Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida beat UAB handily on Saturday in The Swamp, shutting out the Blazers 39-0, but questions linger as Southeastern Conference play gets underway. Tennesee and its ninth-ranked passing attack await.

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Under Construction: Gators win, Vols up next

Sep. 11, 2011

HEEEERRRREEE come the questions.

Gators fullback Trey Burton was part of a diverse rushing attack in UF’s 39-0 win against UAB on Saturday. In all, Florida ran the ball 55 times for 300 yards and unveiled several new packages, including the Wildcat.

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Gators get creative in Demps’ absence

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 11, 2011

UAB’s defense knew the run was coming. The Blazers still couldn’t stop it.

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Tennessee provides first real test for inexperienced secondary

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 11, 2011

Finally, real football is here.

Gators offensive lineman Xavier Nixon, whose parents both have military backgrounds, was one of eight players to carry a flag on Saturday.

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Nixon, Gators pay tribute to 9/11 during UAB game

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 11, 2011

When Xavier Nixon came sprinting out of the tunnel waving an American flag, a powerful sense of pride was added to the normal pregame intensity.

Sophomore defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73), who played in all 13 games as a freshman, was suspended for two games Thursday by the NCAA for receiving impermissible benefits.

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NCAA suspends DL Floyd two games, will miss UAB game

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 8, 2011

Sophomore defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd was suspended for two games by the NCAA and must repay impermissible benefits received before he can play again for Florida, a decision that did not go over well with coach Will Muschamp.

Florida linebacker Jelani Jenkins (3) dropped a near interception against FAU on Saturday, and the Gators posted a minus-3 turnover margin despite handily beating the Owls 41-3.

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Gators must win turnover battle against UAB

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 8, 2011

Above all else, one thing stands out from last Saturday’s win against Florida Atlantic.

Florida running back Jeff Demps rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the Gators’ 41-3 win against FAU in the season opener last Saturday. It was Demps’ fifth-career 100-yard game.

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Chasing History: Demps, Rainey could rewrite record books

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 8, 2011

Linebacker Jon Bostic watched from the sidelines in disbelief, and all left tackle Xavier Nixon saw were clumps of dirt kicking up from the field as 88,708 fans erupted in The Swamp.

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Muschamp's statement on NCAA decision to suspend Floyd

By UF PRESS RELEASE | Sep. 8, 2011

UF coach Will Muschamp issued a statement Thursday regarding the NCAA's decision to suspend defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd for two games.

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Picks Column: UAB

Sep. 8, 2011

Who knew college football’s story arc would take such a mundane turn?

Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said the defensive line missed some opportunites for sacks against FAU. Quinn highlighted the pass rush as an area that needs to improve this Saturday.

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Notebook: Florida seeking better pass rush on Saturday

Sep. 7, 2011

Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was pleased with his unit’s overall performance in the season opener last weekend, when Florida held FAU to 137 total yards.

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Ten reasons why UAB can pull off the upset in The Swamp

By GREG LUCA< | Sep. 7, 2011

Am I crazy to think UAB might actually have a shot Saturday?

Gators offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is drawing rave reviews from players for his quick play calls and fast-paced tempo.

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Notebook: Offense more efficient under Weis

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 6, 2011

Charlie Weis doesn’t like to waste time.

Florida right guard Jon Halapio (67) said the offensive line now trusts each other. He said their off-the-field relationships have helped bring the unit closer together.

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Offensive line coming together despite rotation

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 6, 2011

Florida may not have found five definitive starters on the offensive line, but that doesn’t mean the position remains unsettled.

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The Rally: Still unproven — youthful secondary or Brantley’s downfield game?

By MATT WATTS< | Sep. 6, 2011

Matt: The day we’ve all been waiting for came and went Saturday, and for a lot of you it was a joyous occasion.

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UAB will lean on quarterback Ellis against UF on Saturday

Sep. 6, 2011

Bryan Ellis probably won’t leave Florida Field a winner Saturday. He just won’t. He’s not supposed to.

Florida coach Will Muschamp would not comment on the status of Sharrif Floyd’s eligibility on Monday after the school announced before Saturday’s game that Floyd would not play.

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Notebook: Floyd not eligible, hearing set for today

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 5, 2011

Two days after sophomore Sharrif Floyd was declared ineligible just prior to Florida’s season opener, the reasoning behind his status remains unclear.

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Be realistic Gator Nation, that was just Florida Atlantic

By TOM GREEN< | Sep. 5, 2011

The way things looked in The Swamp on Saturday, you’d think the Urban Meyer era never ended.

Florida defensive tackle Dominique Easley (2) helped the front seven completely disrupt the FAU offense on Saturday. The Gators recorded two sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

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Easley, defense dominate FAU

Sep. 5, 2011

Dominique Easley made Ben Hill Griffin Stadium his own ballroom Saturday night; one that happens to rely heavily on hip hop and welcomes 280-pound performers.

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DL Floyd ruled indefinitely ineligible

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 4, 2011

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Florida running back Chris Rainey became just the third player since 1996 to have a rushing touchdown, a receiving score and one courtesy of a return in the same game.

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No. 22 Florida rushes past FAU in Muschamp's debut

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 4, 2011

After a 2010 season filled with offensive ineptitude, Florida was anxious to sprint onto the field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and showcase it’s new attack.