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The Florida Gators lost to SEC rival Tennessee on Saturday night, falling one score shy of shocking the Volunteers in Neyland Stadium. Starting signal caller Graham Mertz played a significant role in that near-upset.
Unfortunately, he was forced to exit the game early with a knee injury. He spoke on that setback after the game.
Mertz left the contest in the third quarter of play after throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham, putting his team up 10-0. After tossing that score, the quarterback fell to the ground in pain.
Many believed that he’d been injured on that particular play based on the reaction.
Florida QB Graham Mertz throws the TD pass, but grabs his leg in pain after play, was visibly upset hobbling to sideline
That’s not good pic.twitter.com/nRMfAHIhGd
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) October 13, 2024
As it turns out, he’d actually torn his ACL a couple of plays prior. The passer confirmed that he’d heard a “pop” on a crucial scramble play to convert a 3rd-and-4 earlier in the drive.
That conversion would allow the Gators to find the endzone as opposed to settling for a field goal, creating a two-score advantage in the upset bid.
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz confirmed at a press conference earlier today that he tore his ACL on a 15-yard scramble two plays before throwing a touchdown pass to Arlis Boardingham. Mertz said he felt a “pop” on the play, but remained in the game to finish the scoring drive.…
— Jack Meyer (@jackmeyerUF) October 16, 2024
Graham Mertz didn’t seem to have much of a reaction after the scramble play, though that could be attributed to adrenaline.
Most assumed he was alright. He was not!
Still, he battled through the pain in his attempts to lead his team to victory. Unfortunately, the Gators came up just short.
Though Florida led by 10 when Mertz was sidelined, the Vols would score 17 straight points to take a late lead. Backup QB DJ Lagway led the offense to a game-tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation before Tennessee won in overtime.
Graham Mertz will miss the remainder of the season, effectively ending his college career. He went 11/15 for 125 yards and that touchdown in his final game.