Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida offensive coordinator Kurt Roper celebrates with players near the end of UF's 38-20 win against UGA on Nov. 1 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

Kurt Roper preparing for the end of season, possibly time at UF

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 18, 2014

Florida offensive coordinator Kurt Roper is used to not staying in one place for too long.

Dante Fowler hypes up the crowd during Florida's 23-20 overtime loss to South Carolina at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Dante Fowler takes to Twitter, says he’s leaving after this season

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 18, 2014

Will Muschamp will sit down with Dante Fowler Jr. and his family "at an appropriate time" regarding the junior’s option to enter the NFL Draft.

Alabama coach Nick Saban acknowledges fans as he runs off the field after Alabama's 20-13 overtime win over LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Nov. 9.

Sports

‘Bama takes top spot in latest College Football Playoff rankings

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Nov. 18, 2014

The College Football Playoff committee released its fourth top 25 rankings on Tuesday evening, and there were some surprises within the top four. Let’s breakdown the committee’s top four, and analyze the teams on the outside looking in.

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Football players reflect on Muschamp’s tenure at UF

By JONATHAN CZUPYRN | Nov. 17, 2014

On Oct. 27, Mike Taylor said he wouldn’t want to play for anyone but Will Muschamp.

Jarrad Davis before the game on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Sports

Linebackers Ball, Davis out for year

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 17, 2014

In a season where the Gators have been relatively healthy, Florida lost two key defensive players, Will Muschamp announced Monday.

Will Muschamp smiles during Florida's win against Georgia on Nov. 1 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

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The best and worst moments from Will Muschamp’s UF career

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Nov. 17, 2014

Will Muschamp has had his share of highs and lows during his time as Florida’s head coach. Here are a few.

Athletics director Jeremy Foley speaks to media Monday

Sports

Athletics director looking for coach with history of offense success

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 17, 2014

Will Muschamp was the third to speak on Monday.

UF athletics director Jeremy Foley (left) and football coach Will Muschamp embrace following Florida's 34-10 win against Vanderbilt on Nov. 8 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sports

Johnson’s Journal: Muschamp just couldn’t get it done

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Nov. 17, 2014

Will Muschamp is a good man, and that’s why Jeremy Foley looked heartbroken Monday as he addressed a room full of cameras and reporters.

Florida coach Will Muschamp and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier shake hands following the Gators' 23-20 overtime loss to the Gamecocks on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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‘CHAMP TO CHOMP NO MORE: Will Muschamp to step down from head coach position after the regular season ends

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Nov. 16, 2014

Saturday was the final blow.

Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen, who spent four years as UF’s offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer, celebrates on the field after his Bulldogs defeated the Gators 10-7 in 2011.

Sports

Five possible coaching candidates to replace Will Muschamp

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Nov. 16, 2014

With Sunday’s news that Will Muschamp will not be returning as Florida’s head coach next season, it’s time to talk coaching searches. Here are five candidates to replace Muschamp for the 2015 season. Note that all of my candidates have head coaching experience at a high level.

UF coach Will Muschamp speaks to reporters following Florida's 23-20 overtime loss against South Carolina on Saturday.

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Blocked kicks prove costly in Florida's overtime loss to South Carolina

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 15, 2014

Two special teams gaffes by Florida gave South Carolina the opportunities it needed to stage a comeback and win 23-20 in overtime.

Treon Harris looks downfield for a receiver during Florida's 42-13 loss to Missouri on Oct. 18 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Picks Column: South Carolina

Nov. 13, 2014

Site: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (Cap. 88,548)

Will Muschamp signals during UF's 38-20 win against UGA on Nov. 1 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

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ON THE RISE: Florida looking to cap SEC play with win against struggling South Carolina

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Nov. 13, 2014

This year’s Florida-South Carolina game was supposed to be one of the marquee games within the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division — and it was thought by many to be the deciding factor for which team would represent the East in Atlanta for the SEC Championship.

Leon Orr walks off the field after a play in Florida’s 37-20 win against Tennessee on Sept. 15 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. Orr will miss Saturday’s game with the flu.

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Zoop’s Scoop: Leon Orr ditching the Gators proves he’s not a team player

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 13, 2014

When parents look for role models in the world of athletics, it’s easy to point out the stars that make the big plays, earn the big bucks and win the big games.

Florida wide receiver Ahmad Fulwood (left) and defensive back Jalen Tabor (5) celebrate with fans following UF's 38-20 win against UGA on Saturday at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

Sports

Air Jordan: Five matchups to watch in the Florida-South Carolina game

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 12, 2014

The Gators are on a roll as the season begins to die down. Florida (5-3, 4-3 Southeastern Conference) is riding a two-game win streak against SEC East opponents Georgia and Vanderbilt. With UF heading into its SEC finale — a noon matchup against South Carolina (4-5, 2-5 SEC) — here are five matchups to watch.