Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

UF defensive end Jordan Sherit and linebacker Antonio Morrison record a tackle during Florida's 24-14 win against South Carolina on Nov. 14, 2015, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sports

UF’s dominant defense reminiscent of elite 2012 unit

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 17, 2015

Antonio Morrison came to UF in 2012 with a group of players to look up to.

UF coach Jim McElwain points to the crowd during Gator Walk prior to Florida's 24-14 win against South Carolina on Nov. 14, 2015, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sports

Column: McElwain has the Gators believing in themselves as season winds down

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 16, 2015

A few days after the Gators defeated Southeastern Conference opponent Vanderbilt and locked up the SEC East, first-year Florida coach Jim McElwain addressed the team about the weeks that were to come.

UF defensive lineman Alex McCalister walks off the field after warmups prior to Florida's 24-14 win against South Carolina on Nov. 14, 2015, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sports

Injury bug bites Florida’s defensive line heading into FAU

By GRAHAM HACK | Nov. 16, 2015

Florida’s defensive line will have some holes to fill against Florida Atlantic.

UF players celebrate with running back Jordan Cronkrite after his 41-yard touchdown during Florida's 24-14 win against South Carolina on Nov. 14, 2015, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sports

IN THE MOMENT: UF preparing for final regular season stretch

By GRAHAM HACK | Nov. 15, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. — There were moments when the offense shined, and there were others that made Gator fans scratch their heads and wonder how the bright spots were possible.

UF running back Kelvin Taylor dashes for a 53-yard run during the fourth quarter of Florida's 24-14 win against South Carolina on Nov. 14, 2015, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sports

Gators making game-winning plays

By Luis Torres | Nov. 15, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. — What a difference a year makes.

UF coach Jim McElwain walks on the sideline during Florida's 9-7 win against Vanderbilt on Nov. 7, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Gators, having secured SEC East, head to South Carolina

By GRAHAM HACK | Nov. 12, 2015

One game signaled the end of an era.

Sports

Picks column: South Carolina

Nov. 12, 2015

After a narrow 9-7 win over Vanderbilt on Homecoming on Saturday, the No. 11 Gators hit the road to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia, South Carolina, at noon on ESPN.

UF safety Marcus Maye attempts to tackle Georgia quarterback Faton Bauta (10) during Florida's 27-3 win against the Bulldogs on Oct. 31, 2015, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

Florida safety Marcus Maye showing unselfish mentality

By Luis Torres | Nov. 11, 2015

Marcus Maye’s season began watching Florida beat New Mexico State 61-13 on Sept. 5 from the sidelines, forced to sit out the season-opener because of a violation of team rules.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier points to fans as he walks off the field after South Carolina's 42-35 loss to Auburn on Oct. 25 in Auburn, Alabama.

Sports

Scouting the South Carolina Gamecocks

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 11, 2015

The No. 11 Florida Gators (8-1, 6-1 Southeastern Conference) travel to Columbia, South Carolina, to face the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-6, 1-6 SEC) in both teams’ final conference game of the year. The Gators already clinched the SEC East and are now focused on running the table for a potential College Football Playoff berth. The Gamecocks are on the outside looking in for the postseason, needing to win their final three games to become bowl eligible. Here’s a look at South Carolina’s season to this point and what the Gamecocks bring to the game:

UF football coach Jim McElwain receives the game ball following Florida's 9-7 win against Vanderbilt on Nov. 7, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Despite clinching SEC East, Gators aim to maintain intensity

By Luis Torres | Nov. 9, 2015

Fresh off of clinching the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division for the first time since 2009, Florida’s next matchup is against a team that is currently trying to find its identity: South Carolina.

UF's Austin Hardin kicks the game-winning field goal during the fourth quarter of Florida's 9-7 win against Vanderbilt on Nov. 7, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Kicker steps up, locks UF into SEC Championship

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 8, 2015

With less than two-and-a-half minutes left to play on Saturday and No. 10 Florida trailing Vanderbilt 7-6, UF kicker Austin Hardin trots out to the field.

Sports

Column: Jim McElwain’s point about championship teams is only partially correct

By GRAHAM HACK | Nov. 8, 2015

Minutes after an ugly 9-7 victory over Vanderbilt, a win that clinched a berth in the Southeastern Conference title game for Florida, coach Jim McElwain uttered a phrase that summed up his thoughts on the day — and the season.

UF running back Kelvin Taylor (21) and defensive end Alex McCalister (14) celebrate with teammates after clinching the SEC East with its 9-7 win against Vanderbilt on Nov. 7, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

GEORGIA ON MY MIND: Gators down Commodores, clinch trip to SEC title game in Atlanta

By GRAHAM HALL | Nov. 7, 2015

The Gators found themselves in a similar position – trailing to a seemingly inferior opponent, on Homecoming nonetheless.

Will Grier runs onto the field during Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19 at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky. West Virginia announced on April 6, 2016, that Grier was transferring to WVU.

Sports

Will Grier’s suspension fuels conversation on NCAA’s PED’s policy

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 5, 2015

"So I took an over-the-counter supplement that had something in it."

UF coach Jim McElwain Gator Chomps after Florida's 27-3 win against Georgia on Oct. 31, 2015, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

Florida welcomes Vanderbilt on Homecoming

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 5, 2015

As Florida started its final drive against Vanderbilt in 2013, the Gators already knew the outcome.

Sophomore defensve back Jalen Tabor (31) dances while the Gator Marching Band plays following Florida's 61-13 win against New Mexico State. The win made a new record for most points scored during a UF head coach's first game.

Sports

Gators sophomore cornerback Jalen Tabor exceeding expectations

By GRAHAM HACK | Nov. 4, 2015

Sophomore defensive back Jalen Tabor isn’t shy about where he thinks his standing is in Florida’s secondary.

UF wide receiver Antonio Callaway breaks free for a 66-yard touchdown during Florida's 27-3 win against Georgia on Oct. 31, 2015, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

Three keys for the Gators if they hope to avoid another loss on Homecoming

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 4, 2015

With a trip to the Southeastern Conference Championship in clear sight, the No. 10 Florida Gators (7-1, 5-1 SEC) host Vanderbilt (3-5, 1-3 SEC) Saturday at noon for a homecoming showdown.

UF coach Jim McElwain watches on during warm-ups prior to Florida's 27-3 win against Georgia on Oct. 31, 2015, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

Gators emphasize third-down, red zone during Wednesday's practice

By GRAHAM HALL | Nov. 4, 2015

On "Special Treat Wednesday"’, Florida coach Jim McElwain said his team finished practice with a level of focus that was "pretty darn good."

UF running back Kelvin Taylor rushes during Florida's 27-3 win against Georgia on Oct. 31, 2015, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

Evaluating Florida’s rushing attack through eight games

By Luis Torres | Nov. 3, 2015

Prior to Florida’s 27-3 win against Georgia on Saturday, coach Jim McElwain stressed the importance of getting the running game going during the bye week.

Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb carries the ball during Vanderbilt's 10-3 win against Missouri on Oct. 24, 2015.

Sports

Scouting the Commodores: A Q&A with the Vanderbilt Hustler’s sports editor

By GRAHAM HALL | Nov. 3, 2015

With No. 10 Florida set to take on Vanderbilt at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, alligatorSports editor Graham Hall reached out to Ben Weinrib, sports editor at the Vanderbilt Hustler, for his thoughts on the Homecoming showdown and who he thinks will win on Saturday.