Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida linebacker Jelani Jenkins (3) watches Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) on Sept. 8 at Kyle Field. Jenkins left the game with a thumb injury.

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Injured linebacker could play with cast vs. LSU

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 27, 2012

Jelani Jenkins has an important doctor’s appointment today.

Sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) drops back to pass as his offensive line withstands the rush against the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Despite injuries, the Florida offensive line has progressed in pass and run blocking since playing Texas A&M in the conference opener on Sept. 8.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida blocking well despite nagging injuries

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 27, 2012

Through a trio of injuries that led to a shuffle at tackle, Florida’s line has held the offense together.

Florida linebacker Michael Taylor (51) tackles Kentucky tailback Raymond Sanders III (4) on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Taylor has received more playing time since linebacker Jelani Jenkins suffered a broken thumb on Sept. 8 against the Texas A&M Aggies.

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Notebook: Dunbar assuming bigger role, Gators practice update

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 26, 2012

Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Quinton Dunbar is finally starting to catch on with the Gators. After two years as little more than a spring-practice standout, Dunbar is second on the team with 10 receptions so far in 2012.

Senior running back Mike Gillislee runs down the field against Kentucky on Sept. 22 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida gained 200 yards rushing while allowing 159 yards.

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Florida looking to shore up perimeter during off week

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 25, 2012

Will Muschamp believes the Gators are a better team than they were a year ago because of improvements on the line of scrimmage, but he still sees plenty of room for progress on the perimeter.

Red shirt junior tight end Jordan Reed takes a hard hit during Florida's 38-0 victory against Kentucky at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday.

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Burton misses Saturday's game with back spasms

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Sep. 23, 2012

When the Florida offense took the field against Kentucky on Saturday, it surprisingly did so without the Gator who has had the most success against the Wildcats

Sophomore linebacker Michael Taylor goes to the ground after intercepting a pass thrown by Morgan Newton against Kentucky at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday. Florida extended its winning streak against the Wildcats to 26 games.

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Reaching for More: UF hopes to build on 4-0 start

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 23, 2012

For the fourth straight season, Florida finds itself undefeated after four weeks.

Senior running back Mike Gillislee (23) runs in a touchdown against Bowling Green at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Sept. 1. Gillislee, a native of DeLand, Fla., worked up the Florida depth chart his first three years to now lead the Southeastern Conference in rushing as the Gators' premier running back.

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Running with Purpose: Patience and perseverance pay off for Gillislee

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 20, 2012

With each carry, Mike Gillislee runs farther away from the dangers of DeLand. His cousin Kentrell Gillislee, meanwhile, deals with the perils of their hometown every day.

Kentucky coach Joker Phillips reacts after his team failed to make a first down against in their season-opening NCAA college football game against Louisville at Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 2, 2012. Louisville won 32-14.

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Kentucky downplaying 25-year losing streak

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Sep. 19, 2012

Joker Phillips is ignoring the elephant in the room.

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn yells to the defense during UF's 37-20 victory against Tennessee on Sept. 15. at Neyland Stadium. Florida faces Vanderbilt and versatile quarterback Jordan Rodgers this Saturday.

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UF enjoying depth in front seven

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 19, 2012

Coach Will Muschamp has led the Gators to a 3-0 start for a second consecutive year.

Running back Trey Burton (8) celebrates after scoring in his first trip to the red-zone at Neyland Stadium on Saturday.

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Column: Burton not the go-to player coaches, fans think he is

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 17, 2012

On Saturday, the Hot Light burned brightly. Trey Burton was making doughnuts.

Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) escapes pressure on Saturday during the Gators' 37-20 victory over Tennessee on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

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Driskel drawing Tebow comparisons with rushing prowess

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 17, 2012

Jeff Driskel looks the part, but he’s not ready to compare himself to another running quarterback from Florida’s past.

Florida linebacker Lerentee McCray (34) sprints with the ball after intercepting a pass from Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray (8) during a 37-20 victory over Tennessee on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators record two turnovers in win against Volunteers

By KATIE AGOSTIN | Sep. 16, 2012

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tyler Bray’s throw might have been intended for Zach Rogers, but Lerentee McCray caught the pass.

Running back Trey Burton (8) sprints to the endzone in an 80-yard scamper for UF's second touchdown in its 37-20 victory over Tennessee on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

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Notebook: Burton's long score proves key; Gillislee struggles early, shines late

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 16, 2012

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With the Gators down a touchdown and looking for a spark, coach Will Muschamp outsmarted himself and put his team in a bind.

UF head coach Will Muschamp, celebrates after their 37-20 victory against Tennessee on Sept. 15, 2012 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.

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Rally-Gators: Driskel, Gators offense explode in win against Tennessee

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 15, 2012

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Will Muschamp called his team “soft” last November. Throughout the 2011 season, the Gators repeatedly struggled to finish close games.

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Picks Column: Tennessee

Sep. 13, 2012

Another week, another road trip for the alligatorSports Brand Picks Column.

Sophomore quarterback Jeff Driskel (6) escapes the pass rush during UF's 20-17 win on Saturday at Kyle Field.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Driskel, Bray bring different styles at quarterback

By ADAM PINCUS | Sep. 13, 2012

Florida will face a daredevil in Knoxville, Tenn.

Sophomore cornerback back Marcus Roberson (5) pursues Bowling Green wide receiver Shaun Joplin (9) during UF's 27-14 victory on Sept. 1 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida aiming to force more turnovers against Tennessee

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Sep. 12, 2012

Florida’s biggest strength in 2011, its defense, had just one glaring weakness: forcing turnovers.

Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray attempts a pass as Dominique Easley applies pressure during Florida's game against the Volunteers Sept. 17, 2011. The Gators travel to Knoxville to face the top-ranked passing offense in the SEC on Saturday.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Volunteers striving to snap losing streak against Gators

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 12, 2012

The last time Tennessee beat Florida, Will Muschamp and Derek Dooley were co-workers at LSU. Muschamp served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Dooley was the special teams coordinator and coached the running backs. It was 2004.

Runningback Mike Gillislee moves the ball against against Texas A&M on Saturday at Kyle Field. Gillislee rushed for two touchdowns in Saturday's victory against the Aggies.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Gillislee practicing despite injury; Driskel working to prevent sacks

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Sep. 11, 2012

When Brent Pease took over as Florida’s offensive coordinator in January, he had no idea what to expect from Mike Gillislee.

Receiver Andre Debose (4) waits in the end zone to return a kick-off during the game against Texas A&M on Saturday at Kyle Field. Debose is out for 2013 with an ACL tear.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Reliable Sturgis wins SEC award; Gators injury updates

By JOE MORGAN | Sep. 10, 2012

Caleb Sturgis watched as his 51-yard kick ricocheted off the right upright and fell to the ground. However, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin gave Sturgis two chances to pull Florida within a touchdown of the lead.