The Gator Blitz: Recent Episodes
Mark McLeod
Mark McLeod covers University of Florida sports on The Gator Blitz. In the 6th year hosting "The Gator Blitz", Mark interviews current and former Gators and special guests.
Mark McLeod discusses why the Gators wide receiver room can be elite and how other offensive position groups will help and benefit
Florida head coach Jon Sumrall talks about the Gators attitude/approach, O-Line, and assistant coach Brandon Harris
Mark McLeod introduces Sam Gold. We discuss the state of tBilly Napier and the Gators and loom at the Texas/Florida game.
A few thoughts as Florida resumes football practice after spring break. How about the Gators basketball team...Sweet 16!
Florida has had two weeks to prepare for UCF. The Gators needed the break to try and healthy, while working on several areas to improve. What will we see on Saturday night?
The Gators beat Mississippi State and get a much needed bye week. Napier will lead Florida vs UCF. A few notes on the Knights and the Gators coaching dilemma.
What do we know about Mississippi State and their new head coach Jeff Lebby? What is going on with Florida? Let's take a look at the match-up.
Billy Napier still has a job to do at Florida. The Gators aren't starting fast or finishing strong. Let's talk about job security and those things.
What will happen in the Texas A&M game? Who are the players that will make the biggest impact? Let's talk about those things and bring you a comment from "Orlando Mike".
Texas A&M preview with audio from Aggies head coach Mike Elko. Five keys for Florida to beat A&M in this game.
The hottest seat in the nation belongs to Billy Napier. Will we see a change soon? I have some comments from the mailbag.
Billy Napier assured the Gator Nation that this team was different...improved...bigger, faster, stronger...and that the chemistry was there because they care for one another. It didn't look like that at all.
Excited about a home opener vs arch-rival Miami? You bet!! Mark McLeod takes a look at the game and makes a few SEC picks, including thie big one.
Miami vs Florida preview with keys to the game and audio cuts from Billy Napier and Graham Mertz.
Let's hear from some of the Florida players and head coach Billy Napier talking about the Gators offense. This is part one in a two-part look at skills position players.
Billy Napier wraps up the Gators final scrimmage (w/ audio) and discusses the current state of Florida football as they get ready to begin Miami week.
Florida is in the midst of a monster week as the depth chart is closer to being ironed out. It's a big week for fine tuning issues and bringing it all together with 18 days until kickoff vs Miami.
Billy Napier met with the media and discussed the visit by former UF basketball coach Billy Donovan, depth/position battles, and two important players with great stories. I also look into the Miami game.
The Florida football team wrapped up week #1 of practice. A knee injury to Montrell Johnson is considered minor with the senior expecting to return to action early in the season.
SEC Media Days is in the books. Dallas treated us very well. What did the media have to say about the Gators?
Badger, McClain, Zandamela add to Napier's improved roster. The Florida head coach expresses positives to Gators at Gator Gatherings.
There is still work to be done in the transfer portal for Billy Napier and the Gators. How much remains to be done? Has Florida really improved?
What are the positives for Florida football in 2024? Mark McLeod looks at head coach Billy Napier's recent additions and lists a few potential pluses
What is your opinion of the state of the Florida football program? A few fans speak out. What has to happen now.
I start with an email about the Gators program and follow with a preview of the Missouri Tigers. Eli Drinkwitz struggled in his first three year, but the Tigers are one of toughest teams in the conference.
Florida falls to LSU. It was expected. However, the manner in which the Gators lost the game has fans questioning if Billy Napier is the right guy for the job.
Where's the defense? To say their struggling would be kind. Add to this the "weirdness" that always encompasses the Florida/LSU game. Hurricanes? Shoethrow? Jump Pass? Calling Tim Tebow? Let's take a look at this game.
Florida lost to Arkansas. The most difficult things to stomach were the miscues made by Billy Napier and the Florida staff. He addressed a few of those issues with the media.
I preview a big game for two programs that are desperately trying to right the ship. Arkansas comes to town looking for their first SEC win of the season. The Razorbacks have given the top teams in the west all they could handle.
A few UF fans emails in support of Billy Napier and the Gators. I also add a few notes on the Arkansas game.
I provide spome thoughts on the Gators program. Angry Gators? Why? I thought Georgia would beat Florida by 20. It was worse though.
Let's talk about a few keys if Florida hopes to upset top-ranked Georgia. This is one of the greatest rivalries in college football.
This is the greatest week of the regular season in college football. It's The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, where around 150,000 gather on the banks of the St Johns River to celebrate the Border War of all Border Wars.
A much-needed bye week for the University of Florida Gators before the showdown with arch-rival Georgia. Good, Bad, & Ugly review.
It's homecoming on the University of Florida campus and the Gators host Vanderbilt. The Gator Nation wants to see their head coach improve playcalling, predictability, and big play as the offensive coordinator. Will the Florida defense get back to physcial, dominating play? Can special teams issues be improved?
Billy Napier didn't have his Gators ready in Lexington and the Wildcats dominated. The Gators offense ranks last in the SEC. Napier must make adjustments or face the reality of turning over the playcalling elsewhere.
Florida travels to Kentucky for a big SEC East showdown. Can Billy Napier's Gators build on the SEC momentum after beating arch-rival Tennessee? The Gators have struggled on the road in recent years, does that change on Saturday?
Florida hosts #11 Tennesseein "The Swamp". This is one that the Gators have been looking forward to for a long time.
Utah whipped Florida 24-11 on Thursday night. Let's discuss this game and the plan going forward.
Former University of Utah, Miami Dolphins, Orlando Thunder quarterback Scott Mitchall serves as one of the analysts on the Utes braodcasts. He gives us tremendous insight into the Utes, analysis of the game, and what the Utes will face when they step out into the early September heat & humidity.
Getting you ready for The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party! What does Florida have to do to upset the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs?
Florida beats Tennessee and has a big game upcoming vs Kentucky. Mark McLeod talks about the 'Cats and brings you audio from UK head coach Mark Stoops.
What are the keys for Florida to defeat Alabama? One may surprise you. Hear from Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Florida head coach Dan Mullen as the Gators prepare to host the Alabama Crimson Tide.
I am joined by Reese Williams for the podcast discussing why Urban Meyer brought Tim Tebow into Jacksonville, Florida baseball's push to host a regional, and the Name, Image, Likeness bill works for the Gators.
Former Florida star Alan Horne joined me to talk a little pre-draft as Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney expect the hear their names called tonight. We reminisce about Alan's monster outing vs Vanderbilt back in 2005 and preview the Vanderbilt/Florida baseball series.
Reese and I discuss the upcoming NFL Draft and where Gators players fit into the various rounds. Is Kyle Pitts finally getting the respect that he deserves? Mock drafts have Kyle Trask everywhere from the late 1st round to the 4th round. 4th round? Are those people serious?
Former Florida great Alan Horne joins me on the podcast tao break down a few of Florida's pitchers and talk some barbeque. Let Alan help you at AlanHorneInsurance.com Follow Alan @NGaGator_32 Follow Mark @McLeodLive
Ben Bornstein joins me to talk about Florida's first round opponent, Virginia Tech. The Gators (14-9) will tip-off against the Hokies (15-6) in a 7/10 NCAA Tournament match-up. Ben has covered the Gators, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, and Atlanta Hawks.
Former Florida great Alan Horne joined me for the podcast to talk a little Florida baseball before the two-game UNF series. I'd love to see Alan in broadcasting as an analyst on SEC games.
How did your school fare with regards to 2021 recruiting? Mark McLeod & Brent Beaird talk Southeastern Conference recruiting. Reese Williams gets you an update from Tampa where it's Super Bowl week.
The latest edition to the Gators class was former 5-star LSU transfer Arik Gilbert. I take a look at the Gators '21 roster and the incoming players.
Dan Mullen names Jules Montinar to his defensive staff and Tennessee football loves McDonald's! We have some fun with the Vols and let you hear from Coach Montinar on this edition of The Gator Blitz.
My guest is Patrick Murphy, former head coach at Hamilton County High (basketball). Patrick is my cousin and I asked him to join me to provid some thoughts from a coach's perspective on Dan Mullen and Mike White.
The Gators have added Wesley McGriff to the defensive staff. There figures to be a lot of movement over the next three weeks- UF Drop/Add, NFL Draft decision time, and National Signing Day. Mark McLeod and Brent Beaird discuss it all in this edition of The Gator Blitz.
Florida makes a huge splash with the addition of DT Antonio Shelton and looks to bring in additional help to fill holes in the roster. If Trevor Lawrence can finish 2nd in the Heisman, how do you justify leaving Kyle Pitts out of the Top Five?
Florida took a step in the right direction as the SEC Eastern Division Champions. Dan Mullen has plenty of work ahead of him if the Gators are going to win the conference title and compete for National Championships. Mark McLeod, Brent Beaird, and Reese Williams discuss some things that Mullen needs to address.
Mark McLeod discusses 5 keys for the Florida Gators if they hope to upset the crimson Tide in Atlanta. Mark also has audio from Alabama head coach Nick Saban as the Tide prepare for Florida.
It's Day One of the Early Signing Period. Mark McLeod & Brent Beaird take a look at how Florida did and peak at the SEC Championship Game.
The Gators win the East and will soon be headed to ATL with an SEC Championship and berth in the CFB Playoff hanging in the balance. We know the Big Ten will change the rules for Ohio State. And Florida will face LSU on Saturday night in The Swamp. Mark and Brent weigh-in on all of these and more.
Florida is Rocky Top bound! Mark, Brent, and Reese preview the Florida vs Tennessee game and discuss the CFB playoff.
Happy Thanksgiving, Gator Nation! What are we thankful for? Brent Beaird and I discuss and preview the Kentucky game.
Kyle Trask does it again. The Florida offensive line continues to improve under John Hevesy. Kemore Gamble and Keon Zipperer deliver at tight end vs Arkansas. Mark, Brent, and Reese talk Trask for the Heisman, praise the guys in the trenches, and preview Vanderbilt in this edition of The Gator Blitz.
Your Eastern Division leaders are the Florida Gators! Mark McLeod & Brent Beaird discuss the Florida win over Georgia and preview the Razorbacks/ Gators weekend night matchup in The Swamp. .
Dan Mullen gets his first win over Georgia. Mark McLeod and Reese Williams break it down and discuss what is ahead for the Eastern Division leaders as Florida controls their own destiny toward Atlanta
You can almost smell the coffee at the Maxwell House plant! We're less than 24 hours away from the kickoff in Jacksonville. Mark McLeod and Reese Williams breakdown the Florida/Georgia game/
There is no better atmosphere in college football than Florida/Georgia. And then again, it's 2020. Brent and I take a look at some keys from the win over Missouri and what to look for between the Gators and 'Dawgs.
Finally, after a two week COVID layoff, Florida will host Missouri. Mark McLeod & Brent Beaird discuss some of the keys to the game for the Gators. And we have our SEC picks.
Reese Williams joins Mark McLeod with some good news for the Gators as they get back to practice, reel in a major commit, and prepare for Missouri.
The COVID Mid-Bye Weeks Blues Edition. brent Beaird and I discuss fixing the Florida defense, discuss the offensive line play, and make our weekly SEC picks.
Brent and I preview the Florida/Texas A&M game. We throw out our keys to the game for the Gators. It looks like the weather is going to cooperate and we'll have a beautiful day. We also provide SEC notes and make out SEC picks for the weekend.
The Gators get the win over South Carolina. There were some improvements and plenty to work on. I look at a few things Bama did to Texas A&M. Could they get Kyree Campbell and Brad Stewart back?
Mark McLeod and Brent Beaird look at the Gators win over Ole Miss and preview the South Carolina game. They also preview the week ahead in the Southeastwern Conference.
The SEC Kickoff 2020 edition with lots of notes on upcoming Florida opponents. Mark McLeod and Brent Beaird take a look at the Florida/Ole Miss game and the other week one matchups. SEC picks too!!
Finally, it's game week!! I take a look at the latest from the Gators camp and provide some keys in the Florida/Ole Miss game.
In this episode, Brent and I discuss a few SEC Notes. More on the Gators in the next podcast.
Mark McLeod and Brent Beaird discuss the Gators schedule and some notes coming out of Florida practice involving the offensive line. They also talk about the Florida and SEC schedules.
Mark is joined by Caleb Lanier, a life-long Florida fan and former high school coach. The focus is on the team and SEC schedule. Lanier also weighs in on several things, including facilities, recruiting, and the program.
Mark McLeod & Brent Beaird discuss the decisions by the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac 12 in the to play or not to play debates. Mark discusses some of the Gators latest recruitng news.
24/7 Sports analyst Bob Redman joined Mark McLeod on "The Gator Blitz" to discuss the commitment of quarterbacl Jalen Kitna and talk about the Florida offensive line. They also discussed the Gator veteran defensive tackles.
Mark and Brent discuss the addition of graduate transfer OL Stewart Reese and how that may reshape the Gators offensive line. We also talk about the latest projections to get players back on campus with the S&D staff. Ben Bornstein talks about the upcoming NBA Draft from the Gators perspective.
Kyle Pitts was underappreciated by the Mackey Award people. Former University of Florida/Tennessee Titans tight end Ben Troupe joined me to provide some thoughts on Kyle Pitts. The Gators junior will be an All-American and one draft analyst says Pitts will be a Top 20 selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Mark is joined by Brent Beaird talking about the potential start of the college football season. It's a bit of a dream scenario, but we'll take it.
College football anyone? Brent and I provide our thoughts on some of the commentary regarding when camp should begin and issues on the season. We also discuss when to expect names to be called in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Gator Blitz focus is on the newest member to the University of Florida Hall of Fame, Brandon James. He is one of the most dangerous return men in college football history who ranks in the top 5 in several Southeastern Conference records.
Former Florida star Alan Horne returns to The Gator Blitz to provide some thoughts on the 2020 Florida baseball team. Horne starred on the Gators 2005 CWS Championship Series team before playing in the New York Yankees organization. Florida has gotten off to a tremendous start, sweeping the Miami Hurricanes in Coral Gables. They will host Troy in the three-game series this weekend.
Legendary guitarist Don Felder joined me in September 2019 to talk about his career, his love for the Florida Gators, and about time spent in Gainesville and on Florida's First Coast. The former Eagles member co-wrote one of the greatest songs in rock history, "Hotel California". Contact Mark at mark@blitzsportsradio.com or @McLeodLive
Would you like to see Florida play an opponent in the spring game?How was the reception for the Billy Donovan Court dedication? Mark McLeod, Brent Beaird and special guest Ben Murphy weigh-in on these topics in this edition of The Gator Blitz
Mark McLeod and Brent Beaird discuss the addition of Tim Brewster to the Florida staff and praise Scott Stricklin and Dan Mullen for scheduling. Brent adds some SEC notes from UF opponents Georgia, LSU, and other SEC schools. They also weigh-in on Mel Tucker taking the Michigan State job.