Wisconsin Quarterback, Graham Mertz, Stellar In First Career Start

Featured Image Credit: Creator: Jeff Hanisch | Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Copyright: Jeff Hanisch

Wisconsin quarterback, Graham Mertz, was almost perfect in a Friday night showdown against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Mertz completed 20 of his 21 passing attempts for 248 yards, and 5 touchdowns. According to ESPN’s Stats & Info, Mertz’s 95.2 completion percentage is the best in the school’s history. Wisconsin won 45-7. ESPN’s Stats & Info also reported that Mertz is “the 3rd FBS player in 25 seasons with 5 pass TD and a 95% completion pct in a game.”

Mertz made his first career start in the place of Jack Coan who underwent foot surgery and is out for the season. Coan suffered the injury during practice. With the win, this marks Wisconsin’s first win of the season, as they are currently ranked 14th in the country. Tight End, Jake Ferguson, caught three of Mertz’s five touchdowns, and according to ESPN, it is the most by a Wisconsin tight end since Owen Daniels did it in 2005, and Garret Graham in 2009.

Ferguson said the following about Mertz : “The Kid’s smooth. He was smiling cheek to cheek after that first touchdown. He knew, and everyone in the huddle knew that we were rolling. It’s just awesome to see that out of him.” The former NFL MVP, Patrick Mahomes, also reacted to Mertz’s crazy night on Twitter, “That man @grahammertz5 going crazy tonight.”

Wisconsin’s next game takes place on Halloween against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who just fell to Ohio State 52-17.