Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Will Muschamp meets with Florida players after South Carolina's 20-7 loss to UF on Nov. 12, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Muschamp loses in return, UF depleted by injuries

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 12, 2016

As if transferring power to a new president, Jim McElwain met defeated former Florida coach Will Muschamp at midfield and embraced him for about 10 seconds. McElwain said he thanked Muscamp for the defensive players he left behind and complimented what he’s doing at South Carolina. He also gushed over Muschamp’s character.

Austin Appleby runs during Florida's 20-7 win over South Carolina on Nov. 12, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida offense comes alive, defense stays on track in win over South Carolina

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 12, 2016

Austin Appleby eyed the edge and held the ball to his running back’s gut. When he saw what he was waiting for — the South Carolina defensive end rushing into the backfield — he ripped the ball out and ran.

Austin Appleby (12) directs the offense during Florida's 38-28 loss to Tennessee on Sept. 25, 2016, at Neyland Stadium. Appleby passed for 296 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

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Austin Appleby to start for Florida against South Carolina

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 9, 2016

Austin Appleby hung his head and dropped his pads on the locker room floor in Neyland Stadium more than a month ago.

Quincy Wilson (6) stiff-arms a Missouri defender after intercepting a pass during Florida's 40-14 homecoming win over Missouri on Oct. 15, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Opposite Tabor, Quincy Wilson turning heads

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 9, 2016

With recorders surrounding his head and a circle of reporters glaring at him, Quincy Wilson stared blankly at the concrete floor.

South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp, right, communicates with defensive back Steven Montac (22) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina defeated Missouri 31-21. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

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Muschamp hoping to spoil his former team’s season

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 8, 2016

Joey Ivie remembers Will Muschamp well.

Coach Jim McElwain looks on during Florida's 24-10 win over Georgia on Oct. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

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Roundtable: After disappointing end to 2015, how will Florida football finish 2016?

Nov. 8, 2016

With only two conference games remaining, Florida can still win the SEC East if it can defeat South Carolina at home and No. 19 LSU on the road. Add on a road matchup at No. 22 Florida State, however, and the home stretch of UF’s schedule looks daunting. How will the Gators finish out the season? Sports writers Ethan Bauer, Ian Cohen, Jordan McPherson and Patrick Pinak debate.

Luke Del Rio stands on the sideline during Florida's loss to Tennessee on Sept. 24.

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Notebook: Florida football decimated by injuries after loss

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 7, 2016

When Luke Del Rio couldn’t lift his duffle bag after Saturday’s game, Jim McElwain knew something was wrong.

Florida's Luke Del Rio (14) looses the ball before being taken down by Arkansas' Deatrich Wise Jr. (48) and Randy Ramsey (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Nov. 5, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Arkansas beat Florida 31-10. (AP Photo/Samantha Baker)

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PICKING UP THE PIECES: Injuries, loss destroy UF’s playoff hopes

By IAN COHEN | Nov. 6, 2016

After his team was decimated by injuries, and after his starting quarterback threw two interceptions, Jim McElwain stated the obvious.

Arkansas' Rawleigh Williams III (22) outruns Florida's Nick Washington (8) and DeAndre Goolsby (30) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016 in Fayetteville, Ark. Arkansas beat Florida 31-10. (AP Photo/Samantha Baker)

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No. 11 Florida falls flat in road loss to Arkansas

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 5, 2016

It was supposed to be a statement game.

Bryan Cox tackles Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason during Florida's 24-10 win over UGA on Oct. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defensive line dominating halfway through season

By Ethan Bauer | Nov. 3, 2016

Nobody knows exactly what happened.

Coach Jim McElwain, center, talks with UF offensive lineman Martez Ivey (73) during Florida's 38-28 loss to Tennessee on Sept. 24, 2016, in Knoxville

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UF's offensive line forming chemistry, seeing progress

By Patrick Pinak | Nov. 1, 2016

Surrounded by nearly 2,000 pounds of offensive linemen, Luke Del Rio picked up the check at a nearby Italian restaurant last Thursday.

Jarrad Davis (center) makes a tackle during Florida's 24-10 win over Georgia on Oct. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

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Jarrad Davis shows why he’s 'heart and soul' of Florida

By Ethan Bauer | Oct. 30, 2016

JACKSONVILLE — Jarrad Davis cried out in pain as the stadium went quiet.

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Column: Should we really believe Florida can win the SEC?

By IAN COHEN | Oct. 30, 2016

It must be strange to field these types of questions, especially after winning by two touchdowns in a rivalry game, after your defense suffocated yet another conference opponent, and after — just over halfway through the season — your team sits alone atop the SEC East.

Luke Del Rio looks to the sideline for instruction during Florida's 24-10 win over Georgia on Oct. 29, 2016, in Jacksonville.

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SEC title still in sight for Florida

By Ethan Bauer | Oct. 30, 2016

Jacob Eason danced out of the pocket and dashed toward the sideline, keeping his eyes locked downfield.

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Four takeaways from No. 14 Florida’s win over Georgia

By Patrick Pinak | Oct. 29, 2016

JACKSONVILLE— Davis Dominates: If there’s one thing you should’ve taken away from Florida’s 24-10 win over Georgia, it’s that Jarrad Davis may not be human.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defense leads the way in UF’s win over Georgia

By IAN COHEN | Oct. 29, 2016

JACKSONVILLE — Antonio Callaway took the handoff from Luke Del Rio and swept behind the offensive line, walking into the end zone and head-bobbing at the crowd.

DeAndre Goolsby runs to the end zone during Florida's 13-6 win over Vanderbilt on Oct. 1, 2016, in Nashville.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF tight end showcasing potential

By Ethan Bauer | Oct. 26, 2016

Derby, Kansas, operates like a football factory.

Jabari Zuniga (92) participates in drills before Florida's 32-0 win over North Texas on Sept. 17, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Jabari Zuniga quietly turning heads

By Patrick Pinak | Oct. 25, 2016

Jabari Zuniga traipsed beside the O’Connell Center after practice Tuesday.

Coach Jim McElwain speaks during a press conference on Aug. 3.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Five takeaways from McElwain’s Monday press conference

By Ethan Bauer | Oct. 24, 2016

1. Gators shunned from award list: Despite boasting one of the nation’s most productive secondaries — the Gators are tied for 14th in the nation with 10 interceptions — no individual Florida player was named a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist. The award is presented annually to college football’s best defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, which announced the 16 semifinalists on Monday. Defensive backs Quincy Wilson, Jalen Tabor and Marcus Maye were left off the list. When asked about the snub, Maye seemed surprised and unconcerned. “It’s whatever,” he said. “I’m just going out and making plays for my team and myself.”

Luke Del Rio (14) looks to pass during Florida's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Del Rio settling into role as Florida's starting quarterback

By IAN COHEN | Oct. 24, 2016

Luke Del Rio was 8 years old when the Jacksonville Jaguars’ kicker gave him a black eye.