Gators quarterback Graham Mertz throws on the run in the football team's 22-7 over Charlotte Saturday. Photo courtesy of Molly Kaiser.

Graham Mertz delivering for Gators

Florida’s football team appears to be picking up some steam with three consecutive wins.

Coming off of a 22-7 win over Charlotte at home Saturday, the Gators (3-1, 1-0 SEC) are ranked No. 22 in the nation and look to climb higher with a tough schedule ahead.

Quarterback Graham Mertz has played a major role in the success of the team.

Mertz Starts Strong

Through four games, Mertz has thrown for 976 yards, four touchdowns and only one interception. The Wisconsin transfer has also maintained an almost 78% completion rate and a quarterback rating of 163.47.

Mertz’s  77.8 completion percentage leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks fifth nationally.

The Mertz-Pearsall Connection

Receiver Ricky Pearsall has proved to be Mertz’s security blanket. Pearsall has already amassed 357 yards and a touchdown this season and looks like he will continue to produce.

Pearsall has become a leader for this team in his senior year and has set an example for the rest of the receiver room. The quarterback has raved about the work ethic of his pass-catchers and the team as a whole.

Test Against Kentucky

The Gators travel to face Kentucky for a noon game Saturday. The Gators have lost the last two matchups against Kentucky, but Mertz said the Gators can snap the slide.

After an away loss to Utah to open the season, the Gators have to prove they can win away from home. Mertz said it will be a test.

Kentucky is 4-0 overall, 1-0 in the SEC, but hasn’t been tested by a competent team. But the Wildcats will be hungry to stay undefeated against the Gators.

The game will be televised on ESPN and on radio at ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF.

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