After their resounding victory in Starkville, the Florida Gators get to take a breath and collect themselves. Although they do not hit the field again until October 5th against UCF, the team can examine what worked and what didn’t.
Despite the tumult surrounding the head coaching situation that could derail the season, a respite allows the mind, body, and soul to relax.
The Two-QB System
The Gators currently shuffle in two quarterbacks, Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway, to the chagrin of many outside of the locker room. After Saturday’s win, the senior Mertz continues to show his leadership while splitting time with Lagway.
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“Yeah it did I was talking to DJ, I thought we were just really efficient,” said Mertz. “I was most proud of him, we had a great plan going into the game, I thought we did a good job of seeing the field today, kind of a lot of plays, RPO answers stuff like that. When you get in that mode where you can move fast and have answers for what they are doing, it’s always on attack mode. So, I thought we did a good job.” said Mertz
Austin Barber was named SEC offensive lineman of the week for his efforts against the Bulldogs, and he understands each quarterback brings something different to the game.
“Yeah I mean they bring two elements of the game,” said Barber. You definitely saw it today. They both do a great job of communication and seeing the field and telling us different points and checks and stuff like that which is really good. I have full confidence in Graham and DJ that like. I trust them, that whoever is on the field we’re gonna be really good. It’s really fun blocking for both of those guys, a lot of fun.”
An extra week will help both quarterbacks prepare for their swap roles, but if Mississippi State is any indication, Mertz will get the lion’s share of the snaps. He had 21 pass attempts to seven for Lagway.
Mental Fortitude
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Mertz deals with the type of internal and external pressure that few truly understand. With his NFL hopes banking on playing well, Mertz also wants to get the Gators back to a bowl game. Furthermore, the freshman that everyone with a social media account wants to start plays well, which applies extra heat.
“I think the biggest thing is realizing the ship’s always been right,” said Mertz. “I think that if you have a foundation, you know who you are, and nothing can really throw you off of your plan of what you’re doing. For me I got a great family, great friends, teammates, and my faith is one thing that I really rely on. So for me I mean if you can always keep the ship right, that’s what life is about.
Obviously there’s going to be stuff that’s going to be thrown at you, but how do you stay committed to what you’re doing, doing it with the people you’re doing it with, and have fun doing it, so, it’s been awhile, it’s been awhile. These past couple weeks have been long.”
After being concussed in the Miami game to open the season, it’s understandable that Mertz has had a long month. The bye week will help him recharge as it seems he and Lagway are settling into more defined roles heading into October.
Breather
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With eight games remaining in the season, the team needed to step back. The vibe around the fanbase, and more importantly, the team did not sit well with anyone. The Florida Gators despite all of the drama, headaches and speculation sit at 2-2. While the wins came at the expense of struggling teams, the wins count regardless.
Now, the team must recalibrate and focus on an unbeaten UCF and beyond.
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: March 1, 2026
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — On the latest episode of “This Week in South Florida” host Janine Stanwood welcomes President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County Audra Berg, Secretary General of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, Division Director of Flood Control and Water Supply Planning for the South Florida Water Management District Carolina Maran, State Rep. Juan Carlos Porras and State Rep. Kevin Chambliss.
The full episode can be seen at the top of this page.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.
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Janine Stanwood
Janine Stanwood is a Emmy award-winning reporter and anchor. She joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor.
South Florida leaders are taking preventative measures to keep residents safe after the U.S. and Israel launched major strikes on Iran early Saturday morning.
Miami-Dade County mayor Daniella-Levine Cava issued a statement reacting to the military operation that President Trump dubbed on Truth Social as “Operation Epic Fury.”
The statement reads: “The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran poses serious risks to regional stability and international safety.”
She goes on to say that her thoughts are “with the people of Israel and the Jewish community here in South Florida who are watching these events with worry and uncertainty.” She also says the Iranian people “deserve peace, safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without repression.”
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Of the Trump administration’s decision to launch the military operation, Levine-Cava writes: “Any military action taken without congressional authorization is a dangerous precedent, and we must learn from our nation’s past challenges. What must come next is a serious effort to restore stability and pursue diplomacy, not further violence.”
As for measures she will be taking, she says she asked her Chief of Public Safety to “ensure public safety agencies are aware and ready to activate plans in case of any disruption.”
The Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz also issued a statement saying that MDSO is “taking immediate security measures by increasing patrols to ensure the safety of our residents.” She said that they have increased security presence around places of worship, cultural centers, and schools.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the servicemen and women protecting our national security interests around the globe,” Cordero-Stutz wrote.
Aventura Police have also responded to the current situation on X, saying that they are monitoring the “current situation in the Middle East with our local, state, and federal partners.”
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@aventurapoliceis monitoring the current situation in the Middle East with our local, state and federal partners. At this time there are no known or credible threats to the US or Miami-Dade County. In an abundance of caution, we have implemented a heightened security posture with directed patrols at our religious facilities and other sensitive locations throughout @cityofaventuraWe will continue to monitor and report any suspicious behavior.https://x.com/aventurapolice/status/2027787245164335222/photo/1
X/Aventura Police
They go on to say: “At this time, there are no known or credible threats to the U.S. or Miami-Dade County.” However, they note that in “an abundance of caution,” they will be increasing security in religious facilities and other locations they deem as “sensitive” throughout the city.
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The City of Miami Beach also posted its statement to X, saying it is also “closely monitoring the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” They also note that at this time, there are no known credible threats to the city.
They write: “Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased our uniformed presence at synagogues, schools, and other key locations citywide. We remain in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and leaders within the faith-based community.”
Miami Beach Police Department Increases Patrols Ahead of Purim Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflicthttps://x.com/MiamiBeachPD/status/2027752171173773807/photo/1
X/Miami Beach Police
They also urge residents to report any “suspicious or unlawful activity” to call their non-emergency number at 305-673-7901 or, if it is an emergency, call 911.
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Other cities’ police departments, such as Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, and Hallendale Beach, posted on their social media that they will also increase security measures after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
