Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
228 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★ - 65 ratingsThe latest on Florida Gators football, basketball and more featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Edgar Thompson.
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Episodes
Spring game takeaways, Todd Golden begins roster reload (Ep. 223)
April 16, 2024 16:33 - 45 minutes - 62 MBFlorida’s spring game was an improvement on 2023 and gave fans their first look at Billy Napier’s 2024 team. Those on hand left with reasons for optimism entering the offseason of a pivotal Year 3. Meanwhile, Todd Golden picked up his first commit, Chattanooga transfer Sam Alexis of Apopka, as he restocks UF’s roster during a busy offseason. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar share their many takeaways from the spring game and discuss the challenge of coaching basketball in the a...
Spring game arrives, basketball season concludes, baseball team collapses (Ep. 222)
April 10, 2024 16:55 - 54 minutes - 74.9 MBFlorida’s spring game is set for Saturday in the Swamp. Fans get their first chance to see the Gators in action following a 5-7 season and sweeping offseason changes to Billy Napier’s roster and staff. While spring football nears the finish line, the college basketball concluded with UConn and South Carolina living up to the hype and potentially establishing dynasties. Meanwhile, John Calipari left behind one of the game’s bluebloods at Kentucky to stay a step ahead of the posse in Big Blue ...
Spring football enters homestretch, UConn aims to supplant ‘04s, women’s sports seize centerstage (Ep. 221)
April 05, 2024 17:20 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBFlorida football is amid a two-week stretch Billy Napier calls “critical” to his program’s turnaround. The Gators have two scrimmages, including the spring game, to sharpen their focus entering the offseason. Meanwhile, the biggest weekend in college basketball takes center stage, with UConn looking to become the first back-to-back champion since the 2006 and 2007 Gators. But Iowa’s Caitlin Clark has stolen the show during March Madness and helped elevate the women’s games to new heights. Du...
Riley Kugel bails after Florida’s NCAA exit, Gators stage spring football’s first scrimmage, softball back on track (Ep. 220)
March 29, 2024 18:16 - 54 minutes - 74.3 MBKugel returned to school expected to be a star. Instead, he endured a stunning sophomore slump ending with his much-anticipated transfer less than week after UF’s NCAA Tournament loss. Todd Golden now pushes to match last spring’s transfer portal success and maintain the Gators’ upward trajectory. Meanwhile, Billy Napier’s squad will stage its first spring scrimmage with an overhauled staff and roster. Across campus, Tim Walton’s softball program is back to it winning ways as SEC play heats ...
Gators back at the Big Dance, Pro Day’s indictment of Dan Mullen, gymnastics team seeks 3-peat (Ep. 219)
March 21, 2024 19:12 - 55 minutes - 51 MBFlorida is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years and capable of a deep run if the pieces fall into place as Todd Golden’s team looks to continue the program’s Year 2 turnaround. Back in Gainesville, the Gators’ Pro Day was an all-time dud, highlighting the lack of depth Billy Napier inherited from Dan Mullen. Meanwhile, Jenny Rowland’s gymnastics program remains as steady as any on campus and heads to the SEC Championships seeking a three-peat. During the latest Swamp...
Money, money, money … Will Gators investment in Todd Golden, Billy Napier pay off? (Ep. 218)
March 15, 2024 18:45 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBFlorida is all-in on coaches Todd Golden and Billy Napier, giving Golden a contract extension on the eve of the SEC tournament and increasing the recruiting budget 45% for Napier’s football program. Golden has revived the men’s basketball program and re-energized the fan base. A postseason run would punctuate the Gators’ direction. Resources have never been the problem with Napier. Results have been. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar try to make sense of all the dollars being in...
Spring football kicks off and Gators men’s basketball kicks Bama butt (Ep. 217)
March 08, 2024 16:27 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBBilly Napier’s third season in Gainesville is unofficially underway with the start of spring football practices. During the next six weeks, a remade roster and staff will push to turn the page on consecutive losing seasons and search for answers, leaders, playmakers and momentum. Meanwhile, Todd Golden’s Gators are ahead of schedule and poised to make a postseason statement. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark have plenty to say during the start of a big month for Florida’s two pr...
Gators enter March Madness poised for postseason run, spring football on the horizon (Ep. 216)
February 29, 2024 22:11 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBFlorida reached 20 wins in men’s basketball for the first time since 2018 as Todd Golden’s program pushes to make a postseason run. But with three regular-season games to go, the Gators continue to show a lack of killer instinct while the mystery of Riley Kugel continues. Meanwhile, Billy Napier’s third season in Gainesville begins in earnest with the opening spring practices March 7. UF will have many new faces and faces plenty of questions as Napier aims to set a new course for his struggl...
Basketball heartbreak at Alabama, staff churn continues in football, spring sports ramp up (Ep.215)
February 22, 2024 18:44 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBFlorida’s upset bid in men’s basketball came up short in overtime at Alabama. Coach Todd Golden’s squad let a golden opportunity slip away, but the Gators have found their stride with March Madness on the horizon. Meanwhile, Billy Napier’s program will kick off spring football in two weeks with 30 new players and a retooled staff. After spending a week reporting from the Daytona 500, Mark and Edgar return for the latest Swamp Things to catch up with all the Gators’ goings-on, including a del...
Billy Napier discusses the Gators’ busy offseason, hope for the future (Ep. 214)
February 07, 2024 23:50 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBThe early signing period has devalued National Signing Day on the first week of February. Even though the Gators didn’t add to the 2024 class, Billy Napier had plenty to discuss following offseason changes to virtually every aspect of his program. Something had to give after consecutive losing seasons. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss Napier’s many moves and whether it will be enough to turn around the Gators. Billy Napier speaks: Was it worth the wait? (:00) Coachin...
Gators stun Kentucky, Billy Napier tweaks special teams, RIP Martin Fennelly (Ep. 213)
February 01, 2024 17:36 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBFlorida’s upset at Kentucky in men’s basketball gave Todd Golden a much-needed signature win and supercharged the Gators’ NCAA Tournament resumé. Wins at Rupp Arena don’t come easily. Prior to Wednesday, UF had won just 10 times in 50 visits to Lexington since 1974. Napier’s last trip to Kentucky ended with a 33-14 beat down, one of 14 losses in his two seasons. Poor special teams play is one of the reasons. Napier aimed to address the issue by hiring Joe Houston from the NFL, but still reta...
Jaden Rashada strikes again, where will this twisted tale end? (Ep. 212)
January 26, 2024 20:49 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBA year after Florida made national headlines and the Billy Napier’s NIL approach became a punchline, news surfaced that a failed $13.8 million deal with Rashada is under NCAA scrutiny. But will the slow wheels of justice ultimately impact the football program? Otherwise, it’s been a good week for Napier’s Gators, who continue to acquire talent in key areas as the third-year pushes to turn around his program. Meanwhile, Year 2 under men’s basketball coach Todd Golden is gaining traction enter...
Is Florida coach Billy Napier’s seat hot or not? (Ep. 211)
January 18, 2024 23:15 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBBy virtually any measure, Billy Napier entered 2024 squarely on the hot seat after consecutive losing seasons and a substandard brand of football. Florida AD Scott Stricklin disagrees and passionately backs the coach he hired to turn around the Gators. Will Stricklin be the one who ultimately decides Napier’s fate? During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar agree Stricklin has to stand by his man but wonder whether Napier’s approach to the transfer portal relative to the Gators’ competit...
Nick Saban’s retirement kicks off 2024 full of change in college football (Ep. 210)
January 11, 2024 17:31 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBThe GOAT is gone. Alabama coach Nick Saban’s retirement rocked the college football world to kick off a year shaping up to be unlike any other in moden college football. Add the exit of the face of the sport to a list including an expanded College Football playoff, SEC, ACC and Big Ten expansion and efforts to legislate NIL. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss Saban’s impact on Florida football, his decision’s trickle-down effect on the SEC and whether Billy Napier can ear...
Billy Napier resolves to change the Gators’ fortunes in 2024 (Ep. 209)
January 05, 2024 19:01 - 1 hour - 67 MBA new year brings new hope for Florida football. Coming off a 5-7 season and 11-14 overall, Billy Napier has to sell the future. It begins with 5-star quarterback signee DJ Lagway, one of three incoming Gators who played during the recent Under Armour All-American game, a half-dozen newcomers from the transfer portal and some new staff additions. After a 15-day holiday hiatus, Mark and Edgar aim to bring the big picture into focus while also discussing a huge weekend in Gators’ hoops. Signi...
National Signing Day wins and losses as Billy Napier’s Gators turn the page on 2023 (Ep. 208)
December 21, 2023 17:54 - 1 hour - 57 MBFlorida’s 2024 class didn’t turn out to be what it could have been but might have been more than it should have been after another losing season in Gainesville. A pair of 5-star prospects, quarterback DJ Lagway and defensive lineman LJ McCray, headlined a class that settled at a respectable No. 16 in the ranking after it peaked at No. 3 prior to a 5-7 campaign. Despite losing six top-150 players since November, there is plenty to like about the group Napier and Co. signed. During the latest...
Florida’s football schedule intensifies the challenge ahead for Billy Napier (Ep. 207)
December 14, 2023 23:14 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBThe Gators’ 2024 schedule was going to be difficult, however it shook out. But the SEC did UFno favors, saddling Napier with a November featuring five games against teams currently ranked in the top 13 of the College Football Playoff rankings. A coach already feeling the heat now will have to navigate one of the toughest slate in school history, culminating with a closing month without compare. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark break down the schedule, look ahead to Signing Day ...
Gators on the move as Billy Napier’s rebuild enters critical phase (Ep. 206)
December 07, 2023 19:35 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBUF hired Napier for his ability to identify talent and build a roster as much as coaching acumen. The time has arrived for the 44-year-old to prove he was worth his $7 million-plus salary. The transfer portal opened Monday, National Signing Day is in less than two weeks, the Gators roster and staff is in limbo, and rumors are flying throughout college football. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar do their best to keep up and keep listeners in the loop. Rumor, intrigue & innuendo ...
Florida enters pivotal December full of change (Ep. 205)
December 01, 2023 19:34 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MBCoach Billy Napier didn’t waste much time shaking up his staff following a season-ending loss to FSU, jettisoning two veteran defensive assistants. A handful of players also made known their futures known as the week unfolded. It’s just the beginning of a hectic, critical stretch as Napier aims to get the Gators on track after going 11-14 his first two seasons. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar break down the recent moves, what’s to come and will it be enough. Timetable has cha...
Florida’s season with FSU loss, third straight losing record (Ep. 204)
November 27, 2023 19:03 - 38 minutes - 35 MBThe Gators’ 24-15 loss to their rival Seminoles in the Swamp dropped UF to 5-7 and left coach Billy Napier 11-14 after two seasons in Gainesville. He is now on the clock entering a critical offseason. Napier must rebuild his staff and roster, finetune his messaging and regain the confidence of Gator Nation. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss the merciful end to miserable season and whether Napier is the right man to resurrect the Gators. How does 2023 season compare? (:0...
Florida seeks to salvage season, upset unbeaten FSU (Ep. 203)
November 22, 2023 17:23 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBThe 2023 Gators’ goals are long gone, but Billy Napier’s squad still has plenty to play for against the rival Seminoles. UF pushes to avoid a losing season while cutting the Noles down to size and ending their College Football Playoff hopes. Two backup quarterbacks forced into action are among the many storylines Mark and Edgar address on a Thanksgiving eve edition of Swamp Things. QB issues (:00) FSU moved to #5 (2:00) QB Mertz to Brown (3:48) Coaches in very different places (7;29) ...
Florida moves past missed opportunity at Missouri as FSU visit looms (Ep. 202)
November 20, 2023 23:07 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBThe Gators’ last-second loss was tough to take for Billy Napier’s team. Florida had a late lead and a chance to close the deal at Columbia, but could not make the plays or avoid mental mistakes when it mattered. UF now looks to end a four-game skid at the expense of rival FSU in a sold-out Swamp. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar break down what went right and wrong at Mizzou as the Gators prepare to upset the unbeaten Seminoles. Painful loss (:00) Turning point (4:14) Thum...
Florida faces roadblock at No. 9 Missouri as Gators push to avoid falling under .500 (Ep. 201)
November 16, 2023 22:52 - 51 minutes - 47 MBThe chance for a winning season is fleeting for Billy Napier’s team. In fact, finishing above .500 is a likely pipe dream at this point. A visit to surging and surprising Mizzou poses challenges on multiple fronts from the Tigers’ balanced attack, a defense with talent at all three levels, a clutch placekicker and a November chill with temperatures in 30s. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark wonder whether the Gators can continue to fight, keep it close and just maybe salvage thei...
Florida recovers from Jayden Daniels’ record-setting night, defensive collapse at LSU (Ep. 200)
November 13, 2023 22:39 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBThe Gators were left to lick their wounds and pick up the pieces after failing to keep up in a shootout at Tiger Stadium. Billy Napier’s squad showed fight and offensive spark against LSU, but UF’s reeling defense could not keep up with Daniels as he supercharged his Heisman campaign. Edgar and Mark unpack the LSU loss during the latest Swamp Things. Turning points (3:24) Thumbs up (8:42) Thumbs down (11:49) Second-guess (17:44) Game ball (22:02) Biggest concern (25:45) On the s...
Florida Gators look to steal one at LSU’s Tiger Stadium (Ep. 199)
November 10, 2023 19:15 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBBilly Napier’s team pushes to bounce back from a disheartening home loss to Arkansas with an upset win under the lights at LSU. The Gators are 14.5-point underdogs facing the SEC’s top offense and toughest environment - a night game in Tiger Stadium. Star quarterback Jayden Daniels (concussion) is expected to play and continue his Heisman Trophy campaign. Florida is going to have to play its best game, if not a perfect one, to leave Baton Rouge. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar...
Billy Napier rebuffs Arkansas fallout with LSU visit looming (Ep. 198)
November 06, 2023 23:57 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBFlorida’s overtime loss to Arkansas reverberated 48 hours later. Napier was eager to move on, even if questions remained about the Gators continued special teams miscues, game management and lost opportunity. There is no avoiding what’s next: a three-game meat grinder beginning with Saturday’s visit to Tiger Stadium. With a losing season a distinct possibility, Mark and Edgar chop it up during the latest Swamp Things. Turning point of game (2:22) Thumbs up (5:30) Thumbs down (10:45) S...
Florida pushes to secure bowl eligibility against struggling Arkansas (Ep. 197)
November 02, 2023 17:22 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBThe Gators will host the Razorbacks in a sold-out Swamp with their best chance for a win during a daunting November. Arkansas is winless in SEC, but not an easy out, either. Of the Hogs’ six losses, five were by one possession. This is a can’t-loss game for Florida and coach Billy Napier, given the final three games are visits to LSU and Missouri followed by a Nov. 25 home date with Florida State. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark break down Saturday’s matchup and what lies ahea...
Florida moves on from another lop-sided loss to rival Georgia (Ep. 196)
October 30, 2023 22:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBThe Gators’ struggles against the Bulldogs continued as a fast start fizzled and Kirby Smart’s squad capitalized on a slew of unforced errors. UF’s third straight loss and sixth in seven meetings was another reminder of the work ahead for Billy Napier’s program. For now, the Gators will focus on the regular-season’s final month, beginning with Saturday’s visit from Arkansas. Florida looks to secure bowl eligibility and gain some confidence before a daunting three-game stretch at LSU, at Miss...
Florida looks to end Georgia’s dominance, snap 24-game winning streak (Ep. 195)
October 26, 2023 19:54 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBLosers of two straight and five of six, the Gators are on the wrong end of their long-standing rivalry with the Bulldogs. Few expect the tide to turn Saturday against Kirby Smart’s top-ranked team, a 14.5-point favorite. The Bulldogs have looked vulnerable, yet remain formidable even without star tight end Brock Bowers. An upset would shake the college football world and supercharge Billy Napier’s rebuild. A respectable showing is imperative for a Florida program beginning to gain some tract...
Gators ready for top-ranked Georgia as 15.5-point underdogs (Ep. 194)
October 23, 2023 22:21 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBFlorida has some momentum coming off a bye week while Billy Napier’s beleaguered offense showed promise during wins against Vanderbilt and South Carolina. The Gators now prepare for a massive step up against their rival Bulldogs, winners of 24 straight including a pair of one-sided wins against UF. Kirby Smart’s team will be without star tight end Brock Bowers while his defense is not as formidable as recent editions. Yet the Dawgs remain the SEC’s gold standard and the Gators’ toughest test...
Florida enters bye week off South Carolina comeback, amid major injury news for Georgia (Ep. 193)
October 16, 2023 20:07 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBThe Gators beat a team they were supposed to beat for a much-needed win heading into the bye week. Billy Napier’s offense was aggressive to the final minute, erasing a 10-point deficit to stun South Carolina. The question is whether it’s a sign of things to come or a career day for Graham Mertz against the SEC’s worst pass defense. An Oct. 28 date with Georgia in Jacksonville is sure to provide some answers. But a game that appeared to be virtually unwinnable is suddenly a little less daunti...
On the road again: Gators seek success away from the Swamp before the bye week (Ep. 192)
October 12, 2023 20:16 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBFlorida heads to South Carolina looking for a rare road win under Billy Napier, whose Gators are 1-7 away from Gainesville. The Gamecocks can be tough to beat at underrated Williams-Brice Stadium, but Shane Beamer’s squad has struggled on both sides of the ball and appears vulnerable. Quarterback Graham Mertz and Co. look to capitalize on the SEC’s worst defense while Austin Armstrong’s D will give chase to Gamecocks QB Spencer Rattler. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar break do...
Florida dispatches of Vanderbilt, turns attention toward South Carolina and rare road win (Ep. 191)
October 09, 2023 22:42 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBThe Gators took care of business with a homecoming win against the Commodores. The win moved Billy Napier’s team a step closer to bowl eligibility. UF now must prove it can win away from the Swamp. South Carolina might present the Gators their best chance during the season’s second half unless Florida’s offense can become more explosive and the defense more opportunistic. During latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark seize the opportunity to discuss the state of the Gators. The final gimme on ...
Florida returns to the Swamp seeking good vibes with Vanderbilt win (Ep. 190)
October 05, 2023 16:38 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBThe Gators look to put the Kentucky loss behind them in the comfy confines of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. A homecoming visit from the struggling Commodores could be the perfect antidote for a team nursing key injuries and bruised confidence. Vanderbilt’s 31-24 upset win in 2022 was the low point of Billy Napier’s debut season at UF. The Gators are 18.5-point favorites, have lost just one at home to Vanderbilt since 1945 and could use a convincing win. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and E...
Waylaid in Lexington: Billy Napier’s Gators pick up the pieces after Kentucky no-show (Ep. 189)
October 03, 2023 16:37 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBThe No. 22 Gators hit the road to Kentucky and ran into the Big Blue Wall during the most troubling performance during Napier’s two seasons. Nothing went right during the Gators’ 33-14 loss, raising continued concerns with Napier’s offense and UF’s special teams while also spotlighting deficiencies on a much-improved defense. The performance has many wondering about the program’s direction. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark shed light on a path forward and serve as a voice of re...
Florida heads to unbeaten Kentucky seeking better fortunes away from the Swamp (Ep. 188)
September 28, 2023 15:05 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBFollowing three wins at home, the No. 22 Gators hit the road, where Billy Napier’s teams are 1-6 — 1-3 in SEC play. Florida used to dominate the Wildcats, but the series has become a dogfight. UF now aims to avoid its first three-game losing streak in the series since Bear Bryant coached Kentucky more than 60 years ago. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss the Gators’ push to close September on a winning note. Kentucky has fewer flaws (:36) 2022 Florida-Kentucky game (8:...
Florida backslides during uninspired Charlotte win as Kentucky visit looms (Ep. 187)
September 25, 2023 22:34 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MBThe Gators slipped by Charlotte 22-7 in the Swamp, struggling to build on their win against Tennessee and ride a wave of momentum into a two-month stretch of SEC play. Graham Mertz, Ricky Pearsall, Trey Smack and a suffocating defense gave fans something to cheer. But the overall performance continued to raise red flags about special teams, play-calling and the team’s O-line. During the latest Swamp things, Edgar and Mark dig into what it all means and whether it ultimately matters as Kentuc...
Florida faces final tune-up before SEC gauntlet resumes (Ep. 186)
September 21, 2023 14:28 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBThe No. 25 Gators host Charlotte Saturday in the Swamp during the final gimme on the schedule. Billy Napier has not seen the level of focus and intensity he’d hoped following UF’s upset of Tennessee, though he’s not entirely surprised. Even human nature will not be enough for the Gators to stumble against the 49ers, a 28-point underdog coming to Gainesville for a $1.55 million payday. During the latest Swamp things, Edgar and Mark discuss what the Gators stand to gain and where they need to ...
Florida ascends to Top 25, Billy Napier returns to Gator Nation’s good graces with Tennessee upset (Ep. 185)
September 18, 2023 22:46 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBUF’s resounding win against No. 11 Tennessee in a sold-out Swamp reasserted the Gators’ dominance against the Vols and showcased one of college football’s best home-field advantages. Transfer quarterback Graham Mertz continued to capitalize on his second chance, Trevor Etienne exhibited star potential and a retooled defense turned in another inspired effort under Austin Armstrong. The effort was far from flawless, but was a major step for an embattled coach and a group of players with someth...
Florida hosts Tennessee during pivotal SEC opener (Ep. 184)
September 14, 2023 16:40 - 40 minutes - 37 MBThe Gators open conference play with a chance to supercharge their season, fast track Billy Napier’s rebuild and get off the schneid in rivalry games. A sold-out Swamp will be ready, waiting and wild as Vols coach Josh Heupel and his high-octane attack comes to town. The underdog Gators aim to ride the energy, a much-improved defense and a balanced attack to an upset of a Tennessee team with much to prove itself. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss the Gators’ chances, the...
Tennessee visits the Swamp as Florida seeks first rivalry game win under Billy Napier (Ep. 183)
September 11, 2023 21:21 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBCoach Billy Napier respects the Gators’ rivals, but has yet to beat any of them. UF’s SEC opener against the No. 11 Vols is his first chance in 2023 after going 0-4 during his first season in Gainesville. The Gators rebounded from the Utah loss to physically dominate overmatched McNeese. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark examine what to make of the 49-7 rout, what Napier and Graham Mertz said about the effort 48 hours later and whether a Week 3 game in Year 2 is make or break. ...
Florida looks to shake off Utah flop, get on track against McNeese (Ep. 182)
September 07, 2023 16:06 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBA visit from McNeese comes at the perfect time as coach Billy Napier’s Gators push to snap a four-game losing streak dating to 2022. Coming off a sloppy season-opening loss at Utah, UF cannot settle for anything less than a dominant, mistake-free effort against a Cowboys’ squad coming off a lopsided home loss to Tarleton State. But games against overmatched FCS foes do not always go according to plan, either. Mark and Edgar discuss what’s to be gained from Saturday night’s mismatch and much ...
Billy Napier turns the page on Utah loss amid outside criticism and concerns (Ep. 181)
September 05, 2023 17:13 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBBilly Napier took accountability for last week’s season-opening flop at Utah. But just one game into Year 2 Florida’s coach finds himself facing questions about his play calling, special teams approach and the Gators’ continued mental errors. Week 1 overreaction, perhaps, but Napier is now 6-8 and behind the 8-ball. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark serves as the voice of reason while Edgar can’t help but wonder where this season and program are headed after seeing one too many UF coaches...
Billy Napier’s Gators experience Week 1 comeuppance at Utah (Ep. 180)
September 01, 2023 16:26 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBFlorida’s 24-11 season-opening loss at Utah was a fiasco on every level, leaving fans disappointed, disillusioned, even disgusted. More than eight months since a 30-3 loss to Oregon State in the Las Vegas Bowl, the Gators traveled more than 2,000 miles west and delivered a dud of a performance. UF committed ill-timed, head-scratching penalties, was beaten at the line of scrimmage and completely outcoached by a veteran Utah staff. Rather than open 2023 with an overmatched opponent at home, t...
Gators seek Week 1 upset at Utah at open Year 2 under Billy Napier (Ep. 179)
August 29, 2023 15:59 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBAs if Florida’s season opener in Salt Lake City was not challenging enough, the Gators hit the road a day early as Hurricane Idalia made its way to the Sunshine State. Billy Napier aims to make the best of it, if not benefit from the schedule change. The 2023 Gators certainly appear to be more talented and tightly knit than Napier’s first UF squad. The roster upgrades and optimism will be tested, but the No. 14 Utes have their own concerns, beginning with star quarterback Cam Rising’s availa...
Week 1 arrives as Gators seek Year 2 bump, whither Graham Mertz, “Swamp Kings’ drops (Ep. 178)
August 23, 2023 16:41 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBCoach Billy Napier enters his second season up to his eyeballs in a massive rebuild and facing low expectations, but he does have history on his side. Year 2’s have been good to the Gators ever since Steve Spurrier’s 1991 team produced the program’s first 10-win season. Napier’s second team at Louisiana also was a major upgrade. If these Gators are to follow suit, much will hinge on QB Graham Mertz. Word is he has won the confidence of his pass-catchers. Even so, any way you cut it 2023 is a...
Gators’ new QB speaks, former QB earns starting nod in NFL, UF enters final days of fall camp (Ep. 177)
August 17, 2023 18:54 - 1 hour - 58 MBNew starting quarterback Graham Mertz spoke for the first time since the spring game and a few days after Billy Napier named him starting quarterback. Mertz said all the right things. The question is whether he can make all the right moves for the Gators. Former UF QB Anthony Richardson has made enough of them to earn the starting job with the Indianapolis Colts. It’s a testament to Richardson’s talent and potential, but this will be a baptism by fire. Back in Gainesville, Mark and Edgar are...
QB decision coming, Gators youth movement, Dan Mullen breaks silence (Ep. 176)
August 10, 2023 20:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBFlorida’s fall camp entered Week 2 in pull pads and with a full plate. Billy Napier targeted the team’s first scrimmage, set for Aug. 10, as he name’s a starting quarterback - or is it, names Graham Mertz the starting quarterback? Mertz, a 22, fifth-year player, brings experience and leadership to a team with dozens of fresh faces, including 20 first-year scholarship players. Among them, three first-year receivers have generated the most buzz. Meanwhile, former coach Dan Mullen has avoided g...
Gators open fall camp as college football’s shake-up continues (Ep. 175)
August 04, 2023 20:29 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBFlorida kicked off Billy Napier’s second fall camp as the Gators prepare for the Aug. 31 opener at Utah. The Utes are the reigning champions of the Pac-12, but time will tell what remains of the conference following Oregon and Washington’s jump to the Big Ten amid unceasing realignment. The Gators suffered an early setback when promising sophomore linebacker Shemar James injured his leg on Day 3. Napier and Co. also signed quality depth at the position during the offseason. Overall, the Gato...
Happy Birthday, Billy Napier: Gators picked 5th in SEC East (Ep. 174)
July 21, 2023 20:22 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBFlorida’s second season under Billy Napier will not be much better than the first once, at least according to SEC media. The Gators were picked to finish fifth in the East division a season after going 3-5 in league play in Napier’s debut. Florida also did not place anyone on the first or second All-SEC teams. The lack of respect arrived on Billy’s birthday, not that the newly minted 44-year-old noticed. At SEC Media Days, Napier played it close to the vest but clearly was confident in what’...