Sports | Columns - The Independent Florida Alligator

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Chance changed UF's season

By Kyle Wood | Sep. 18, 2019

I feel that the reality of what happened Saturday night is lost on a lot of people.

Redshirt junior quarterback Kyle Trask came in when starter Feleipe Franks was injured during the third quarter Saturday night against Kentucky, leading the team to a 19-0 run for the win.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Is Trask ready to go?

By Tyler Nettuno | Sep. 15, 2019

There’s no way around it.

The 9/11 Museum opened an exhibit dedicated to sports culture following that tragic day in history. Mark Messier of the New York Rangers wasn’t sure when the best time to resume sports again would happen, but after playing his first game back on the ice, he knew it was the right time.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

9/11 changed sports

By Mari Faiello | Sep. 10, 2019

I’m not like many kids in my generation. My memory of 9/11 is pretty clear despite only being 3 years old.

Florida will play just one Power 5 team (FSU) in four non-conference games in 2020.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Florida and college football have a scheduling problem

By River Wells | Aug. 11, 2019

The Gators released their 2020 football schedule on Wednesday, and from the looks of it, UF fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

The Tom Benson Hall of Fame stadium is shown during the induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019, in Canton, Ohio.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

The NFL Hall of Fame should induct 20 members for its 2020 class

By Dylan O'Shea | Aug. 7, 2019

Every year, a minimum of four and maximum of eight players or contributors are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Amanda Lorenz, who was All-SEC four times in college, was drafted second overall in the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch Draft – one spot behind UF teammate Kelly Barnhill.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

2020: Tim Walton’s greatest challenge

By Jack Braverman | July 31, 2019

Florida softball coach Tim Walton has had it made since the moment he arrived in Gainesville.

Ireland's Shane Lowry reacts after making a birdie on the 15th green during the final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Sunday, July 21, 2019.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Appreciate The Open for what it was

By Jack Braverman | July 22, 2019

Too often are sporting events touted for their drama and quickly forgotten for lack thereof.

Feleipe Franks led Florida to a Peach Bowl victory last season after throwing for 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Can the Gators win a national championship with Feleipe Franks?

By River Wells | June 19, 2019

Let’s talk about Feleipe Franks.

Rams coach Sean McVay led his team to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second season.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Is the young coach the future?

By River Wells | June 10, 2019

I flew into Los Angeles on Wednesday and I’ve been here for around six days now. It’s my first time here and I’ve hit all the typical tourist stops, but one of the coolest things I’ve seen on my trip came when I hadn’t even stepped off the plane: While descending to land at LAX, I got a perfect overhead view of the currently-under-construction Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park, the future home of the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Chicago Cubs' Albert Almora Jr., right, is comforted by Jason Heyward after hitting a foul ball into the stands during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros Wednesday, May 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

SPORTS | COLUMNS

It’s time to extend the netting in MLB stadiums

By Sam's Strike Zone | June 3, 2019

I generally consider myself a baseball purist.

Gerald McCoy, who was released by the Bucs on Monday, has earned three First-Team All-Pros and has made six Pro Bowls in his NFL career.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Arians’ treatment of Gerald McCoy sets a dangerous precedent

By Hells Wells | May 20, 2019

“He’s not as disruptive as he was four years ago, but he’s still a good player.”

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Goodbyes can be hard, so how do you do them?

By Jake Dreilinger | Apr. 24, 2019

How do you say goodbye to something that has meant so much to you?

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Stop thinking. It's overrated.

By Alanis Thames | Apr. 23, 2019

“Maybe this isn’t for me.”

The first play of the Gators' Orange and Blue game Saturday was a double-reverse pass from receiver Kadarius Toney (pictured) to quarterback Feleipe Franks for a 40-yard gain.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Spring game showed us too little

By Tyler Nettuno | Apr. 14, 2019

If you looked away from your TV screen for more than five seconds during Florida’s annual Orange and Blue game on Saturday, then guess what?

UF designated player Kendyl Lindaman hit the game winning home run in the 15th inning to give Florida a 5-2 win over Ole Miss.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

UF softball isn't WCWS team right now

By Mark Stine | Apr. 9, 2019

An empty bucket and a crumpled-up lineup card.

Gators quarterback Feleipe Franks has thrown for over 680 yards with seven touchdowns and zero turnovers over the last three games.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

For the first time in a while, UF doesn’t have a quarterback battle

By Jake Dreilinger | Apr. 2, 2019

When was the last time the Florida football team had a clear-favorite quarterback that lasted an entire season?

Edge rusher Jachai Polite's Twitter handle is @RetireMoms. He wants to make sure his mother is financially secure for the rest of her life.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Jachai Polite should’ve stayed at UF

By Mark Stine | Mar. 12, 2019

Edge rusher Jachai Polite made headlines during the NFL Combine and not for positive reasons.

Lindsey Ronbeck scored five goals and one assist in the Florida lacrosse team's 32-1 win over Scotland on Saturday.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Florida's women’s sports deserve more student support

By Mark Stine | Feb. 26, 2019

It’s no secret that the University of Florida has a top-notch athletics department, and the Gator Nation is one of collegiate sports’ most extensive fan bases.

Victor Prieto poses after winning the NBA's first Pop-A-Shot Championship at All-Star Weekend.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

I outshot Steph Curry at All-Star Weekend

By Victor Prieto | Feb. 19, 2019

I’ve always prided myself in my ability to play Pop-A-Shot. The fast-flowing motion of transferring a ball from one hand to the other. A simple flick of the wrist to propel the ball towards the rim and in. It’s such a silly and simple game at its core.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

The NFL’s charitable contributions have sinister truths behind them

By Mark Stine | Feb. 14, 2019

Even when it tries to be good, the National Football League is still bad.