Last year, the Gators had five seniors in their starting lineup. Among those five were All-Americans Kelly Murphy and Kristy Jaeckel, who accounted for 43 percent of Florida's kills, 47 percent of assists and 48 percent of the team's service aces in 2011.
There was no doubt that Taylor Brauneis was Louisville's dominant setter for the last two years. The junior led the team with 1,100 assists in 2010, and continued her top performance in 2011 when she was responsible for 85 percent of the Cardinals' assists.
After the first game of the 2012-13 athletic year, Florida is already hoping for a change of pace.
Jacoby Brissett smiled when asked about the potential of starting at quarterback for Florida.
Behind the cluttered facemask that adorned bits of turf and paint from the field, he peered into the roaring depths of orange and blue that drowned the stands of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Florida coach Will Muschamp called last year’s team soft. With new offensive coordinator Brent Pease, the tone is changing.
With the Gators’ turnovers at a minimum last season, the interceptions naturally followed suit.
Big backs torched the Gators last season. As Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey dashed from sideline to sideline, physical backs such as Trent Richardson of Alabama and Spencer Ware of LSU wore down a depleted Gators defensive line.
Joe: When I left the theater after watching “Moneyball” last October, I was relieved. As a long-time baseball fan in my 20s, I have searched for the perfect baseball movie for adults. I love classics like “Major League,” “Rookie of the Year” and — of course — “The Sandlot”. However, I have struggled to find baseball movies that transcend the comedy genre. Humor sprinkled into plot here and there is encouraged, but it should be backed by compelling and relatable drama. In “Moneyball,” Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is fighting for his career. The Oakland A’s did not have the financial means to compete in 2002, and in the film, Beane was desperate to keep his job and stay close to his daughter. Each of us can relate to the desire to take a bold risk — some of us actually have — and the movie connects with its audience in an intimate fashion. Also, seeing the inner workings of a baseball front office is pretty awesome, if you ask me.
Ronald Powell begins the 2012 season a changed man.
After a 7-6 campaign and their worst season since 1987, the Florida Gators realized their attitude needed to change.
When it comes to Michael Phelps, the answer seems obvious with just a cursory glance of the medals table. The guy has won 15 golds — “insane,” says Serena Williams, who certainly knows a thing or two about winning — and now he’s got more total Olympic medals than anyone, with a few more races to extend the record into almost unfathomable territory before he’s done in London.
As part of The Alligator Awards recognizing the best in UF athletics during the 2011-12 season, columnists Joe Morgan and Corey McCall will debate two of the five nominees in each week’s category. Vote for the winner online at alligatorSports.org.
Michael Phelps may not be the world’s best swimmer anymore, but he still deserves respect.
With the eyes of the world watching, a spoonful of sugar will make the Dark Lord go down in London on Friday. Actually, it will take several spoons.
HOOVER, Ala. — While the Gators’ quarterback situation may be in flux, senior Mike Gillislee gives them some certainty at the running back position. In fact, Gillislee has the 2012 season planned down to the box scores.
HOOVER, Ala. — The Gators will have one fewer tight end going into fall camp.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive has unfinished business and he isn’t leaving what has lately become college football’s penthouse anytime soon.
As part of The Alligator Awards recognizing the best in UF athletics during the 2011-12 season, columnists Joe Morgan and Corey McCall will debate two of the five nominees in each week’s category. Vote for the winner online at alligatorSports.org.
Although they haven’t competed for Florida yet, three incoming freshman have already started proving their worth to the 2012-13 track and field team. Shayla Sanders, Arman Hall and Robin Reynolds have spent the past week competing at the 2012 IAAF World Junior Track and Field Championships in Barcelona, Spain.
Solutions by The State News
