Before cell phones, before 4.8 GPA requirements, before big screen TVs, before instant gratification demands and before years of agonizing offense, missing game day at the Swamp was unheard of. Even when teams like New Mexico State came to town the Swamp was packed and rockin'.
While I think we have a long way to go before teams fear playing in the Swamp again, here's hoping this Saturday sets the tone for the future in a positive way.
"But to truly understand and appreciate what “The Swamp†was like in Spurrier’s hey day, consider the words of New Mexico State coach Bill Hess, who was in absolute awe of what his team experienced.
“I don’t think you’re No. 1 just because you run up 70 points on somebody, but I’ll say this about Florida -- they’ve got a No. 1 atmosphere. I’ve never seen such a rabidness, such mania with a crowd,†Hess said. “When Florida ran on the field, the fans nearly blew the roof off the place. We’re not used to that in Las Cruces (N.M.). It was deafening. The crowd was just toying with us.â€
He wasn’t done.
“I hate to see it when Alabama or Auburn comes in here,†Hess continued. “It’s probably just as awesome for them, too. This place is a different world. Those people know how to make noise.â€
To the next generation of Gators fans, consider this a history lesson of what a day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium can be. "
https://www.gatorzone.com/harry/blog/...%20years%20ago)