Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Johnny Manziel scrambles during the third quarter of Texas A&M’s 52-31 victory against Rice on Aug. 31, 2013 in College Station, Texas.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Picks Column: Halloween Edition

Oct. 24, 2013

Boo!

South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) walks off the field after his team's 52-7 win against Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark., on Oct. 12.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

The Rally: Who will win the Gamecocks-Tigers matchup on Saturday?

By PHILLIP HEILMAN< | Oct. 24, 2013

Phillip: Adam, do you know why chickens live on farms? Because they wouldn’t survive in the zoo. Sure, the joke is corny, but the point is prescient — No. 5 Missouri will continue its improbable season and take care of business against No. 21 South Carolina on Saturday at home.

Freshman forward Savannah Jordan dribbles the ball during Florida's 3-0 victory against LSU on Oct. 20 at James G. Pressly Stadium.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Freshman looking to help UF change losing trend

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 24, 2013

Savannah Jordan has never stepped foot on Tennessee’s turf.

Jaterra Bonds (10) runs the floor during Florida’s 77-72 win against LSU on Jan. 6 in the O’Connell Center. Bonds is Florida’s leading scorer returning from last season.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida looking for new scoring options entering season

By GORDON STREISAND< | Oct. 24, 2013

The best defense is a good offense.

Redshirt sophomore middle blocker Simone Antwi (16) blocks the ball during Florida’s 3-0 victory against Texas A&M on Oct. 4 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

UF still in hunt for SEC title

By RJ Schaffer | Oct. 24, 2013

Despite sweeping nine consecutive opponents earlier this season, the Gators are still battling to win the program’s 20th Southeastern Conference title.

Freshman Kourtney Keegan swings at the ball during the second day of the Bedford Cup on Oct. 11 at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Three Gators advance in singles day after Day 1 of USTA Clay Court Invite

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Oct. 24, 2013

Following a day of competition, Kourtney Keegan, Stefani Stojic, and Belinda Woolcock have all advanced to the singles round of 16 at the USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational in Orlando.

Florida offensive lineman Tyler Moore (73) attempts to block Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam (52), who leads the nation with nine sacks and 13 tackles for a loss, during the Gators’ 36-17 loss against the Tigers on Saturday at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. The UF offensive line surrendered six sacks to Missouri.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida struggling to win line of scrimmage on both sides of ball

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Oct. 23, 2013

Since arriving at Florida, coach Will Muschamp has strived to establish a power-running offense that can dominate the line of scrimmage.

Kelvin Taylor runs the ball during Florida’s 36-17 loss against Missouri on Saturday at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. Taylor ran for a 20-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Another Gator out for year

By LANDON WATNICK< | Oct. 23, 2013

The list of season-ending injuries continues to grow for the Gators.

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina (right) walks away as Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (center) celebrates with Jacoby Ellsbury (left) and Dustin Pedroia after scoring during the first inning of Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday in Boston.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Columnist cannot stand sight of postseason without Braves

By JOE MORGAN< | Oct. 23, 2013

Last night, I watched a World Series game for the first time this century.

Belinda Woolcock prepares to swing during the second day of the Bedford Cup on Oct. 11 at the Ring Tennis Complex.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Gators women's tennis to compete at USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational

By BRITNEE MCCOY< | Oct. 23, 2013

Beginning today, the Gators will compete in the USTA Collegiate Clay Court Invitational at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

Dorian Finney-Smith poses for a photo during Florida’s basketball media day.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Finney-Smith to contribute early for shorthanded Gators

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Oct. 22, 2013

Required to sit out the 2012-2013 season after transferring from Virginia Tech, Dorian Finney-Smith dedicated the off year to adding muscle, shooting at the peak of his jump and completing every task Billy Donovan asked him to do.

Annie Speese dribbles the ball during Florida’s 3-0 victory against LSU on Sunday afternoon at James G. Pressly Stadium. The junior midfielder scored from a free kick during the 62nd minute — her first goal of the 2013 season.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Junior scores first goal of ‘13

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Oct. 22, 2013

Annie Speese’s first goal of the season was impressive.

Mark Parrish competes in the Mountain Dew Invitational men’s 8K on Sept. 14 at the Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

New runners provide depth

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Oct. 22, 2013

After eight runners had career-best days at the Wisconsin adidas Invitational on Saturday, the Gators are feeling a sense of assurance as they prepare for the Southeastern Conference Championships.