QB rotation will work with Graham Mertz starting, DJ Lagway getting involved early in both halves … then decisions will be made from there forward as play progresses, Billy Napier says.
— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) September 16, 2024
However, that uncertainty has been cleared up.
Napier confirmed yesterday that senior Graham Mertz will start both the first and second halves, while freshman DJ Lagway will see action early. This mirrors the rotation used against Texas A&M last week.
“We’re committed to playing both players,” Napier stated. “DJ will get involved early, and from there, we’re keeping it open-ended. Both halves will follow that structure. That’s the decision we’ve made.”
Neither Mertz nor Lagway have stood out so far, which is why the rotation plan remains in place. However, if one quarterback clearly outperforms the other, Napier indicated they might stick with just one.
“They understand the situation,” Napier added. “My expectation is that both prepare well, practice well, and perform at a high level when given the chance.”
Taylor’s Take
Historically, two-quarterback systems rarely work. Ironically, one of the few successful teams to pull it off was a past Florida squad, with Chris Leak as the starter and Tim Tebow as a change-of-pace option. It’s doubtful this Florida team will find that level of success. In any case, the Gators shouldn’t focus on passing against Mississippi State with their clear size advantage up front.
