Best Fridays: Urban Meyer Looks Back as Florida Turns Toward Oklahoma

Urban Meyer's return to Florida's football story led Friday morning's Best Fridays in Football with Buddy Martin, with a taped interview that moved from championship memories to the demands facing the current Gators.

The November 6 edition also featured Edgar Thompson on Florida's basketball win and the Oklahoma matchup, followed by Rob Dotson from the Panhandle. Franz Beard was scheduled, but Martin said at the close that he was unable to join.

Meyer's memories and his regret

In the interview with Martin, Meyer described what it means for former players to return with their families and see the history they helped make. He discussed his own family's part in the Ring of Honor weekend, then revisited the moments that stayed with him.

One was Jarvis Moss getting a hand on the field-goal attempt against South Carolina. Meyer described the result as pivotal to his Florida tenure.

"We lose that game. I don't think it ends well for coach Meyer, the coaching staff, and that team," he said.

He also recalled the preparation of the 2008 team that beat Georgia 49-10.

Asked what he would change about his time at Florida, Meyer talked about his departure and the toll of losing assistant coaches. His reflection also returned to the pace of chasing the next championship.

"I wish I would've enjoyed it more, buddy," Meyer said.

His view of the current Gators

Meyer drew a parallel between the current team and his first Florida team in 2005. He described a group whose best version can play at a high level, but which needs passion and energy to sustain it.

He also said there are positions to upgrade and expressed confidence that Jon Sumrall would address them. His message was about building from the team's best performances, with the Florida crowd providing energy.

Edgar Thompson on the frontcourt and Oklahoma

Thompson's basketball discussion focused on the Gators' frontcourt after the 88-57 win over Jacksonville. Alex Condon's near triple-double, Rueben Chinyelu's efficiency and Thomas Haugh's all-around play gave Martin and Thompson plenty to discuss. Thompson also pointed to Florida's perimeter shooting as a reason the offense has looked so effective.

On football, Thompson expected a physical, low-scoring game against Oklahoma. He emphasized that the Sooners still present a defensive challenge despite their offensive struggles. For Florida, he returned to the need for better offensive-line play and more help around the quarterback, while noting improvement on defense.

Thompson also discussed the excitement around Florida women's basketball and its new roster. The conversation gave Best Fridays a basketball focus alongside the football preview.

Rob Dotson closes from the Panhandle

Dotson joined Martin for the closing stretch, discussing Florida's remaining football opportunities, the Jacksonville basketball win and the enthusiasm among Gators fans in the Panhandle. He also described plans for a studio and the search for sponsors.

Martin closed by thanking Meyer, Thompson, Dotson and the production team. He said Beard had been up late writing and was unable to make the program.

Watch the full interview and Friday's show

The complete Urban Meyer interview is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9C_z-4MoSQ

Friday's Best Fridays show, including the Edgar Thompson conversation and the morning's football and basketball lineup, is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGjwmeFCJ1I

Read Gator Bait Media daily: https://www.gatorbaitmedia.com Watch The Buddy Martin Show: https://youtube.com/@TheBuddyMartinShow/live

Cover: Buddy Martin, left, interviews Urban Meyer in the taped conversation featured on Best Fridays. Video still: The Buddy Martin Show / Gator Bait Media.