Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

UF's Eddie Garcia (middle) leads the pack during the 2015 Mountain Dew Invitational in Gainesville.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

Passing the Torch: UF’s younger cross country runners continue legacy

By Alejandro López | Dec. 7, 2015

"Next Man Up."

Jim McElwain walks on the field of the Georgia Dome during warmups prior to Florida's 29-15 loss to Alabama in the 2015 SEC Championship Game.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida begins bowl preparation

By GRAHAM HACK | Dec. 7, 2015

Bowl games might count on season records, but bowl season is unlike any other part of the year.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Alabama running back Derrick Henry headlines Heisman Trophy finalists

By Luis Torres | Dec. 7, 2015

And then there were three.

Devin Robinson shoots a three during Florida's 105-54 win against North Carolina A&T on Nov. 16, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida’s men’s basketball faces test in talented Miami team

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Dec. 7, 2015

With a week off following a 20-point win over Richmond, Florida has taken the time to prepare for its upcoming December schedule.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Movin’ on up: Florida freshman goalie becomes starter, keeps the job

By Ryan Summers | Dec. 7, 2015

Kaylan Marckese walked onto campus this Summer and didn’t plan on seeing the field.

Haley Lorenzen battles for position in the paint during Florida's 99-34 win against Savannah State on Nov. 24, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators women’s basketball comes from behind to defeat Arkansas State

By Ethan Bauer | Dec. 7, 2015

It wasn’t easy, but as it often has this season, the Florida women’s basketball team found a way to win.

UF coach Jim McElwain smiles in the huddle during practice on Dec. 4, 2015, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Despite SEC title game loss, McElwain still exceeded expectations in Year 1

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 6, 2015

ATLANTA — On Dec. 5, 2014, Jim McElwain stepped off of a UAA private plane at the Gainesville Regional Airport.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Florida’s unpredictable season was both a triumph and a wasted opportunity

By GRAHAM HACK | Dec. 6, 2015

After Saturday’s loss in the Southeastern Conference title game, Gator fans will be split into two camps.

UF's Antonio Callaway returns a punt 85 yards for a touchdown during Florida's 29-15 loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference Game on Dec. 5, 2015, in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF’s special teams proves to be mixed bag in Atlanta

By Luis Torres | Dec. 6, 2015

ATLANTA — The last time Florida had a punt and a field goal blocked in the same game was against South Carolina last season, ultimately costing former coach Will Muschamp his job.

UF point guard Carlie Needles drives to the basket during Florida's 99-34 win over Savannah State on Nov. 24, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

UF women’s basketball back home to face Arkansas State

By Ethan Bauer | Dec. 6, 2015

Following their matchup with a perennial cellar dweller, the Gators will now face a contest with the cream of the Sun Belt Conference crop.

UF's David Sharpe (78), Jake McGee (83) and Bryan Cox (94) walk off the field at the Georgia Dome following Florida's 29-15 loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 5, 2015, in Atlanta.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

IT WASN'T PEACHES & CREAM: Gators fall to Crimson Tide in SEC Championship Game

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 5, 2015

ATLANTA -- There weren’t many who expected the Gators to show up in Atlanta and roll the Crimson Tide.

UF defensive specialist Lindsey Rogers serves during Florida's 3-0 win against Auburn on Oct. 11, 2015.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

UF volleyball advances to Sweet 16 with win over FSU

By Brian Lee | Dec. 5, 2015

With Florida trailing 23-19 in a crucial third set against Florida State, the Seminoles seemed poised to take a stranglehold on the match.

UF football players run out of the tunnel prior to Florida's 27-2 loss to Florida State on Nov. 28, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida embracing underdog label going into Atlanta

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 3, 2015

Barring an unforeseen mangling of the College Football Playoff rankings, Florida enters Saturday’s Southeastern Conference Championship Game solely focused on the 60 minutes of play and not on any championship possibilities, giving UF a chance to play spoiler of the Crimson Tide’s postseason dreams.

UF offensive linemen Trip Thurman (63), Tyler Jordan (64) and Mason Halter (75) protect quarterback Treon Harris (3) during Florida's 27-2 loss against Florida State on Nov. 28, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF offensive line faces tough test in Alabama defensive line

By Luis Torres | Dec. 3, 2015

Florida’s offensive line has seen its share of ups and downs throughout the season.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Picks column: SEC Championship

Dec. 3, 2015

Site: Georgia Dome (Cap. 71,228

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida sweeps New Hampshire in first round of NCAA Tournament

By Patrick Pinak | Dec. 3, 2015

From start to finish, New Hampshire didn’t have an answer for Alex Holston.

UF setter Abby Detering serves during Florida's 3-0 win against Auburn on Oct. 11, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Pocket Aces: Setters’ dominating serves highlight Gators victory over New Hampshire

By Brian Lee | Dec. 3, 2015

With the Gators up 18-6 in the second set against New Hampshire, Abby Detering walked to the back line to serve.

Alabama running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball during an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, in Auburn, Ala. Alabama won 29-13.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF preparing for stud Alabama running back Derrick Henry

By Luis Torres | Dec. 2, 2015

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in around 240 pounds, Alabama running back Derrick Henry is built like a linebacker, but he’s quick enough and powerful enough to run through you with the momentum of a high-speeding semi truck down a highway.

UF outside hitter Ziva Recek (middle) celebrates with teammates after a point during Florida's 3-0 win against Alabama on Nov. 13, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Slovenian Success: Ziva Recek nears end of Florida volleyball career

By Brian Lee | Dec. 2, 2015

When Ziva Recek first stepped on to the University of Florida campus, she barely spoke English.

UF coach Jim McElwain walks out of the tunnel prior to Florida's 27-2 loss to Florida State on Nov. 28, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy talks Jim McElwain

By GRAHAM HACK | Dec. 2, 2015

Jim McElwain’s dead fish analogy isn’t something new.