The latest on Florida Gators football, basketball and more featuring Orlando Sentinel sports writer Edgar Thompson.
Florida hosts No. 9 Ole Miss looking to build on an impressive performance against LSU in a game that could prove a turning point for Billy Napier’s program. Lane Kiffin has put together a senior-, transfer-laden team that leads the SEC in scoring and second in point allowed. But the Gators will have momentum and a sold-out Swamp behind them as they aim to knock the Rebels out of the College Football Playoff hunt. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark give the Gators better than a puncher’s chance as they analyze the matchup.
Florida rose to the occasion against LSU to position the Gators for bowl eligibility and provide validation for Billy Napier’s vote of confidence. Napier’s team executed in all three phases and continued to show the resilience and buy-in UF AD Scott Stricklin praised when backing his embattled coach. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark break down a performance that could signal better days ahead.
Two embattled Florida coaches square off this weekend against heated rivals. Golden’s No. 20 Gators head to Florida State while Napier’s squad will host No. 21 LSU. Golden’s reception will be even more hostile than usual given accusations against him for stalking and sexual harassment. Napier returns to the Swamp off the Gators’ worst loss during his three seasons and on the heels of a vote of confidence from AD Scott Stricklin. A Florida win would position the Gators for a bowl bid, but a loss would be six straight to LSU in what used to be one of the SEC’s best rivalry games. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar do their best to catch listeners up with a busy, crazy time in Gainesville.
Basketball coach Todd Golden’s Title IX investigation on heels of Billy Napier’s vote of confidence was the ultimate 1-2 punch for Florida fans. Two days after AD Scott Stricklin’s endorsement of his embattled football coach, Napier’s depleted Gators suffered the worst defeat during his tenure, by 32 points at Texas. The accusations against Golden generated headlines, outrage and concerns. But UF’s third-year coach was on the sideline Monday night against Grambling State and got a warm reception from the fan base and a strong performance from his team. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss the craziest few days during their more than two decades covering Florida athletics.
UF is standing behind its coach as the Gators enter the home stretch of his third season showing positive signs. Decision-makers are banking on 2025 to finally be Billy Napier’s year. The vote of confidence comes as Florida heads to No. 5 Texas as 21.5-point underdogs with a third-string walk-on quarterback hoping to ride a solid running game, resurgent defense and two of the nation’s top specialists. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark discuss where the Gators go from here with four games remaining and another season ahead under Napier.
Florida went toe to toe with the Bulldogs and had a chance late in the game despite relying on third-string quarterback and a dwindling roster. The Gators’ grit shined during a 34-20 loss and spotlighted their resilience under Billy Napier. The challenge only intensifies with a visit to No. 5 Texas ahead and walk-on QB Aidan Warner leading the way. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar review another Gators’ near-miss, praise their effort and wonder whether Florida has the manpower to challenge the final three SEC opponents.
The Gators are coming off their best performance behind their true freshman quarterback, DJ Lagway. Billy Napier’s team, led by Lagway, will need to be even better to have a chance against Kirby Smart’s No. 2 Bulldogs, who are 16.5-point favorites and winners of three straight meetings. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar discuss the Gators' toughest test to date as they enter a daunting November.
No. 21 Florida is ranked in the preseason Top 25 for the first time since 2019. Todd Golden’s team has the pieces to be the Gators best squad since the 2016-17 Gators made an Elite Eight appearance. UF opens the season Nov. 4 in Jacksonville, two days after Florida faces No. 2 Georgia in football at EverBank Stadium. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark talk hoops, with a little football mixed in, during the Gators’ bye week.
Florida turned in its most complete performance of the Billy Napier era with a 4-touchdown rout of Kentucky. Led by a pair of true freshmen, QB DJ Lagway and RB Jadan Baugh, the Gators scored their most points under Napier during an SEC game. The defense continued its stellar play in October. Now the hard part: A November schedule featuring four Top 25 SEC teams. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark gush about the Gators’ latest win and its impact on Napier’s future.
Coming off a crushing loss at Tennessee, the Gators look to end the recent dominance of Kentucky. The Wildcats seek their fourth straight win against Florida for the only time since Bear Bryant was their coach from 1948-51. Mark Stoops seems to have Billy Napier’s number. Napier’s days could already be numbered at UF; a homecoming loss could prove the final straw. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar map out the path to a victory the Gators and Napier desperately need.
Florida suffered a “gut punch,” in Billy Napier’s words at Tennessee, squandering a 10-0 second-half lead before falling in overtime on Rocky Top. But the Gators lost more than a game; veteran quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending injury as his college career came to an end. UF now turns to true freshman DJ Lagway full time. An inspired, improving defense will help, but the Gators are just entering the toughest stretch of the nation’s most difficult schedule. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar press on as the Gators get ready for a homecoming showdown with Kentucky.
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