STARKVILLE, Miss. -- 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.

As tensions surrounding the Florida football program continue to rise, Gators quarterback Graham Mertz has had to deal with a variety of professional and personal issues, both on and off the field.

With Florida head coach Billy Napier’s job security grabbing the bulk of the attention on Saturday afternoon, the Gators rose to the occasion against Mississippi State. Graham Mertz passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Florida over Mississippi State 45-28 on Saturday.

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,

Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz seems to be showing Billy Napier that he should still be the starter in Gainesville with the way he has performed these last couple of weeks.   It is never easy to return from injury and instantly be what you were.