Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Graham Mertz of Florida had circuitous paths to get to where they are. Mertz was a four-star signee with Wisconsin in 2019 as the 65th prospect, third QB and top player in Kansas. Ward was unranked in the 2020 class and played his first two seasons at FCS Incarnate Word.
After redshirting as a true freshman in 2019, Mertz became a three-year starter for Wisconsin beginning in 2020. Mertz completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 8,308 yards, averaged 7.2 yards per attempt and had 58 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. Mertz had his best season in 2023 with Florida.
Starting 11 out of 12 games, Mertz completed 72.9 percent of his passes for 2.903 yards, 8.1 YPA, 20 TDs and three interceptions. Mertz set Florida records in 2023 with 239 passes without throwing an interception, 19 consecutive completions and completion percentage for one season. Mertz was third nationally in completion percentage in 2023.
Ward completed 63.49 percent of his pass attempts for 4,648 yards, 47 TDs and 10 interceptions with three rushing touchdowns in two seasons at Incarnate Word. Following his breakout tenure with Incarnate Word, Ward became a highly sought after FCS transfer. Washington State signed Ward ahead of the 2021 season.
Name | School | Games | Completions | Attempts | Yards | Y/A | TD | INT | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Graham Mertz | Wisconson | 34 | 721 | 1131 | 5,405 | 7.0 | 38 | 26 | 127.7 |
Mertz | Florida | 11 | 261 | 358 | 2,903 | 8.1 | 20 | 3 | 157.8 |
Cam Ward | Incarnate Word | 19 | 384 | 590 | 4,648 | 7.9 | 47 | 19 | N/A |
Ward | Washington State | 25 | 643 | 982 | 6968 | 7.1 | 48 | 16 | 138.0 |
Ward's numbers as expected dipped slightly with tougher competition at Washington State. Going from an FCS program to Power Five is a huge leap in one season. Ward completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 6.968 yards, averaged 7.1 yards per attempt and had 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions with 13 TDs in two seasons at Washington State.
Mertz and Ward should be one of the best QB duels of week one. The winner between Florida and Miami will make a statement on Saturday. The loser on Saturday will have increased scrutiny on their head coach after two mediocre seasons. Quarterback play will be critical on Saturday.
Mertz and Ward seldom make mistakes. Whichever QB can make big plays while avoiding turnovers should have the upper hand on Saturday. Mertz and Ward both have talented receiving corps with complementary running games to balance the offenses.