DJ progresses, VBIII shines and Billy shuns outside opinions (Ep. 290)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Release Date: 08/20/2025
UF bound for Miami as Gators’ season goes south (Ep. 296)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida heads to No. 4 Miami for the first time since 2013, with coach Billy Napier’s future and the Gators’ season on the line. Seeking its first win at Miami since 1985, UF aims to avoid the program’s first 1-3 start since 1986. If the Gators, a 7.5-point underdog, cannot upset the Hurricanes, Napier soon could be history himself. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar assess Gators’ chances against the unbeaten Hurricanes, the latest Top 5 opponent on Florida’s unrelenting schedule. Headed to Miami (0:00) Reason for optimism (3:12) Reason for pessimism (6:19) Matchup on...
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Gators are ‘close,’ yet so far away (Ep. 295)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida fell to 1-2 with a loss at LSU, yet coach Billy Napier insists the Gators ‘easily could be 3-0.’ In reality, UF is fast approaching 1-3 with a visit to No. 3 Miami up next. DJ Lagway is coming off a 5-interception night for an offense averaging 13 points against FBS competition. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark recap Florida’s recent road loss and Napier's rocky road ahead. Turning point (0:00) Thumbs-up (6:18) Thumbs-down (8:56) Second-guess (12:46) Game ball (18:40) Biggest concern (20:43) On the spot (25:22) Billy’s banter (27:33) Final thought...
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Gators visit LSU to begin toughest stretch in school history (Ep. 294)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida visits LSU looking to rebound from a devastating loss to USF and pick up the Gators’ first win at Tiger Stadium since 2016 — and just its third since 2003. Despite their lofty ranking, the No. 3 Tigers have plenty of room to improve. Meanwhile, UF needs quarterback DJ Lagway and the defense to rediscover their November 2024 form when the Gators upset LSU in the Swamp. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark preview Saturday night’s game as the Gators begin a four-game gauntlet against ranked opponents. Billy Napier with edge (2:47) Reason for optimism (10:31) Reason for...
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What a difference a year doesn’t make for Billy Napier’s Gators (Ep. 293)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida’s flop against USF in the Swamp has coach Billy Napier and the Gators with their backs against the wall and searching for answers. Expected to be the final tune-up prior to SEC play, the Bulls’ stunning 18-16 win could be the beginning of a Florida freefall unless the Gators can turn it around before heading to No. 3 LSU, followed by a visit to No. 5 Miami. Napier took ownership and said all the right things, but his team’s sloppy, lackluster, disappointing performance Saturday looked all too familiar. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar sound all too familiar having...
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Gators roll in opener, now begin demanding 2025 schedule (Ep. 292)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida dominated on both sides of the ball during a 55-0 season-opening win against Long Island University featured domination on both sides of the ball. The Gators got what they paid for against the Sharks, who received $525,000 to serve as a Week 1 appetizer. UF now turns its attention to one of the nation’s toughest schedules, perhaps a week earlier than expected. USF should be no pushover when the Bulls visit the Swamp. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar look back - briefly - to LIU and ahead to USF. Soft opening for DJ Lagway (:00) Young playmakers (3:49) Offensive...
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Gators season preview entering opener against LIU (Ep. 291)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Week 1 has finally arrived. After kicking off the season against ranked oppoents his first three seasons, Billy Napier can ease into a pivotal Year 4. So can quarterback DJ Lagway, who is expected to start after nursing injuries ever since the Gasparilla Bowl. But the No. 15 Gators are more than a two-man show. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark break down Florida from all angles ahead of the program’s biggest season in years. Setting the line on LIU (:00) DJ Lagway off limits (6:14) Bland media guide (10:21) Key storyline (not Napier or Lagway) (18:00) Breakout player (29:39)...
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DJ progresses, VBIII shines and Billy shuns outside opinions (Ep. 290)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
DJ Lagway’s recovery from a calf injury continues, with Florida’s quarterback participating in 11-on-11 for the first time in fall camp. A modest step could have massive implications, especially given the Gators’ uncertainty behind him. Meanwhile, injuries at receiver have given true freshman Vernell Brown III even more opportunity to establish a key role. UF’s talent, depth and direction have earned preseason praise, including a No. 15 ranking, for coach Billy Napier’s squad. The fourth-year coach is having none of it, dismissing outside opinions as irrelevant and insulting. Mark...
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Clock is ticking on QB DJ Lagway as Gators’ star turns 20 (Ep. 289)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway’s health remains a concern as the Gators’ Aug. 30 season opener looms. Lagway’s workload will be modified for a while because of a left calf injury as he also continues to progress from an offseason shoulder issue. UF’s fortunes likely hinge on the availability of the sophomore, who turned 20 a day after the Gators checked in at No. 15 in the preseason AP Top 25 featuring 10 SEC teams - six of the Florida opponents. During the latest Swamp Things, Edgar and Mark run through the Gators’ lengthy injury report, their tenuous quarterback situation and a...
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DJ returns and Gators ranked as fall camp ramps up (Ep. 288)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway is throwing in front of reporters for the first time since the Gasparilla Bowl, a positive step as he returns from shoulder, core and calf injuries. Lagway’s health could be the key to Billy Napier’s fourth season, though the embattled coach now has a roster better equipped to handle setbacks and able to support whoever lines up at QB. Napier hopes he doesn’t have to put his team’s depth to the test against a schedule featuring seven teams ranked in the coaches’ poll, five of them ahead of the No. 17 Gators. During the latest Swamp Things, Mark and Edgar...
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Fall camp preview, Golden gets a 'Bates-y' (Ep. 287)
Swamp Things: A podcast about the Florida Gators
Florida opens fall camp Wednesday as Billy Napier begins his fourth season in Gainesville. Napier has put together the Gators best roster in years, but all eyes will be on sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway as he returns from a shoulder injury. While Lagway’s health status remains a mystery, coach Todd Golden revealed transfer guard Boogie Fland is recovering from sports hernia surgery as the reigning national champions conclude summer workouts. Golden spoke to reporters at the unveiling of a portrait by UF linebacker James Bates, who has painted one for each of the school’s 20 national...
info_outlineDJ Lagway’s recovery from a calf injury continues, with Florida’s quarterback participating in 11-on-11 for the first time in fall camp. A modest step could have massive implications, especially given the Gators’ uncertainty behind him. Meanwhile, injuries at receiver have given true freshman Vernell Brown III even more opportunity to establish a key role. UF’s talent, depth and direction have earned preseason praise, including a No. 15 ranking, for coach Billy Napier’s squad. The fourth-year coach is having none of it, dismissing outside opinions as irrelevant and insulting. Mark and Edgar keep the insults at a minimum and distribute their share of praise during the final Swamp Things before Week 1’s long-awaited arrival.
- Positive strides for DJ Lagway (:00)
- QB depth (2:29)
- Lagway must play first game (4:16)
- Playmakers surrounding QB (9:53)
- Billy Napier on praise (15:25)
- All-time AP All-America team (25:25)
- Season tickets sold out? (33:11)
- Anthony Richardson done? (37:20)
- Jeremy Foley’s Corner (41:21)
- Urban Meyer salute (46:38)