Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Quarterback Jeff Driskel tries to escape a tackle during Florida's 31-17 win against Tennessee on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Driskel to miss remainder of season with fractured right fibula

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Sep. 21, 2013

The Gators won their game on Saturday but lost their quarterback.

Defensive lineman Damien Jacobs bats down a pass from UT quarterback Justin Worley during Florida's 31-17 win against Tennessee on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Swamped with Thoughts: Gators shut down Peterman

By PHILLIP HEILMAN< | Sep. 21, 2013

Saturday was not a particularly good day at the office for Tennessee’s redshirt freshman quarterback Nathan Peterman.

Tyler Murphy runs down the field during the victory against Tennessee. Murphy is now Florida’s starting quarterback.

Sports

DRISKEL DOWN: Murphy steps in, steps up

By PHILLIP HEILMAN< | Sep. 21, 2013

Jeff Driskel’s disappointing September became a worst-case scenario for the No. 19 Gators on Saturday.

Solomon Patton runs down the field after catching a pass during Florida’s 21-16 loss to Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium.

Sports

Patton emerging as dependable weapon for Gators

By PHILLIP HEILMAN< | Sep. 21, 2013

How impressive has senior receiver Solomon Patton been for the No. 19 Gators in 2013?

$Quarterback Jeff Driskel is attended to by trainers during Florida's 31-17 win against Tennessee on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Driskel will miss the remainder of the season with a fractured right fibula.$

Sports

Florida holds off Tennessee, loses Driskel for season

By PHILLIP HEILMAN< | Sep. 21, 2013

Jeff Driskel’s disappointing September became a worst-case scenario for the No. 19 Gators on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Former Gators wide receiver Dallas Baker (81) breaks a tackle during Florida’s 21-20 victory against Tennessee on Sept. 16, 2006 in Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.

Sports

Rocky Stopped: Pivotal ’04 game changed course of rivalry

By JOE MORGAN< | Sep. 19, 2013

Tennessee cannot break the “Dallas Baker Curse.” That’s how Baker’s family and friends see it, anyway.

Florida senior defensive tackle Dominique Easley (2) chases Miami running back Duke Johnson (8) during the Gators’ 21-16 loss to the Hurricanes on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium. UF is No. 3 in the nation in total defense, allowing 208.5 yards per game this season.

Sports

Senior defensive tackle aiming for perfection

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Sep. 19, 2013

Dominique Easley is his own harshest critic.

Freshman cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III celebrates after making the first interception of his college career in No. 10 Florida's 24-6 win against Toledo on Aug. 31 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Sports

Fast-starting freshman cornerback impressing coaches

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Sep. 19, 2013

Will Muschamp said on Wednesday that he considered freshman cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III a starter despite having played only two college games.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper (14) catches a touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Vick during the second quarter of a 33-30 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday in Philadelphia. Cooper had two catches for 25 yards in the game.

Sports

Cooper a valuable asset in Chip Kelly's offense

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Sep. 19, 2013

It seemed as though Riley Cooper was one controversial remark away from losing a spot on Philadelphia's 53-man roster had it not been for an ACL tear to receiver Jeremy Maclin.

Jon Halapio runs during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Nov. 24 in Doak Campbell Stadium. Halapio is expected to make his season debut on Saturday.

Sports

Offensive lineman returning after missing first two games

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Sep. 18, 2013

Having to watch Florida’s season opener against Toledo on Aug. 31 from the sidelines was painful for Jon Halapio.

Former Florida defensive tackle Omar Hunter (99) splits a pair of offensive linemen during Florida's 38-20 win against Tennessee on Sept. 15, 2012, at Neyland Stadium. The Volunteers return four starters on the offensive line from 2012.

Sports

Florida preparing to face strong Tennessee offensive line

By LANDON WATNICK< | Sep. 18, 2013

Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin remembers how stout Tennessee’s offensive line was last year.

Senior wide receiver Trey Burton runs down the field during Florida’s 21-16 loss to Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium.

Sports

Wildcat providing mixed results for UF

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Sep. 17, 2013

A year ago, Trey Burton was on top of the world.

Dominique Easley (2) leaps over a pile of players during Florida’s 21-16 loss to Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium. Florida’s defense is No. 3 in the nation, allowing 208.5 yards per game.

Sports

Pease accepts criticism for Florida’s red-zone struggles

By JOE MORGAN< | Sep. 17, 2013

Still looking for a scapegoat to take the fall for Florida’s red-zone struggles in its 21-16 loss to Miami in Sun Life Stadium on Sept. 7?

Sports

Former UF tight end catches first NFL touchdown in Week 2

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Sep. 17, 2013

With Week 2 of the NFL season in the books, here are a few former Gators who made the most tangible impact for their respective teams.

Matt Jones (24) reaches for the ball on a play-action pass from quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) during Florida’s 21-16 loss against Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium.

Sports

Jones ready to carry load

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Sep. 16, 2013

Matt Jones has not felt this good in months.

Jaylen Watkins runs down the field during Florida’s 21-16 loss against Miami on Sept. 7 in Sun Life Stadium. Watkins is now starting at safety for the Gators.

Sports

Defensive tackle preparing for final matchup with Tennessee

By ADAM PINCUS< | Sep. 16, 2013

It may have nine stanzas, but the good ‘ole song from Rocky Top has a catchy ring to it. In Knoxville, Tenn., it’s a touching rendition to the simple life in the foothills. In many other places, “Rocky Top,” is an annoying battle cry that people would rather do without.