Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Dominique Easley (2) pushes through two opposing players during Florida’s 31-17 win against Tennessee on Sept. 21 in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Injured defensive tackle plans to enter 2014 NFL Draft

By PHILLIP HEILMAN< | Sep. 30, 2013

Dominique Easley’s career with the Gators is finished.

Tyler Murphy attempts a pass during Florida’s 24-7 victory against Kentucky on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Murphy still adjusting to new role

By JOE MORGAN< | Sep. 30, 2013

Two days after winning his first start for the Gators, Tyler Murphy was talking about First Take.

Jaylen Watkins (14) tackles Kentucky wide receiver Alexander Montgomery during the Gators’ 24-7 victory against the Wildcats on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Watkins becoming versatile member of Florida secondary

By ADAM PINCUS< | Sep. 30, 2013

Coach Will Muschamp called him first-class.

Former Rutgers guard Eli Carter attempts a layup during a 68-65 victory against George Washington University on Dec. 11, 2012.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Rutgers transfer cleared to play for Florida at beginning of 2013 season

By LANDON WATNICK< | Sep. 30, 2013

Rutgers transfer Eli Carter will see the floor for Florida this season.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators in the NFL: Former Florida safety notches six tackles in second start

By CHUCK KINGSBURY< | Sep. 30, 2013

With Week 4 of the NFL season in the books, here are a few former Gators who made the most tangible impact for their respective teams.

Lauren Silver kicks the ball during Florida’s 2-0 victory against Minnesota on Sept. 13 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Outside backs providing offensive spark for Gators in SEC play

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Sep. 30, 2013

The Gators’ outside backs are fueling their offense in Southeastern Conference play.

Gabby Mallette prepares to hit the ball during Florida’s four-set victory against Western Michigan on Sept. 14 in the O’Connell Center. The sophomore outside hitter totaled 17 kills last weekend.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

High-powered offense propels Gators to weekend sweep

By RJ Schaffer | Sep. 30, 2013

Florida used its powerful offense to make it to the Sweet 16 last season.

Florida swimmers line up to begin the men’s open 400-meter individual medley during the Pinch A Penny All Florida Invitational on Sept. 28 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Florida wins season-opening meet

By Logan McGuire | Sep. 30, 2013

With the first meet of the season finished, Florida has a grueling schedule ahead.

Freshman runner Carlos Miranda (above) earned his first collegiate victory on Friday at the Wisconsin adidas Invitational in the 5K with a time of 15:17.60.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

Miranda solidifies spot with first win

By GORDON STREISAND< | Sep. 30, 2013

The picture is starting to come into focus.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida men's golf finishes first day at Shoal Creek in fifth place

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Sep. 30, 2013

Erasing the bad and writing the good is exactly what the Gators men’s golf team did Monday on the first day of the Shoal Creek Intercollegiate in Birmingham, Ala.

Eduardo Solaeche-Gomez competes in the men's open 400 IM at the Pinch a Penny All-Florida Invitation at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Sept. 28, 2013.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Florida dominates Pinch A Penny All-Florida Invitational for fourth straight season

By Logan McGuire | Sep. 29, 2013

For the fourth consecutive year, the Gators were victorious at the All-Florida Invitational and remain the lone team to win the invitational since Florida began hosting it in 2009.

Vernon Hargreaves III intercepts a pass in the end zone during Florida’s 24-7 victory on Sept. 28, 2013, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Hargreaves best UF cornerback

By PHILLIP HEILMAN< | Sep. 29, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The kid needs to play.

Dante Fowler Jr. awaits a snap by the Wildcats. The sophomore Buck linebacker collected two of Florida’s five sacks while limiting Kentucky to 173 yards of offense.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Fowler fills void for Gators

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Sep. 29, 2013

LEXINGTON, Ky. — With senior defensive tackle Dominique Easley out for the season with a torn ACL and medial meniscus, Florida’s defense needed someone to step up to lead the unit.

Florida sophomore defensive specialist Holly Pole celebrates during a match in 2011.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators stuff Rebels thanks to impressive front-row play

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Sep. 29, 2013

Associate coach Dave Boos said Florida’s back-row defense has made up for the front row’s mistakes this season. But on Sunday against Ole Miss, the Gators finally delivered at the net.