Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
235 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★ - 65 ratingsThe latest on Florida Gators football, basketball and more featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Edgar Thompson.
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Episodes
#81 - The LSU game is postponed - what comes next?
October 15, 2020 15:08 - 31 minutes - 36 MBThe Florida-LSU game was postponed after a COVID-19 outbreak in the Gators program and we discuss when football might return for UF. We talk about how the week went down and how we got here and then look at the Missouri game on October 24 and wonder if that game will be moved and when it could be played if it is.
#80 - What is wrong with this Gators defense?
October 10, 2020 19:59 - 38 minutes - 42.5 MBThe Florida defense had its third unimpressive showing in three games and this time it cost the Gators as they lost their first game of the season 41-38 to Texas A&M. We discuss what is wrong with a defense that gave up 543 total yards, let the Aggies go 12-for-15 on third down conversions and hold the ball for almost 35 minutes of the game. And there is plenty of blame to go around. We do look at the positive too and how a great performance by the offense was wasted in the loss. All ...
#79 - Previewing the Gators trip to College Station
October 08, 2020 13:37 - 40 minutes - 47.4 MBThe No. 4 Florida Gators hit the road to take on Texas A&M and we break down what to watch for. From a homecoming of sorts for Kyle Trask to the defense looking for a killer instinct, we discuss some of the top storylines for this game. And we finish with some rock and roll talk with the passing of Eddie Van Halen.
#78 - The Gators do it again
October 03, 2020 22:42 - 43 minutes - 50.1 MBIn a repeat of the opening game, Florida thrills on offense and leaves plenty of questions on defense in a 38-24 win over South Carolina. Just like last week, we break down the Kyle-to-Kyle connection and praise the offense and wonder how the defense can get things figured out. All of this and more on this episode. Also, check out Dan Mullen putting on his headset and mask at the same time here.
#77 - Building off big Week 1 against Boom and South Carolina
October 01, 2020 14:36 - 39 minutes - 44.9 MBSouth Carolina comes to town on Saturday and we talk about what the Gators need to do to build off a big opening week win over Ole Miss. We discuss the challenge of facing a Will Muschamp defense and last year's close call in Columbia. We also look at the ticket situation for Saturday and how there are still somehow tickets available for the game.
#76 - Breaking down the Ole Miss win
September 28, 2020 13:10 - 38 minutes - 44 MBThe Florida Gators leapt to No. 3 in the country after a 51-35 win over Ole Miss. We break down the win. The offense had a memorable day with Kyle Trask throwing for six TDs and Kyle Pitts catching four of them. With 642 yards of offense, we discuss what went right on offense. We also look at a defense that gave up 613 yards and talk about what needs to be fixed going forward. All of this plus the 2-for-1 deal with UCF on this edition of the podcast.
#75 - The season starts on Saturday
September 23, 2020 16:51 - 38 minutes - 43 MBThe Gators open their 2020 football season on Saturday afternoon at Ole Miss. It's the first true road game for UF to open a season since 1987 and the first time the Gators have faced an SEC opponent in the opener since 1992. We break down what to watch from the Gators in Oxford and discuss what we are most looking forward to seeing. Plus we look at the latest regarding COVID-19, including more positive tests for the program and how games continue to be postponed across the county. A...
#74 - Game week approaches with good and bad news from camp
September 17, 2020 12:58 - 53 minutes - 57.3 MBWe are nine days away from the opening game for the Gators and we check in on how Florida is getting ready. There are offensive playmakers emerging and the offensive line is showing the benefits of experience. On defense, the LBs are showing depth and versatility and we discuss who could be an impact player there. But there's also bad news from Gainesville as COVID-19 cases are spiking at UF with it affecting the athletic department with six football players testing positive and a socc...
#73 - Preparation for the season heats up
September 03, 2020 13:44 - 55 minutes - 60.3 MBWe talk about the upcoming season and how the Gators prep is going. We discuss Kyle Trask and his role as the face of the program and how he is leaner and becoming a more vocal leader. We talk about other highlights from Friday's first scrimmage of the fall and breakdown some of the key points on the defense. We discuss Scottie Lewis and his comments and off the court work in the social justice movement and finish up with some John Thompson anecdotes. All of this plus so much more as...
#72 - Practice starts and the schedule is set
August 18, 2020 17:42 - 44 minutes - 49.6 MBA Gators football season seems closer to a reality with practice starting and the schedule set for the season. We break down the 10-game SEC schedule for Florida and which games stand out including a new weekend for Georgia, a return to Gainesville for Feleipe Franks and the toughest section of the season. We also look at the first day of practice and who was notably missing and what that could mean going forward for the Gators and their huge aspirations for the season.
#71 - The SEC decision and no UF-FSU this season
July 31, 2020 16:05 - 37 minutes - 41.6 MBThe SEC has announced its plan for the upcoming football season and it means 10 conference games and zero non-conference games. We look at what this means for the Gators. We break down why the traditional state rivalry games between the ACC and SEC didn't make the cuts and why the 10-game conference schedule was the choice. We talk about the SEC's decision, what this means for game guarantees and if fans will be at any of these games. All of this and more on this edition of the podcast.
#70 - Will they or won't they? We look at the latest on the chances of a fall football season in the SEC
July 16, 2020 15:48 - 41 minutes - 46.1 MBThe Big Ten pressed the issue on college football in the fall when they announced they would be eliminating all non-conference contests in their fall sports. The Pac-12 quickly followed. The SEC has not made a decision or announcement on it and likely won't until the end of the month. We discuss the logistics behind the Big Ten decision and what it could mean for the rest of the country. We dabble into the pros and cons could be for a spring football season with Edgar playing college foo...
#69 - A Gators football update and how UF got the 'Gator Bait' decision right
June 19, 2020 16:44 - 55 minutes - 60.4 MBThere's plenty to talk about in Gator Nation and we lead with Dan Mullen and his comments this week about the plan of action for UF with the possible upcoming football season. We discuss how Mullen and his staff are handling it and then wonder just how many fans might be able to watch the Gators when the season starts on September 5. We also look at what Kyle Trask has been up to and his getting ready for the season and a leader on this football team. With the 'Gator Bait' cheer decisi...
#68 - Dan Mullen speaks on the football season and Sankey says the SEC will play
May 01, 2020 15:38 - 47 minutes - 51.8 MBDan Mullen is helping with math and spending quality time with his family. That's what he revealed on Monday when speaking to the media for the first time during this shutdown. We discuss his comments and how he's staying busy and what he and his staff are doing to try and make sure this team is ready when football season comes back. We also look into Greg Sankey's comments about the SEC and talk about what might go in to making this college football season happen.
#67 - The latest on the coronavirus and college sports and NFL draft preview
April 22, 2020 16:54 - 49 minutes - 53.8 MBWe're back and talking about the coronavirus and the impact it might have on college sports as a whole, especially if there is no football this fall. We also preview the NFL Draft and where Florida Gators football players might be going this week. Did the lack of in-person workouts and interviews hurt or help the Gators in the draft? And Percy Harvin is back! Harvin wants to return to the NFL so we talk about that and how we are not sure his worth has been appreciated at UF yet. All o...
#66 - Florida Gators sports talk amid pandemic shutdown
March 26, 2020 14:53 - 39 minutes - 42.7 MBEven though there are no sports being played, we can still discuss Gators athletics. We talk about the (hopefully) upcoming football season and the challenges that will be facing the Gators as the time lost to the Covid-19 pandemic increases. What might a preseason look like and how difficult is it for coaches right now to not be able to control things in the program that they like to. We also look back on the roller coaster basketball season and wonder what the roster might look like ...
#65 - Looking ahead to spring football and catching up on basketball
March 09, 2020 17:43 - 29 minutes - 33.5 MBThe podcast is back and football will be back next Monday with spring football. We look at some of the position battles that have our attention going into the spring and we also discuss players we are looking forward to checking out. We also catch up on the basketball team just days before the start of the SEC Tournament.
#64 - Wrapping up the Gators season and looking ahead to what's next
January 09, 2020 18:42 - 41 minutes - 45.5 MBWe ring in the New Year with one final look back to the 2019 season and the Orange Bowl win over Virginia. We also discuss: Who is going pro - but more importantly, who is coming back. Eleven recruits are already on campus as early enrollees. The Mississippi State head coaching job and how it could affect the Gators. And the basketball team and the start of the SEC season that saw the Gators use a school-record comeback to beat Alabama.
#63 - Wrapping up Early Signing Day
December 19, 2019 01:54 - 20 minutes - 21.4 MBDan Mullen and the Florida Gators ended Early Signing Day with the 8th-ranked class in the country with a bunch of four-star recruits that should add depth and fill some needs on the defensive end. Along with talking about the highlights in this class so far, we also look ahead to the Orange Bowl and how this team looks committed to playing at its best.
#62 - The Gators are Miami-bound
December 09, 2019 14:53 - 43 minutes - 48.6 MBJust as Brant predicted many weeks ago, the Florida Gators are Orange Bowl-bound for the postseason. We talk about the selection, the ranking, the opponent and why fans should be excited for this game - even if it's not the marque tilt that some would like.
#61 - A romp over FSU and New Years Day Six bowl chances
December 01, 2019 17:44 - 28 minutes - 32.1 MBFlorida snapped a long home-losing skid against its rival in dominating fashion, winning 40-17. We discuss what went right and the success of this senior class. We also look at where Florida might go bowling and if there's a chance for a New Year's Day Six bowl after Auburn stunned Alabama on Saturday.
#60 - Bowl projection talk and Florida State preview
November 27, 2019 14:13 - 39 minutes - 42.6 MBWith Penn State and Baylor both ranked above Florida in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, we talk about what that means for Florida's postseason location and a potential New Year's Day Six bowl game. We also look ahead to Saturday's game against Florida State where the Gators will try to beat their rivals at home for the first time since 2009.
#59 - Missouri win and SEC wrap
November 17, 2019 03:40 - 34 minutes - 38.7 MBIt was a similar story on Saturday: Great defense, solid passing game and no running attack. We look back on the final SEC game of the season and peek ahead to what's still to come in Florida's final two games.
#58 - Bowl destination talk ahead of Missouri game
November 14, 2019 17:35 - 35 minutes - 39.6 MBEverybody would like to know where the Gators will be spending the holidays but it's not a simple answer at this point. We look at the potential landing spots for Florida and discuss which teams to keep an eye on that will impact it all. We also look ahead to Missouri on Saturday and discuss the disappointment on the hardwood for the basketball team this past Sunday.
#57 - Gators get what they needed against Vanderbilt
November 10, 2019 01:10 - 28 minutes - 31.6 MBFlorida bounced back wonderfully after the disappointment in Jacksonville, pulling away in the second half in a shutout win over Vanderbilt. We look back at the win and what to watch going forward for the Gators.
#56 - Gators look to bounce back against Vandy and basketball starts
November 07, 2019 04:59 - 40 minutes - 43.3 MBVanderbilt comes to town for a noon start on Saturday and Florida will look to avoid poor post-Georgia performances that have plagued the team in recent years. We look at the matchup and talk about some new holes on each side of the ball with some injuries and a transfer leaving some spots open. Also, the Gators opened up the basketball season on Tuesday night and we talk a little hoops.
#55 - Disappointment in Jacksonville
November 03, 2019 02:01 - 27 minutes - 31.8 MBWe look back at Florida’s disappointing loss to Georgia and what went wrong - and what is still left to play for.
#54 - What it will take to beat Georgia and why Florida is in the playoff discussion
October 31, 2019 16:54 - 46 minutes - 50.1 MBNearly everything is on the line on Saturday when Florida and Georgia meet up in Jacksonville. Bragging rights, the SEC East and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff. We look at the big game this weekend and discuss what Florida will need to do to top the Bulldogs and stay in the hunt for the postseason's biggest prize.
#53 - Bye week musings
October 24, 2019 10:31 - 37 minutes - 41.9 MBThe Florida Gators football team is off this Saturday and prepping for Georgia. We look at the latest news from the football team and peek ahead to the upcoming basketball season on this episode.
#52 - Fourth quarter domination returns for the Gators
October 20, 2019 03:17 - 31 minutes - 36 MBWe look back at a rainy, sleepy Saturday that saw the Gators start sluggishly but rally for an important SEC win ahead of a bye week.
#51 - South Carolina preview and are the Gators a playoff caliber team?
October 17, 2019 17:39 - 34 minutes - 37.6 MBWe look ahead to the Gators' visit to Columbia on Saturday and if we'll see more of Leak-Tebow Part II. We also discuss if Florida can still make the College Football Playoff this season.
#50 - Plenty of good things from the LSU loss
October 14, 2019 19:50 - 22 minutes - 25.7 MBThere was plenty of positive things to take from Florida's 42-28 loss to LSU. We focus on the offense and the execution of Dan Mullen's gameplan and talk about how this loss doesn't keep any of the season goals from being attained.
#49 - Previewing the trip to Death Valley
October 10, 2019 14:12 - 31 minutes - 34.3 MBWe look ahead to Florida's visit to Baton Rouge to face LSU this Saturday. It will be a meeting of strengths as Florida's tough defense goes head-to-head with the Tigers' top scoring offense. We break down what to watch for this weekend in a meeting of top 10 teams.
#48 - Auburn reaction live (on tape) from The Swamp
October 06, 2019 03:02 - 26 minutes - 31.4 MBLet's all hail the Florida defense. We talk about the terrific performance on that side of the ball by the Gators as they shut down the Auburn attack. We also talk about a game that was filled with turnovers, odd play calls and the normal craziness that seems to come when these two teams play each other.
#47 - Auburn preview
October 03, 2019 14:39 - 41 minutes - 45.1 MBTwo top-ten teams meet at The Swamp for the first time since 2012 when the 10th-ranked Gators host the 7th-ranked Tigers. The visit is Auburn's first to Gainesville since 2007. We look at some of the key points in the game with Auburn boasting of the best run offenses and defenses in the SEC.
#46 - Kyle Trask’s near perfect day and an early Auburn preview
September 28, 2019 22:48 - 26 minutes - 28.5 MBFlorida quarterback Kyle Trask had a near-perfect day in the pocket as the Gators beat FCS Towson 38-0. We look back at the game and discuss the good and the bad and we take our first look this week at the Auburn game.
#45 - Towson preview, scheduling FCS and basketball talk
September 27, 2019 15:51 - 33 minutes - 36.1 MBWith Auburn and LSU looming, we discuss this weekend's Towson game and what we are looking for from this team - stay healthy and open up the offense. The Gators suffered two serious injuries against UT-Martin earlier this month and the team will need to avoid that this week while also giving injured players more time to rest up ahead of a brutal back-to-back to start October. Will the offense open up more for Kyle Trask? And will the running game get going finally? We discuss both...
#44 - The Kyle Trask Show - and why the Gators beat the Vols so easily
September 22, 2019 15:08 - 32 minutes - 35.6 MBKyle Trask is the main topic as we look at the quarterback's strong debut start, leading the Gators to a 34-3 pounding of the Tennessee Volunteers. We discuss Trask's accuracy, decision-making, and poise as we ponder whether the offense needs to be adjusted a bit to take advantage of his skill set. We also look at a running game that still can't get going and an opportunistic defense that created havoc against a really bad Tennessee team all afternoon long. And yes, we discuss just how...
#43 - Kyle Trask, Gators prepare for Tennessee
September 18, 2019 18:10 - 32 minutes - 36.6 MBFor the first time in 19 games, the Florida Gators will have a new starting quarterback on Saturday when they host rival Tennessee. Kyle Trask will lead the Gators at home on Saturday after starting quarterback Feleipe Franks suffered a devastating season-ending injury. Trask was efficient and productive, leading the Gators back from 21-10 down to a win at Kentucky. We discuss what the Gators offense might look like going forward with Trask at the helm and who could excel most on the off...
#42 - Feleipe Franks' injury, Kyle Trask's heroics and escaping Kentucky with a W
September 15, 2019 15:23 - 45 minutes - 50.5 MBThe Florida Gators' football season took a drastic turn when Feleipe Franks went down in the third quarter against Kentucky with a season-ending injury. We talk about Franks' injury (dislocated ankle) and the play of Kyle Trask, coming off the bench to lead the Gators to a come-from-behind 29-22 victory. We also discuss some questionable coaching moves on each side and again address concerns with the offensive line, which failed to open up holes to kickstart the running game. The defen...
#41 - Previewing the Kentucky game
September 12, 2019 16:48 - 31 minutes - 34.1 MBWe preview the game this weekend and look at keys to watch on both sides of the ball including: Feleipe Franks will look to build off of his near-perfect game against UT-Martin against a young and inexperienced Wildcats defensive backfield. How the Florida running backs can fare against a tough and big front four of Kentucky. Junior transfer quarterback Sawyer Smith will get the start and the Gators defense will look to add to its FBS-leading sack total. We also take a few moments to ...
#40 - Breaking down the UT-Martin win: Efficient Franks, worrisome injuries and going forward
September 08, 2019 05:02 - 38 minutes - 43.5 MBFlorida extended its home opening win streak to 29 consecutive years with a 45-0 win over UT-Martin. Some of the topics we discuss on this podcast: Feleipe Franks' near perfect day passing Two worrisome injuries to key players The continued struggles of the offensive line More gaudy numbers from an aggressive defense.
#39 - Previewing UT-Martin and what the Gators need to work on
September 05, 2019 16:39 - 34 minutes - 39.5 MBThe Gators host UT-Martin in the home-opener on Saturday as a 41-point favorite, Florida will look to use this game to improve on some issues stemming from the season-opening win over Miami. On this podcast we address a few things to look for in this game: Improving on the number of missed tackles on defense Holding onto the football and reducing the turnover number Continued growth and improvement on the O-Line Keeping guys healthy while also getting them game reps We also discuss...
#38 - Breaking down the Miami win
August 25, 2019 03:27 - 52 minutes - 59.2 MBThe Florida Gators started the season 1-0 with a 24-20 win over Miami. We talk about what went right for the Gators - what went wrong - and what this team needs to work on before they take the field again in two weeks.
#37 - Florida-Miami preview
August 22, 2019 13:56 - 42 minutes - 46.9 MBFootball season is here! We look ahead to the season kickoff against Miami in Orlando and talk about the key points on each side of the ball. We also talk about the Florida offense and the argument that Florida shouldn't be scheduling games against Miami.
#36 - Fall camp wrap-up and notable news around the Florida Gators
August 16, 2019 19:58 - 32 minutes - 35.1 MBFall camp is coming to an end in Gainesville with the game week prep for Miami coming up after this weekend. We look back at the final scrimmage and what we were told went right and talk about our picks for breakout players this season. We also talk about the John Huggins saga and the arrival of Brenton Cox Jr. All of this and more on this edition of Swamp Things.
#35 - Fall camp update: Looking for an Alpha Dog, the depleted secondary and scrimmage recap
August 07, 2019 15:43 - 32 minutes - 36.8 MBFall camp is halfway complete and we catch up after the first scrimmage and dissect some of what Dan Mullen said about it. We talk about the need for consistency and how the team is still looking for leadership or an "Alpha Dog." We also look at the defensive backfield that lost DB C.J. McWilliams for the season with an Achilles injury and that has been missing John Huggins so far this fall camp. All of this and more on this episode of the podcast.
#34 - Florida Gators fall camp discussion
July 31, 2019 15:21 - 31 minutes - 34.1 MBThe Florida Gators preparations for the 2019 season are five practices in and we catch up on some of the bigger topics to come out from camp so far. On this podcast we discuss: How much access does the media have to practice and how does that reflect in the coverage. The juggling act for coaches to give young talent reps when they are positioned behind solid veterans. The offensive line, because everything this fall rests on the offensive line. This and much more on this week's podca...
#33 - What to watch for at Gators fall camp
July 26, 2019 17:23 - 34 minutes - 37.4 MBHigh expectations is the theme ahead of this year's Florida Gators football season. We look at the things to watch as fall camp begins including the absence of a quarterback race, the biggest questions marks around the team and we give you a list of players to watch over the next four weeks.
Feleipe Franks heading to SEC Media Days, a shrinking recruiting class and basketball news
July 12, 2019 19:27 - 38 minutes - 41.7 MBFeleipe Franks, Lamical Perine, and Jabari Zuniga will be representing the Florida Gators at next week's unofficial kickoff to the college football season - SEC Media Days. Edgar talks about what he's looking forward to seeing at the event in Hoover, Alabama. We also look at the 2019 recruiting class that continues to see attrition as another recruit fails to quality academically with a couple more possibly waiting to meet the same fate. Along with saying goodbye to George "Mr. Two Bit...