When it comes to college football, the quarterback is the key to any team’s success. Deciding who should lead your team can mean the difference between a championship run and a rebuilding season. With the Florida/Miami game just a week away, I wanted to crunch the numbers to decide which quarterback is the better choice to lead a team. Graham Mertz or Cam Ward. To make this decision, I consulted an unbiased and unusual source – ChatGPT.
This is what the comparison looked like:
Graham Mertz entered the 2023 season with a chip on his shoulder after transferring from Wisconsin to Florida. Mertz quickly silenced any doubters by delivering career-highs in all areas. His efficiency was unmatched, completing 72.9% of his passes, throwing for 2,903 yards and holding a 20:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Mertz set several program records for the Gators, including consecutive passes without an interception and a high completion percentage. His leadership on the field was evident, especially in crucial moments like the comeback win over South Carolina, where he threw for a career-high 423 yards.
On the other side of the field Cam Ward brings a different kind of energy. Ward, a top-three quarterback transfer prospect in 2024, came to the Miami Hurricanes with a reputation as an elite passer with a knack for making big plays. Ward’s 2023 season was defined by his ability to stretch the field — he averaged 311.1 passing yards per game, which ranked fourth nationally. But his style came with risks. Ward led the nation in lost fumbles (seven) and threw seven interceptions, raising questions about his decision-making under pressure.
The ChatGPT analysis
I asked ChatGPT to help me decide between these two quarterbacks, using their stats and playstyles as a basis for comparison.
This is how the AI broke it down:
Graham Mertz was described as a consistent, reliable quarterback who excels in efficiency and decision-making. His ability to perform under pressure was outstanding, with an adjusted 64.3% success rate when the going got tough. Mertz was praised for his leadership and smart, safe plays – qualities that are often underrated but are crucial in close games. Although Mertz is not the most mobile quarterback, his experience and record-breaking performances gave him the advantage to be a reliable starter.
Cam Wardwas characterized as a high-risk, high-reward player. Ward’s ability to make explosive plays further down the court made him an exciting option, especially for a team looking to light up the scoreboard. However, his turnover issues and inconsistency under pressure (with an adjusted completion rate under pressure of just 47.4%) were concerning. Despite his mobility and potential for big plays, Ward’s tendency to make mistakes in critical situations was a red flag.
The verdict
After weighing up the pros and cons, ChatGPT concluded that Graham Mertz would be a safer, more reliable choice for a Division I football team. Mertz’s consistency, leadership and ability to avoid turnovers were considered more valuable than Ward’s potential to make big plays, especially in a sport where a single bad decision can cost the game.
However, the AI also found that if a team’s offensive strategy requires a more dynamic quarterback who can extend plays with his legs and isn’t afraid to take risks, Cam Ward might be a better choice – assuming his turnover issues could be addressed.
Diploma
Ultimately, the decision between Graham Mertz and Cam Ward comes down to what is more important to you as a coach: consistency and smart play versus explosive potential with a dash of risk. Mertz offers stability and proven leadership skills, making him a strong candidate to lead a team deep into the season. Ward brings excitement and the ability to make big plays, but requires careful management to avoid costly mistakes.
Fans won’t have to wait long to see how these two quarterbacks compare. Next week, Graham Mertz and Cam Ward will face off on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. when Florida faces Miami.
