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Sports

Picks Column: Toledo

Aug. 29, 2013

The Gators welcome the Rockets to town on Saturday as the college football season continues to hurtle through the atmosphere after blasting off Thursday night. We here at the alligatorSports Brand Picks Column believe this game would have been much more badass had they switched the location to the launching pad at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. I mean, c’mon. It’s the perfect marriage of Florida and rockets, or so we think. We welcome you to another season of the alligatorSports Brand Picks Column, where we all know that when it comes to picking against the spread, it’s a trap!

Sophomore linebacker Antonio Morrison speaks at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. Morrison was originally suspended for two games, but coach Will Muschamp announced on Monday that he reduced the suspension to only one game.

Sports

Morrison missed opportunity for redemption

By ADAM PINCUS< | Aug. 29, 2013

Give Antonio Morrison credit. At least he tried to apologize.

Jeff Driskel throws a pass during warm-ups prior to Florida’s 27-14 win against Bowling Green on Sept. 1 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

The Rally: Can the Gators cover a 24-point spread against Toledo?

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 28, 2013

Phil: When Florida kicks off its season against Toledo on Saturday at 12:21 p.m. in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the Gators will be favored by 24 points.

Wide receiver Quinton Dunbar (1) catches the game-tying touchdown during Florida’s 27-20 win against Louisiana on Nov. 10 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Three factors to decide whether UF ‘breaks’ good or bad in 2013

By PHIL HEILMAN< | Aug. 14, 2013

For anyone who is a ravenous consumer of sports and entertainment, the summer months can be trying times.

Receiver Andre Debose (4) waits in the end zone to return a kick-off during the game against Texas A&M on Saturday at Kyle Field. Debose is out for 2013 with an ACL tear.

Sports

Summer of trouble gives way to season full of expectations

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 14, 2013

This was the summer of discontent for Gators fans.

Freshman linebacker Antonio Morrison (12) chases down Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (5) during UF's 20-17 victory against Texas A&M at Kyle Field.

Sports

College no longer a safe haven for much-scrutinized athletes

By ADAM PINCUS< | Aug. 14, 2013

Although the Emmy-nominated “Scandal” doesn't return to ABC until Oct. 3, college football can fill the void of twists and turns.

Coach Will Muschamp exchanges words with an official during Florida’s 37-26 win against Florida State on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

Sports

The Alligator Awards: What was the best UF individual performance of 2012-13?

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 7, 2013

Adam: The best thing about sports is that you can go to any random game and witness something you’ve never seen before. I went to a spring training game one year and saw a third-string catcher hit an inside-the-park home run (well, I should have seen it, but that’s another story).

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez looks on during the third inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Chicago on Monday.

Sports

A-Rod’s ruined legacy

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Aug. 5, 2013

“You were the Chosen One! It was said you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness!”

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jacob Turner wipes his brow during the first inning of a 6-5 loss against the New York Mets on Monday in Miami.

Sports

Steps to revive Marlins’ popularity

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | July 29, 2013

I grew up with baseball as the No. 1 sport in my house. My dad watched baseball. My mom watched baseball. My grandparents watched baseball.

Kelsey Horton (20) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run during Florida’s 4-2 win against Mississippi State on April 6 at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Sports

The Alligator Awards: Which Florida team was the undisputed best in 2012-13?

By JOE MORGAN< | July 24, 2013

Joe: When the Gators reflect on their two national titles in gymnastics and men’s outdoor track and field during the 2012-13 season, one word will come to mind: milestone.

Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray (11) attempts a pass during the first half against Kentucky on Oct. 20, 2012, in Lexington, Ky.

Sports

Breaking down the SEC for new college football fans

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | July 22, 2013

As you may or may not know, college sports are divided into conferences. Florida is a member of the Southeastern Conference (a.k.a. the SEC), and Gators fans will not let you forget it.

Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun reacts after striking out after pinch hitting during the 11th inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins on Sunday in Milwaukee. Braun, a former National League MVP, has been suspended without pay for the rest of the season and admitted he "made mistakes" in violating Major League Baseball's drug policies.

Sports

Current punishment for steroid users lacks effectiveness

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | July 22, 2013

Last night, Major League Baseball suspended Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun for 65 games – the rest of the season – because of the outfielder’s steroid use.

Sports

Muschamp should kick Morrison off team

By JOE MORGAN< | July 21, 2013

Will Muschamp needs to make an example out of Antonio Morrison. An announced suspension of at least two games is a promising sign, but not nearly enough.

Freshman Bridget Sloan sticks a landing during Florida’s 196.575-190.55 win against Ball State on Jan. 4 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

The Alligator Awards: Who runs the world? These girls

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | July 17, 2013

As part of the Alligator Awards recognizing the best in UF athletics during the 2012-13 season, columnists Adam Lichtenstein and Landon Watnick will debate two of the five nominees in each week’s category. Vote for the winner online at alligatorSports.org.

Quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) eludes Josh Evans during UF’s 20-17 win at Texas A&M on Sept. 8.

Sports

Clowney meets Godzilla: predictions for the SEC season

By JOE MORGAN< | July 15, 2013

Mike Gillislee grabbed headlines at last year’s Southeastern Conference Media Days after predicting that he would rack up 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2012.

Baltimore’s Chris Davis follows through on a three-run home run against the New York Yankees on June 29 in Baltimore. Davis is the American League’s starting first baseman.

Sports

All-Star Game lacks flair despite playoff implications

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | July 15, 2013

I remember the worst night in All-Star Game history well.

Mike Gillislee (23) takes a handoff from quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) against FSU on Nov. 24. Gillislee ran for 1,152 yards in 2012.

Sports

The Alligator Awards: Who was the best male athlete at Florida in 2012-13?

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | July 10, 2013

As part of the Alligator Awards recognizing the best in UF athletics during the 2012-13 season, columnists Phil Heilman and Adam Lichtenstein will debate two of the five nominees in each week’s category. Vote for the winner online at alligatorSports.org.

Students cheer for the Gators during the Florida Atlantic game on Sept. 3, 2011 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida beat Florida Atlantic 41-3.

Sports

Catch up on Florida football’s history before season starts

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | July 8, 2013

When I was accepted to the University of Florida for the Fall 2010 semester, I didn’t know much about college sports. I had always preferred professional sports, and in my mind, college athletics were nothing more than wasted time on SportsCenter.

Trey Burton celebrates a touchdown during UF’s 33-23 win against Tennessee on Sept. 17, 2011.  Burton has been listed at three different positions for the Gators since 2010. Florida listed him at wide receiver in its 2013 media guide on Monday.

Sports

Interesting tidbits from Florida’s new football media guide

By LANDON WATNICK< | July 8, 2013

The Florida football team released its media guide – sans cover – via Gatorzone.com on Monday.