Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Treon Harris takes a snap during practice on Aug. 14 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Harris was named Florida's backup quarterback on Tuesday.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Harris wins backup quarterback job, secondary starters

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Aug. 26, 2014

Treon Harris won the first battle.

Coach Will Muschamp looks on during practice on Aug. 14 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Zoop’s Scoop: Football players more disciplined under Muschamp’s tenure

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Aug. 26, 2014

We all know Will Muschamp hasn’t yet attained the success that Urban Meyer did in his tenure at the University of Florida.

Taylor Tubbs races in the Southeastern Conference Championships on Nov. 1, 2013, on the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

Tubbs, Greene to lead young women’s cross country team

By GRAHAM HALL | Aug. 25, 2014

While some might knock the Gators for their lack of veteran runners, coach Paul Spangler is embracing the influx of youth the Gators women’s cross country team has on its roster.

Simone Antwi swings at the ball during Florida's 3-2 loss to Florida State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Dec. 6 in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Middle blockers vying for playing time

By EDEN OTERO | Aug. 25, 2014

With a strong backline that consists of three veteran players, there is little doubt that Florida’s defense can hold its own.

Jillian Graff kicks the ball during Florida's 3-0 win against Miami on Friday at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Deep roster provides support for starters in opening weekend

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Aug. 25, 2014

With the preseason and two regular season games in the record books, one thing is certain: The Florida soccer club has depth.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

McCalister, defensive line prepare for season opener against Idaho

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Aug. 25, 2014

Alex McCalister plans to make the most of his 7-foot-2 wingspan.

Tessa Andujar (15) dribbles the ball during Florida's 2-0 win against South Florida on Sunday at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Backline holds off opponents in opening weekend shutouts

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Aug. 24, 2014

Limiting the amount of shots on goal your opponent attempts during a match is significant, but allowing no goals is key.

Antonio Morrison chases down a Florida State player during Florida’s 37-26 win on Nov. 24, 2012 in Doak Campbell Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Junior linebacker ready to rebound from 2013 season

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Aug. 24, 2014

Antonio Morrison is ready to move past the 2013 season.

Running back Kelvin Taylor (21) rushes for a touchdown during Florida’s 19-14 loss to South Carolina on Nov. 16 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Taylor highlights running back depth

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Aug. 24, 2014

The Gators football team has made it through the dog days of summer and the grind of fall camp, and game week is finally here. Florida will face Idaho on Saturday to open its 2014 season.

Freshman quarterback Treon Harris remains in contention for the UF backup quarterback position along with fellow freshman Will Grier and Skyler Mornhinweg.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Backup quarterback still unknown, will play in season opener

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Aug. 24, 2014

After three weeks of fall camp, coach Will Muschamp and offensive coordinator Kurt Roper are still undecided about who will backup Jeff Driskel at quarterback this season.

Helmets representing the 768 college football programs in the U.S. are displayed as fans arrive to spend the night in the College Football Hall of Fame, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, in Atlanta. The school associated with a fan's registration card will light up their team's helmet upon swiping the card at the entry to the museum.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Johnson's Journal: My body is ready for the return of college football

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Aug. 24, 2014

My senses tell the story of college football better than I can. The stimulation that runs stupendously deep for months on end is the most tangible reminder that this sport is more than a game played by young men, but a living, breathing right of autumn. As sure as I am that the leaves will change, I’m equally as confident that a touchdown pass will bring a visceral reaction from my core.

Florida senior forward Jillian Graff fights for possession with two Miami players during the Gators' 3-0 win against the Hurricanes on Friday night at James G. Pressly Stadium. Graff scored the first two goals of the match.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Graff scores two goals as Florida blanks Miami

By LAWRENCE LAGUNA< | Aug. 22, 2014

A one-hour thunderstorm delayed the season opener between in-state rivals Florida and Miami, but it couldn’t prevent the Gators’ fourth-fastest goal in program history.

Frankie Velez kicks a field goal during Florida's 17-6 loss to LSU on Saturday in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

McNeely, Velez awarded full scholarships

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Aug. 22, 2014

After practice ended Friday, coach Will Muschamp broke some news to wide receiver Mike McNeely and kicker Frankie Velez.

Florida offensive coordinator Kurt Roper during practice on Thursday at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Roper needs Driskel to be mentally tough

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Aug. 20, 2014

With the 2014 Gators football season just 10 days away, all eyes are on Kurt Roper and his new offense in Gainesville.

Will Muschamp looks on during practice on Aug. 9 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium. Muschamp, entering his fourth year as head coach, faces a tough schedule including road games against Alabama and Florida State.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

The Rally: How successful will the 2014 Florida football team be?

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Aug. 18, 2014

And so we have arrived at the million dollar questions pertaining to the 2014 Florida football season: How many games is this team going to win, and how will it perform in general? Summer alligatorSports editor Jonathan Czupryn and assistant Richard Johnson got together to rally in order to give new University of Florida students a preview of what’s to come.

Savannah Jordan dribbles the ball during Florida’s 2-0 win against Jacksonville on Nov. 16 in Gainesville.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Looking beyond the Swamp: Several UF teams poised for big seasons

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Aug. 18, 2014

Within the next month, seven UF sports that aren’t named football will begin their seasons.

Billy Donovan talks to his players during a timeout in Florida’s 61-60 win against Kentucky on March 16 in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Basketball team still bound for success despite losing four seniors

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Aug. 18, 2014

Florida men’s basketball achieved greatness last season.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Freshman middle blocker has raw talent despite inexperience

By IAN COHEN | Aug. 18, 2014

Rhamat Alhassan played basketball almost her entire life.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

McGee, Robinson among players ready to make an impact

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Aug. 18, 2014

Have no fear, the 2014 Florida football season is practically here. With just 12 days until Florida kicks off its season against Idaho, here are a few players to keep an eye on this year that you might not know who they are just yet.

Tim Tebow answers a question during a interview on the set of ESPN's new SEC Network in Charlotte, N.C. on Aug. 6.

SPORTS | FEATURES

The first 24: An hour-by-hour breakdown of the SEC Network's first day

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Aug. 15, 2014

Dear freshmen, and really anyone reading this: Don’t try this at home.