Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Eight Gators beat writers pick eight college football games against the spread.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Picks Column: A new Mullennium

Nov. 30, 2017

A new era is officially underway in Gainesville.

Florida transfer guard Funda Nakkasoglu (3) is still bothered by an ankle injury suffered on Nov. 21.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators guard Funda Nakkasoglu recovering from injury as team prepares for Oklahoma

By Morgan McMullen | Nov. 30, 2017

Redshirt junior guard Funda Nakkasoglu drove to the paint from the right side of the three-point line. She beat her defender, cut inside the incoming forward and raised up for a layup attempt without opposition.

After losing to the Cornhuskers in the 2017 title match, Mary Wise and the Florida Gators went to Lincoln, Nebraska, and took revenge on the No. 2 team in the country with a 3-1 victory.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators pummel Alabama State in NCAA Tournament opener

By Andrew Huang | Nov. 30, 2017

More than 2,200 fans piled into the O'Connell Center on Thursday, eager for a full night of Florida volleyball. Just 65 minutes later, they were headed home.

Florida believes that its defense, along with senior leadership and a tough nonconference schedule, has prepared itself for any team it faces in the postseason. “We ride and die by our seniors,” UF middle blocker Rachael Kramer said.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators start NCAA Tournament hoping to avoid repeat of last season’s stunning collapse

By Andrew Huang | Nov. 29, 2017

A year later, they haven’t forgotten the game that got away.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Dan Mullen hires his defensive coordinator from Mississippi State, Todd Grantham

By Matt Brannon | Nov. 29, 2017

Dan Mullen has added another Mississippi State assistant to his staff at Florida.

UF head coach Mike White smiles during a press conference following Florida's 65-39 win against Virginia in the NCAA Tournament on March 18, 2017, in Orlando.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Enjoy Mike White while he’s here

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 29, 2017

Mike White won’t be in Gainesville for long.

In the team’s final five games, UF running back Adarius Lemons registered 136 yards on 19 carries for an average of 7.2 yards per attempt.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Column: Four Florida players primed for breakout seasons in 2018

By Dylan Dixon | Nov. 29, 2017

There’s no other way to say it, folks.

Florida forward Haley Lorenzen recorded a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the Gators 69-59 win against Jacksonville on Tuesday.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Haley Lorenzen fuels Gators' home win over Jacksonville

By Morgan McMullen | Nov. 28, 2017

When Funda Nakkasoglu missed a three-pointer with 9:27 remaining in the second quarter, forward Haley Lorenzen used her 6-foot-3 frame to snatch an offensive rebound. She dribbled, retreated a few steps, and nailed a jumper from the elbow to extend a lead Florida would never give up.

UF offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier participates in Florida's Gator Walk prior to the Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Randy Shannon, Doug Nussmeier reportedly fired from coaching staff

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 28, 2017

After two days as Florida’s head coach, Dan Mullen is already sorting out which assistants will join him on the sidelines in 2018.

After his showing at the Phil Knight Invitational last week, Chiozza has proven he's the Gators’ “grimiest” player, someone that can be relied on in close games. Look no further than Florida’s double-overtime win against Gonzaga, when Chiozza registered 26 points and 10 assists in a career-high 46 minutes of action.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators guard Chiozza brings 'griminess' his coach is looking for

By Jake Dreilinger | Nov. 28, 2017

Before the season began, UF coach Mike White questioned if the Gators can compete with “griminess” and resilience. The play of point guard Chris Chiozza has given him an answer.

UF athletic director Scott Striklin speaks at a press conference announcing former Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen as Florida's next head coach.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: What Scott Stricklin was really thinking about as he announced the hire of Dan Mullen

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 28, 2017

My favorite part of Dan Mullen’s introductory press conference on Monday?

New England Patriots' Julian Edelman eyes the ball before making the catch as Atlanta Falcons' Robert Alford, left, and Keanu Neal defend, during the second half of Super Bowl 51 in Houston. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Neal’s friendly fire and other Gators in the NFL: Week 12 Edition

By Sam Campisano | Nov. 27, 2017

Keanu Neal has become known for his big hits.

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal, right, dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Beal’s NBA record and other Gators in the NBA

By Benjamin Brandt | Nov. 27, 2017

On Nov. 20, former Florida Gator Bradley Beal made NBA history.

UF guard Funda Nakkasoglu sat out the final two games of the Savannah Invitational. She hopes to be back on the court against Jacksonville.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators head into matchup against Jacksonville tonight with a few key injuries

By Justin Ahlum | Nov. 27, 2017

On Monday afternoon, Florida emerged from its locker room and took the court for practice. Dressed in their all-blue practice uniforms, the Gators shot around, with multiple players getting reps at the free-throw line and from behind the arc.

UF announced on Sunday former Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen will take over as Florida's next head coach.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Dan Mullen is the new football coach! Now let’s get over it.

By Skyler Lebron | Nov. 27, 2017

The turmoil is no more. The agony of waiting is a thing of the past. It’s finished.

Former Mississippi State coach and Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen agreed to become the Gators next head coach, the school announced Sunday evening.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Dan Mullen just volunteered to go through hell

By Matt Brannon | Nov. 26, 2017

You fool.

Jessie Holmes and Parker Roberts hug after Florida's 1-0 over USF in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

SPORTS | SOCCER

After Elite Eight loss, Gators soccer team looks back on memorable season

By Mark Stine | Nov. 26, 2017

Even though the Gators advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament, their postseason run isn’t what defines them. What summed up their season more than anything was the surprise the seniors organized for coach Becky Burleigh before UF’s first game.

Coach Dan Mullen announced Feleipe Franks as the Gators' starting quarterback heading into Saturday's game against Charleston Southern.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

‘We’re going to be back’: Gators reflect on a forgettable football season

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 26, 2017

The room is quiet. You can go in.

Florida made the championship game of the Phil Knight Invitational's Motion Bracket, where they faced No. 1 Duke.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Column: Three ways the Phil Knight Invitational helped Florida’s bid for a national title

By Jake Dreilinger | Nov. 26, 2017

After a thrilling double-overtime win against No. 17 Gonzaga on Friday, the Gators played No. 1 Duke in the Phil Knight Invitational championship game on Sunday.

Florida guard KeVaughn Allen, right, shoots over Duke guard Trevon Duval during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Phil Knight Invitational tournament in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

No. 7 Gators fall to No. 1 Duke, 87-84, in final of Phil Knight Invitational

By The Associated Press | Nov. 26, 2017

PORTLAND, Ore. — Marvin Bagley III had 30 points and 15 rebounds, and No. 1 Duke rallied late to beat No. 7 Florida 87-84 on Sunday night for the Motion Bracket championship at the Phil Knight Invitational tournament.