Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

MIAMI - This was the ugliest game you've ever seen for the first 40 minutes. This game was a train wreck. A slow-paced, whistle-filled, commercial-clogged mess of a game.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

A Familiar Ring: Gainesville once again boasts top college football program thanks to defense

Jan. 8, 2009

MIAMI - Titletown is alive and well again.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defenses crash BCS party

Jan. 8, 2009

MIAMI - The prevailing sentiment entering the BCS National Championship Game was that whichever team played defense would win the game.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Harvin returns from injury to lead Gators to victory

Jan. 8, 2009

MIAMI - Earlier this week, UF receiver Percy Harvin said the only lingering effect from his sprained ankle was that it made it hard to slow down.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

UF hopes tough schedule will yield championship results

Jan. 7, 2009

If the gymnastics team is only as good as the competition it's going to face this season, then there's certainly a chance to be the best at the end of the year.

SPORTS | GYMNASTICS

Gators open season with familiar oponent

Jan. 7, 2009

It's not deja vu. Relax, you're not seeing double.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Strength in Numbers: Dedicated coach inspires Gators to unite team, unlock full potential

Jan. 7, 2009

MIAMI - You stumble in at around 5 in the morning. You're met headfirst with a view of your normal weight room, your sanctuary, warped into a Quentin Tarantino horror flick. You can't see anything besides the four walls, because the windows are blocked with panels - it feels like you're in jail.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Time off builds anxieties, heals injuries

Jan. 7, 2009

MIAMI - While the time between the Gators' last two games may have been tough on players mentally, it's a good thing they had those 33 days to recover from injuries.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Haden, Gators hope to join USC as top college football powerhouse

Jan. 7, 2009

MIAMI - Joe Haden is a starting cornerback for UF - one of the nation's most well-known and respected teams - and he's about to play for the Gators in their second BCS Championship appearance in three seasons.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Improved run-blocking takes pressure off Bradford, passing game

Jan. 7, 2009

MIAMI - Oklahoma senior center Jon Cooper chuckles and agrees it's usually a good sign when the offensive linemen aren't in the spotlight. Cooper's content not to deal with "100 cameras" and is happy to take the occasional slap on the back or get a free dinner.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Talented recruiting class lays foundation for future titles

Jan. 7, 2009

While the Gators' tickets to the BCS National Championship Game were punched Dec. 6 with a win against Alabama, the journey began much earlier.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Oklahoma out to prove the Big 12 can play defense

Jan. 7, 2009

MIAMI - It all started with a playful jab. It's become a war of the words.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Tebow could become greatest ever

Jan. 7, 2009

MIAMI - He doesn't know. Even if he has an inkling, he won't tell you. Perhaps you'll get one of his school-boy chuckles and "yes sirs" or "yes ma'ams." It could be just a grin and an "I don't know."

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Former UF guard Huertas leads Ole Miss into Gainesville

Jan. 7, 2009

It doesn't take much for old friends to become familiar foes.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators start conference play, new season

Jan. 7, 2009

Forget about their record. Forget about what they've done over the past two months.