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Wisconsin redshirt freshman QB Graham Mertz was sizzling in the opening half of his 1st start
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The first half of the B1G opener belonged to Wisconsin redshirt freshman quarterback Graham Mertz.
In his first career game as a starting quarterback at the college level, Mertz was unstoppable, completing 14-of-14 passes through the first 30 minutes of the game, racking up 190 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was also credited with 6 yards on the ground.
Mertz was a former 4-star recruit and was expected to challenge for the starting job in his first year in 2019. He was beat out by Jack Coan and appeared to be the backup heading into the 2020 season, as well.
However, a foot injury to Coan opened the door for Mertz to take the starting job for the Badgers. He may never relinquish that role.
Because of Mertz’s huge first half, Wisconsin took a 28-7 lead into the locker room over Illinois.
Mertz appeared in just two games last season, completing 9-of-10 passes. Here’s what everyone is saying about the sensational redshirt freshman:
Graham Mertz cannot be stopped! #Wisconsin #BigTenFB pic.twitter.com/7aCHDnFKKW
— The Sports Throne (@SportsThroneHub) October 24, 2020
Okay, @GrahamMertz is pretty good 🔥
That's now 3 TDs in the first half for the @BadgerFootball Freshman QB! pic.twitter.com/ujybVcyrtW
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 24, 2020
Graham Mertz has started 13-for-13 with 3 TDs for Wisconsin. He’s the real deal. pic.twitter.com/MYtFRVFQoY
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) October 24, 2020
Graham Mertz will face way better defenses than this, but he's playing with tremendous confidence: 9-of-9 passing, 75 yards, 2 TDs. Also a 13-yard first-down run. While Jack Coan would have started tonight, Mertz is the best QB recruit in team history. Higher ceiling. #Badgers
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 24, 2020
End of the 1st
Badgers 7
Illinois 0Graham Mertz is off to an 8-8 start for 70 yards and 1 TD.
Badgers have run for just 13 yards on nine carries so far.— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) October 24, 2020
Graham Mertz was a huge recruit for #Wisconsin and he's been very impressive so far: 8-of-8, connecting with five different receivers.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 24, 2020
I’ve seen enough. Graham Mertz for Heisman #RoughNRowdy pic.twitter.com/Cvat7Sqd88
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) October 24, 2020
Graham Mertz is completing 100 percent of his passes this season.
Unbelievable.#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) October 24, 2020
https://twitter.com/SchutteCFB/status/1319801885143011334?s=20
Don’t need Trevor Lawrence. Jets should tank for three years and draft Graham Mertz.
— Sam Pepper (@ProducerPepper) October 24, 2020
OMG! Graham Mertz is really good! pic.twitter.com/BjndQztIVz
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) October 24, 2020
Have to wonder if Trevor Lawrence has enough time to catch Graham Mertz in the Heisman voting.
Early indication is that Mertz has this wrapped up.
— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) October 24, 2020
Graham Mertz does a nice job of progressing and he’s even early to the backside dig on 3rd and L. Some nice anticipation hitting it on the Hash, too. pic.twitter.com/ifPuougJlz
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) October 24, 2020
Graham Mertz just threw his first career TD Pass, and he’s officially, mathematically, on pace to be the greatest QB in Wisconsin #Badgers history. Remarkable.
— Marques Eversoll (@MarquesEversoll) October 24, 2020
✅ First B1G TD of 2020
✅ First passing TD of Graham Mertz's career@BadgerFootball jumps out to the early 7-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/nuqbFs0ifJ
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 24, 2020
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB