Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

With just two games left before his college career comes to a close, UF running back Mark Thompson isn’t holding back from expressing his opinion. “I really wish they would just stop looking and give (Shannon) the head coaching job,” he said. “He’s a great coach. He knows what he’s doing.”

Sports

Players voice support for Shannon as coaching rumors swirl

By Dylan Dixon | Nov. 15, 2017

Mark Thompson knows that it’s inevitable.

After practice on Tuesday, Randy Shannon said offensive lineman Antonio Riles likely won’t play this week, adding to an already extensive injury list. Among the players out for the season are safety Marcell Harris, defensive lineman Jordan Sherit, center T.J. McCoy, running back Malik Davis, quarterback Luke Del Rio and offensive lineman Brett Heggie, all of whom were starters.

Sports

Gators’ list of injuries grows, shrinks UF’s roster

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 14, 2017

Randy Shannon is familiar with coaching just 53 players.

Interim coach Randy Shannon announced on Monday that receiver Dre Massey (9) will step in as second-string quarterback behind Feleipe Franks for Saturday's game against UAB.

Sports

Interim coach Randy Shannon promotes receiver Dre Massey to second-string quarterback

By Matt Brannon | Nov. 13, 2017

Florida quarterbacks are dropping like open passes this season.

The Gators football team faces the possibility of ending the season with a losing record for just the second time in 38 years.

Sports

With bowl-game hopes gashed, Gators are playing for pride

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 12, 2017

Taven Bryan was wearing a blue collared shirt. He had stripped off the bulky shoulder pads that he wore about 30 minutes before, pulled off the white jersey that had been covered with dirt and sweat, and, for just a moment, unburdened himself of what was running through his mind.

Florida quarterback Feleipe Franks (left) completed 10 of 25 passes for 174 yards, no touchdowns and one interception on Saturday against South Carolina. UF fell to the Gamecocks, 28-20, sending its losing streak to five straight games.

Sports

Gators losing streak continues in 28-20 defeat to Gamecocks

By Dylan Dixon | Nov. 11, 2017

By the time Florida’s defense realized Jake Bentley still had the ball in his hands, there was nothing any of its players could do.

Taven Bryan, a redshirt junior, was a freshman when Florida fired the current South Carolina head coach. Saturday at noon, Will Muschamp and his second-place Gamecocks will host a vulnerable Florida team still marred by the loss of its most recent sideline chief, Jim McElwain.

Sports

Gators’ battle to make a bowl game starts in South Carolina

By Matt Brannon | Nov. 10, 2017

Gators defensive tackle Taven Bryan smirked, realizing he still had Will Muschamp’s old playbook.

Sports

Ja'Marr Chase, top-20 receiving recruit, decommits from the University of Florida

By Matt Brannon | Nov. 8, 2017

Ten days after the firing of former Florida coach Jim McElwian, the Gators have their first decommitment.

Missouri head coach Barry Odom, right, talks with Florida head coach Randy Shannon, left, before the start of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Sports

Three things UF coach Randy Shannon wants to change before South Carolina game

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 7, 2017

As interim coach Randy Shannon ended Florida’s practice Tuesday and walked to the south end zone of UF’s indoor practice facility, he made one request.

New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee (35) runs into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions, Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Sports

Gators in the NFL midseason update: Mike Gillislee, defensive rookies making an impact

By Sam Campisano | Nov. 7, 2017

Nine weeks into the NFL season, several former Gators are having success at the professional level:

Interim coach Randy Shannon announced on Monday that graduate transfer Malik Zaire will start under center for the Gators once again this Saturday when UF travels to Columbia to take on the Gamecocks.

Sports

Notebook: Zaire to start against Gamecocks on Saturday

By Dylan Dixon | Nov. 6, 2017

Randy Shannon may not have gotten the offensive output he wanted in his first game as Florida’s interim head coach, but that hasn’t affected his plan at quarterback heading into this weekend’s matchup with South Carolina.

Florida head coach Randy Shannon argues a call with a referee during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won the game 45-16. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Sports

Collapse in Columbia: Gators continue four-game skid

By Matt Brannon | Nov. 5, 2017

One week after the firing of their coach and a demoralizing defeat against No. 1 Georgia, Florida fans waited to see how the Gators would respond. On Saturday against Missouri, UF’s response was so heinous that interim coach Randy Shannon condemned it like a school-wide scandal.

While Florida’s defensive backs played well early, marked by Henderson’s first quarter interception on a Missouri fade route in the end zone, they also allowed the most passing touchdowns by an opponent since Sept. 30 against Vanderbilt.

Sports

Notebook: UF secondary torched, offense unable to capitalize on big plays in loss to Missouri

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 4, 2017

CJ Henderson was running, chasing Missouri receiver Emanuel Hall down the right sideline.

In his first of the season, UF quarterback Malik Zaire had 158 yards, one interception and no touchdowns in Florida's 45-16 loss to Missouri on Saturday in Columbia, Missouri.

Sports

Gators overpowered, 45-16, at Missouri for fourth straight loss

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 4, 2017

Malik Zaire placed his palms on his helmet and stared at the video board.

UF interim coach Randy Shannon announced Thursday that Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire will start at quarterback for Florida when the Gators play Missouri on Saturday.

Sports

With Malik Zaire at quarterback, Florida hoping for offensive jolt at Missouri

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 2, 2017

As Randy Shannon stood in front of a group of reporters on Monday, his first appearance as the interim coach of the Florida football team, he was asked what — if any — changes he will make.

UF running back Malik Davis is out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury he suffered during Florida's 42-7 loss to Georgia on Saturday.

Sports

Response to injuries will be key for Florida against Mizzou

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 1, 2017

Malik Davis watched Georgia complete its beatdown of his team while propped up on crutches and wearing a large, black brace. He stood as an emblem of Florida’s season so far.

UF interim coach Randy Shannon has already started making some changes, including re-opening Florida’s quarterback competition. He gave both redshirt freshman Feleipe Franks and graduate transfer Malik Zaire first-team reps during practice on Tuesday. Shannon and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier will meet and likely name a starter by Thursday, Shannon said.

Sports

Shannon's first shakeup: Putting Zaire back in QB race

By IAN COHEN | Oct. 31, 2017

On Tuesday, as Florida football players stretched and jogged on the practice field, an unusual noise came blasting from the loudspeakers: a Tom Petty song.