Week 1 arrives as Gators seek Year 2 bump, whither Graham Mertz, “Swamp Kings’ drops (Ep. 178)

Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators

English - August 23, 2023 16:41 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MB - ★★★ - 65 ratings
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Previous Episode: Gators’ new QB speaks, former QB earns starting nod in NFL, UF enters final days of fall camp (Ep. 177)

Next Episode: Gators seek Week 1 upset at Utah at open Year 2 under Billy Napier (Ep. 179)

Coach 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 rebuilding year. Those who want to relive the hey-day of Florida football can tune into Netflix’s four-part doc, “Swamp Kings.” Mark binged it while Edgar had issues with Episode 1, one of many topics discussed during the latest Swamp Things.

Week 1: Thursday night game (:58) States with top talent raided (6:30) Success = ? (9:20) QB Graham Mertz (12:28) Billy Napier’s role (15:06) Injuries piling up (22:40) “Swamp Kings” (33:45) Jeremy Foley’s Corner (49:48)