Florida starting QB for week 3: Billy Napier shares his pick for game against Texas A&M

The Florida Gators put a Week 1 demolition at the hands of the Miami Hurricanes to bed with a dominant 45-7 win against the Samford Bulldogs in Week 2. Backup quarterback DJ Lagway made his case as a starter with an imperious performance in the absence of starter Graham Mertz, who was out with a concussion.

During his weekly news conference ahead of the Week 3 clash against the Texas A&M Aggies, beleaguered Gators coach Billy Napier revealed his plans for using his two quarterbacks.

“Our intention the entire time has been to play DJ in every game,” Napier said. “Obviously, he gets a little bit more experienced each week. And certainly, for him to have the opportunity to be the starter, prepare with the ones and then go play, and the way he did that — the poise, the composure — I just think it shows that he’s ready to do what we intend to do with him going forward.

“It’s a blessing to have two really good quarterbacks and certainly one with a ton of experience and one without. But there’s no doubt both of these guys will make us harder to defend. We intend to use both of them.”

DJ Lagway makes his case as Florida QB1

Against the Samford Bulldogs, DJ Lagway was imperious in his first start, going 18-of-25 for 456 yards, which resulted in three touchdowns. He looked composed as the experienced Graham Mertz's replacement.

During an On3 podcast, analysts Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman backed DJ Lagway as the best option for Florida coach Billy Napier to save his job, which is under a lot of scrutiny this season.

“Texas A&M is a 3.5-point favorite at Florida,” Staples said. “Ari you and I did a video Sunday night, just begging Billy Napier to start DJ Lagway… He’s a very good quarterback, like he’s accurate, he can throw the ball downfield with the flick of his wrist, and he can hit people in stride. (Graham Mertz) doesn’t give Billy Napier a chance to save his job, (DJ Lagway) does give Billy Napier a chance to save his job.”

Graham Mertz got a lot of the blame for the Florida Gators' 41-17 loss to the Miami Hurricanes where he went 11-of-20 for 91 yards and an interception before his concussion. The tide seems to have turned from him in favor of DJ Lagway to lead the Gators for the rest of the season.