Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida receiver Antonio Callaway celebrates after scoring a touchdown during UF's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Callaway questionable for road game against Tennessee

By Ethan Bauer | Sep. 19, 2016

Luke Del Rio saw his man and flung the ball toward him.

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) scrambles away from Miami Dolphins defensive end Mario Williams (94) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Brissett quarterbacking Patriots, two INTs for Haden

By Matt Brannon | Sep. 19, 2016

Week 2 of the NFL season gave Gators fans plenty to watch: a Florida transfer quarterbacking the Patriots, two Gators leading the Redskins’ offense, Joe Haden intercepting two passes from Joe Flacco and Dante Fowler breaking through the backfield against San Diego.

Florida athletic trainers kneel beside quarterback Luke Del Rio after Del Rio was injured during Florida's 32-0 win over North Texas on Sept. 17, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

QUESTIONS AT QUARTERBACK: Del Rio’s out, Appleby’s in

By IAN COHEN | Sep. 18, 2016

Austin Appleby wasn’t happy as he stood behind the lectern, the place where Luke Del Rio should have been standing.

Florida coach Jim McElwain is restrained by tight end DeAndre Goolsby (30) and offensive lineman Fred Johnson (74) after McElwain showed his displeasure after quarterback Luke Del Rio, left, was knocked out of the game during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Texas in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. North Texas was penalized for roughing the passer. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Del Rio injured, defense shines in win over North Texas

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 17, 2016

Luke Del Rio never saw the hit coming.

Jim McElwain talks with players during stretches before a fall practice at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Jordan, Moon out for Saturday's game

By Ethan Bauer | Sep. 15, 2016

While Antonio Callaway is questionable for Saturday’s game against North Texas, several other players will not play.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Callaway ‘doubtful’ for Saturday’s game

By IAN COHEN | Sep. 14, 2016

On Monday, Florida coach Jim McElwain said his star receiver had three days to return to practice before being ruled out for Saturday’s game against North Texas.

UF linebacker Jarrad Davis (40, from left) and defensive linemen Alex McCalister, Bryan Cox Jr. and Jonathan Bullard celebrate after a sack during Florida's 28-27 win against Tennessee on Sept. 26, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defensive line wreaking havoc early in season

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Sep. 13, 2016

Bryan Cox Jr. has seen top-notch defensive linemen come and go during his time at UF.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) moves past Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators in the NFL: Hargeaves has learning moment

By Matt Brannon | Sep. 12, 2016

Week 1 of the NFL season has had comebacks, close calls and a combination of former Florida players making highlight plays, but Florida’s defensive alumni have stood out. Here’s how they fared during Week 1 of the NFL season.

Lamical Perine (22) runs toward the endzone during Florida's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Pair of freshmen football players proving worth for Gators

By Ethan Bauer | Sep. 12, 2016

He just wanted to make a play.

Luke Del Rio (center) huddles with Florida's offensive line during UF's 45-7 over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF's QB benefitting from McElwain's coaching style

By IAN COHEN | Sep. 12, 2016

Luke Del Rio has never been coached by someone who hasn’t screamed in his face after a good game.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

SETTING A NEW STANDARD: Florida flashes potential in SEC rout

By IAN COHEN | Sep. 11, 2016

There was no way Antonio Callaway would drop this ball.

Florida's Mark Thompson (24) runs with the ball during UF's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Florida’s running game gaining traction

By Ethan Bauer | Sep. 10, 2016

Entering the season, Florida touted its running backs.

Jalen tabor (31) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during Florida's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defense shines in Florida’s SEC-opening win

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Sep. 10, 2016

Jalen Tabor knew the play.

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

Thirty straight: Gators extend winning streak over Wildcats in SEC opener

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 10, 2016

Luke Del Rio didn’t hesitate when Antonio Callaway snuck behind Kentucky’s defense.

UF football coach Jim McElwain walks out of the visitor's tunnel prior to Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida’s winning streak on line vs. Kentucky

By IAN COHEN | Sep. 8, 2016

Jim McElwain looked confused, as if he was prepared for every possible question except for the one that was just asked.

UF linebacker Jarrad Davis tackles Florida State running back Dalvin Cook during Florida's 27-2 loss on Nov. 28, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF looking to end penalty problems

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Sep. 7, 2016

Late in the first quarter against UMass, Jarrad Davis swarmed into the backfield on third and 3.

Washington Redskins running back Mack Brown (34) runs away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Keith Tandy (37) on a 60-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators in the NFL: Brown scores touchdown, Driskel signs with Cincinnati

By Matt Brannon | Sep. 6, 2016

Preseason Week 4 is a bittersweet time to be unproven in the NFL. On one hand, there’s probably no better opportunity to score playing time as head coaches cautiously sit their starters. But it could also be your last chance to suit up if you’re cut from the 53-man roster. Former Gators experienced both outcomes over the weekend, from 2013 running backs to Jeff Driskel to a pair of Chiefs’ receivers and scattered defensive specialists.

Cornerback Jalen Tabor (31) celebrates after successfully defending wide receiver Josh Hammond (10) during the Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

With Tabor back, Gators hoping to bolster defense

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 6, 2016

There wasn’t a doubt that Florida’s secondary showed holes in its season opener against UMass — a 53-yard bomb down the sideline over sophomore defensive back Chris Williamson in the second quarter affirmed that notion.

Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio throws the ball during UF's 24-7 win over Massachusetts on Sept. 4, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

alligatorSports Roundtable: What will be the key for a Florida victory against Kentucky?

Sep. 6, 2016

The alligatorSports roundtable returns for Week 2, and this time we’ll discuss what we think will be the biggest key to a Florida win on Saturday against Kentucky. Sports writers Ethan Bauer, Ian Cohen, Jordan McPherson and Patrick Pinak will debate, with arguments going in alphabetical order by last name.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Injury notes: Massey out for season, Dawson will be back

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 5, 2016

Florida’s offense took a major blow Monday, as coach Jim McElwain announced that Dre Massey will require season-ending surgery on his right knee.