Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

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Florida needs to beef up its beefcakes in pro-style system

Oct. 3, 2011

Big men need love, too.

Quarterback John Brantley left Saturday’s game late in the second quarter with a reported ankle sprain and did not return. Freshman Jeff Driskel replaced him and played the second half.

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Brantley injured against Crimson Tide, status in doubt

Oct. 2, 2011

When John Brantley entered the locker room prematurely, Florida’s underlying fears bubbled to the surface.

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Gators' deficiencies exposed in blowout

By TOM GREEN | Oct. 2, 2011

Will Muschamp said it best Saturday night: The Gators simply got beat by a better team.

Gators tight end Jordan Reed had a team-high five receptions against Alabama for 31 yards. It was Reed’s first game back after missing the last two weeks with an injury sustained in the UAB game on Sept. 10.

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Notebook: ‘Bama defense stymies Florida running backs; Debose catches first TD in loss

By GREG LUCA | Oct. 2, 2011

After four weeks of dominating inferior opponents, the Florida rushing attack ran into a buzz saw against Alabama.

Gators defensive tackle Dominique Easley is known for being a jokester in the locker room, helping keep teammates light before kickoff.

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Child's Play: Often misunderstood, Easley refuses to hide personality

Sep. 29, 2011

Here is the doll. The “Chucky” doll. The doll that has become Dominique Easley’s famous accessory. The doll with the murderous streak. The doll that exemplifies the scariness of Florida’s 282-pound defensive tackle.

Alabama running back Trent Richardson leads a rushing attack that averages more than 230 yards per game and is ranked 19th in the nation.

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Gators facing first real rushing test against Tide

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 29, 2011

Florida’s players don’t like talking about last season. They don’t want to discuss the 31-6 drubbing at the hands of Alabama — and for good reason.

Despite facing a vaunted, third-ranked rush defense, Florida must be able to move the ball on the ground with Chris Rainey (1) and Jeff Demps against Alabama on Saturday.

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To beat Alabama, Florida must pound it

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 29, 2011

Charlie Weis and Florida’s offense will face a unique challenge when Alabama enters The Swamp on Saturday.

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Picks Column: Alabama

Sep. 29, 2011

We here at the alligatorSports Brand Picks Column aren’t total bros; we swear.

Trey Burton (8) threw an interception on Florida’s first drive in a loss to Alabama last season. Safety Josh Evans said the costly turnover broke down the Gators mentally, causing the team to lose focus.

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Turnover battle key to victory in Florida-Alabama rivalry

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 28, 2011

Last year, after driving 74 yards in 11 plays on the team’s first possession, Florida faced a fourth and goal from the Alabama 2-yard line. Instead of attempting a game-tying field goal, the Gators went for the touchdown, a statement score.

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn (left) said safety Matt Elam, who is responsible for the defense’s pre-snap adjustments, has taken the next step to becoming a great player

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Unity has Gators better prepared for adversity

Sep. 28, 2011

The Gators have yet to fall behind in a game this year, much less face serious adversity. That could change Saturday, when No. 12 Florida takes on No. 3 Alabama.

Alabama coach Nick Saban (pictured) helped groom Florida coach Will Muschamp during his career.

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Muschamp, Saban cast from same mold

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 28, 2011

Were it not for Nick Saban, Will Muschamp might still be calling plays at Valdosta State.

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The Mailbag: More ‘Star Wars’, animal wars and Heisman chatter

Sep. 28, 2011

Welcome back. We have plenty of questions about this weekend’s game against No. 3 Alabama, so let’s get right to them.

Florida center Jonotthan Harrison, like many players this week, said the Gators are approaching the game against Alabama just like any other. “Nameless, faceless” opponents, he said.

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Gators remain focused on preparation, not Tide

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 27, 2011

When the Gators study the Crimson Tide on film, all they see are nameless, faceless numbers.

Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis will be named the head coach at Kansas on Friday, the Jayhawks announced Thursday.

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Notebook: Run game will be key Saturday; Weis: Crimson Tide will get the ‘kitchen sink’

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 27, 2011

Gators center Jonotthan Harrison believes this week’s matchup with No. 3 Alabama will be all about the battle at the line of scrimmage.

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The Rally: Does the 2011 season hinge on this week’s Alabama game?

Sep. 27, 2011

Tyler: The Gators have not proven much yet. Yes, Florida is 4-0 and looked great last week against Kentucky. Florida started 4-0 last year, including a dominating win against Kentucky. Then, they played Alabama. Then, the season spiraled out of control.

"font-family: monospace; white-space: pre-wrap !important; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">"font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Florida coach Will Muschamp has not been shy about showing emotion on the sideline, including letting officials know when he disagrees with a call.

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The Force is strong with Muschamp, Saban

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 26, 2011

Will Muschamp isn’t a big “Star Wars” fan, so forgive him for being unfamiliar with the term “padawan” — a Jedi’s apprentice.

"font-family: monospace; white-space: pre-wrap !important; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">"font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gators tight end Jordan Reed is expected to return for Saturday’s game against Alabama after missing the last two weeks due to injury.

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Notebook: Demps, Rainey limited in practice; Reed, Debose will return

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 26, 2011

Coach Will Muschamp is doing everything he can to keep Florida’s two most important playmakers healthy.

"white-space: pre-wrap;">After Omar Hunter recovered a fumble midway through the first quarter, Florida quarterback John Brantley hit tight end Gerald Christian on a 45-yard touchdown pass for the Gators’ first points of the game.

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Brantley, Gators display added dimension against Kentucky

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 26, 2011

While Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps remained the focal point of the offense against Kentucky, the Gators did something they had not done all season: go vertical.

Gators running back Jeff Demps rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns, including an 84-yard scamper during the third quarter, in a 48-10 win against Kentucky on Saturday.

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NEVER IN DOUBT: Demps, UF run past UK

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 25, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Florida’s one-man show on offense turned into an ensemble performance Saturday night.

Florida defensive tackle Jaye Howard (6) caught a fumble by Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton and scored a touchdown in the second quarter of a 48-10 win in Lexington, Ky., on Saturday.

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Howard touchdown one of multiple game-changers for UF

Sep. 24, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jaye Howard has reunited with a place he had not visited in six years: the end zone.