Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz leads Florida over No. 11 Tennessee
MARK LONG
Associated Press
Updated
Florida had an upset win over No. 11 Tennessee. The game marked Florida’s 10th consecutive win over Tennessee at home, a streak dating to 2003. Mertz completed 19 of his 25 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown in the win.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Billy Napier navigated a sea of family, friends and fans waiting to congratulate him on his most significant victory as Florida's head coach. He shook hands, doled out hugs and even posed for pictures.
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Florida quarterback Graham Mertz, right, scrambles as he looks for a receiver in front of Tennessee defensive lineman Tyler Baron, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2) scores a touchdown past Tennessee defensive lineman Roman Harrison, front right, on an 18-yard pass play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kahleil Jackson (22) makes a reception in front of Tennessee defensive back Warren Burrell (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida players including Trevor Etienne (7), Caleb Banks (88) and Graham Mertz (15) celebrate after defeating Tennessee in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Quarterback Graham Mertz discusses his transfer from Wisconsin to Florida with reporters for the first time, as well as his fit in the Gators' offense under head coach Billy Napier.
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz, right, scrambles as he looks for a receiver in front of Tennessee defensive lineman Tyler Baron, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2) scores a touchdown past Tennessee defensive lineman Roman Harrison, front right, on an 18-yard pass play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Kahleil Jackson (22) makes a reception in front of Tennessee defensive back Warren Burrell (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida players including Trevor Etienne (7), Caleb Banks (88) and Graham Mertz (15) celebrate after defeating Tennessee in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
