Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Safety Matt Elam runs to the sideline after losing his helmet while making a tackle during Florida's 14-6 win against LSU on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The junior safety earned SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

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Florida defense tougher, tackles better in 2012

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Oct. 11, 2012

Jaylen Watkins saw right through the raw numbers.

Redshirt senior Omarius Hines runs toward the sideline during UF’s 14-6 victory against LSU on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Notebook: UF offensive line credited for run success

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Oct. 8, 2012

Mike Gillislee was named Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday for his efforts in Saturday’s win against LSU, but both he and coach Will Muschamp gave credit to the blockers.

Junior safety safety Matt ELam drops into coverage during Florida's 14-6 win against LSU on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Elam forced a fumble and finished with a team-high seven tackles.

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UF defense dominates, bounces back from 2011 loss to LSU

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Oct. 7, 2012

The Florida defenders believed their 2011 performance at LSU was an aberration.

Sophomore Kyle Christy (4) punts in Florida's 14-6 victory against LSU on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Christy helped UF win the field position battle by pinning LSU inside their 10-yard line three times.

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Notebook: Jenkins injures hamstring; Driskel has quiet day passing

By JOE MORGAN | Oct. 7, 2012

Jelani Jenkins finally got back on the football field during Florida’s 14-6 win against LSU on Saturday. However, he quickly returned to the sidelines.

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Back on Top: Gillislee, Gators assert their will in physical home victory

By GREG LUCA | Oct. 7, 2012

With every open hole Mike Gillislee plowed through and every would-be tackler he dodged, the Gators moved closer to reestablishing themselves as one of the best teams in college football.

Jordan Reed (11) has improved his blocking and receiving abilities during his second season as a full-time tight end. The junior leads Florida with 16 catches in 2012.

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UF's Reed finding confidence, success at tight end

By JOSH JURNOVOY | Oct. 4, 2012

For Jordan Reed, the journey to success didn’t begin with long days on the football field.

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) drops back to pass in the second half of their NCAA college football game against Idaho in Baton Rouge, La. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. LSU won 63-14.

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LSU's Mettenberger adds fresh dimension to offense

By GREG LUCA | Oct. 3, 2012

After four seasons with an offense reliant on the power running game, LSU finally has a quarterback capable of leading a downfield passing attack.

$Linebacker Jelani Jenkins (3) waits for a snap against Bowling Green during Florida's 27-14 win on Sept. 1 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Jenkins suffered a fractured thumb in his right thumb the next week against Texas A&M.$

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Notebook: Starter at left tackle not set; Jenkins not yet cleared for contact

By JOE MORGAN | Oct. 1, 2012

On Saturday, LSU defensive ends Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery will go after Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel. Which Gators offensive lineman will protect Driskel's blind side has yet to be determined. Either injured senior Xavier Nixon or freshman D.J. Humphries is expected to start at left tackle.

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.

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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.