Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Kelvin Taylor (21) scores a touchdown during Florida’s 19-14 loss to South Carolina on Nov. 16 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Taylor rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the Gators’ loss.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Freshman running back succeeding in starting position

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Nov. 21, 2013

Kelvin Taylor is used to setting high standards.

UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley passes during the first half of a 37-10 win against California in Pasadena, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2013.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Picks Column: Georgia Southern

Nov. 21, 2013

We here at the alligatorSports Brand Picks Column are extraordinarily excited for this weekend. For the Georgia Southern-Florida game, you ask? Of course not. The second installment of the ‘Hunger Games’ series, “Catching Fire” premiered last night at midnight! If that doesn’t get your heart pumping, then we don’t know what’s wrong with you. Just watch the trailer, for crying out loud!

Sophomore forward Christin Mercer attempts a layup during the Gators' 76-68 loss to the Seminoles on Thursday night in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida falls to in-state rival Florida State

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 21, 2013

The Seminoles gave the Gators a taste of their own medicine on Thursday night in the O’Connell Center.

Mark Parrish runs in the Southeastern Conference Championship on Nov. 1, 2013 at the Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

Senior leads UF into NCAA Championships

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 21, 2013

Mark Parrish will take the helm for the Gators one last time.

Chloe Mann (10) attempts to block the ball during Florida’s three-set victory against Alabama on Sunday in the O’Connell Center. Mann is hitting .500 this season.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Middle blocker looks to end decorated career on high note

By RJ Schaffer | Nov. 21, 2013

There have been few things Chloe Mann has not accomplished in her career.

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

Florida soccer to square off against Duke in second round of NCAA Tournament

By MICHELLE PROVENZANO< | Nov. 21, 2013

MICHELLE PROVENZANO

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS

Gators swimming to compete in Buckeye Invite

By Logan McGuire | Nov. 21, 2013

For the second year in a row, the Gators swimming and diving teams will travel to the home of the Buckeyes for the Ohio State Buckeye Invitational today where both teams’ competition will include Purdue, Kentucky, Virginia and host Ohio State in the three-day meet.

Dorian Finney-Smith attempts a shot during Florida’s 86-56 victory against Arkansas-Little Rock on Saturday in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Forward flashing versatility for UF

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 20, 2013

At 6-foot-8, Dorian Finney-Smith is a sight to see when he brings the ball up the court.

Tyler Murphy speaks on the sideline during Florida’s 19-14 loss to then-No. 10 South Carolina on Saturday in Williams-Brice Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Florida failing to create turnovers

By PHILLIP HEILMAN< | Nov. 20, 2013

Seven starters from a year ago are not the only thing gone from the Gators’ defense this season.

Alex Holston blocks the ball during Florida’s three-set win against Texas A&M on Oct. 4 in the O’Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Freshman right-side hitter powers Gators to sweep of Volunteers

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Nov. 20, 2013

Florida freshman Alex Holston has already earned her spot in the Gators’ starting lineup.

Jaterra Bonds attempts a shot during Florida's 88-77 victory against North Florida on Nov. 10 in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida motivated to avenge last year's loss to Florida State

By GORDON STREISAND< | Nov. 20, 2013

Today at 5 p.m., Florida seeks redemption against in-state rival Florida State.

Kasey Hill attempts a shot during Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern on Monday in the O’Connell Center. Hill suffered a high ankle sprain in the game.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Hill injury problematic

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 19, 2013

It was supposed to be a regular move in Kasey Hill’s repertoire.

Redshirt junior quarterback Christian Provancha, left, warms up with redshirt freshman Skyler Mornhinweg, right, prior to Florida's 24-7 victory against Kentucky on Sept. 28 at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Redshirt junior quarterback relishing sudden promotion

By ADAM LICHTENSTEIN< | Nov. 19, 2013

Meet Christian Provancha.

Leon Orr gets into his stance during UF’s 44-11 win against South Carolina on Oct. 20, 2012, in The Swamp.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Orr offers versatility for Gators

By JOE MORGAN< | Nov. 19, 2013

Standing on their last leg, the Gators turned to Leon Orr.

Seattle Seahawks' Percy Harvin (11) returns the ball against the Minnesota Vikings on a kickoff in the first half of his team's 41-20 win Sunday in Seattle.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators in the NFL: Harvin enjoys successful debut with Seattle against former team

By LANDON WATNICK< | Nov. 19, 2013

With Week 11 of the NFL season in the books, here are a few former Gators who made the most tangible impact for their respective teams.

Carlos Miranda races during the Southeastern Conference Championships on Nov. 1 in Gainesville. Miranda placed 29th, as the Gators finished second in the meet.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

Freshman making unexpected contributions

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Nov. 19, 2013

When the season started, Carlos Miranda did not expect to be a contributor on Florida’s cross country team.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS SWIM AND DIVE

Florida adds top recruit

By Logan McGuire | Nov. 19, 2013

Caeleb Dressel is being hailed as one of the best sprint prospects ever despite having never suited up for a college team.

Sophomore middle blocker Simone Antwi spikes the ball during the Gators' 3-0 loss to the Tigers on Friday night in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida ready for matchup at Tennessee

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Nov. 19, 2013

Florida’s next opponent, Tennessee, may have only won a single match out of 14 Southeastern Conference contests this season, but the Gators are not quick to write this team off as a win — and with good reason.

Kasey Hill lies on the ground after suffering an ankle injury during the second half of Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern in the O’Connell Center on Monday. Hill is expected to miss at least one month due to a high ankle sprain.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida loses freshman guard in win against Southern

By JONATHAN CZUPRYN< | Nov. 18, 2013

Just two minutes into the second half of No. 16 Florida’s 67-53 victory against Southern on Monday night, point guard Kasey Hill suffered a high left ankle sprain after being fouled driving to the basket.

Skyler Mornhinweg drops back to pass during Florida’s 19-14 loss to South Carolina on Nov. 16 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Injured Murphy remains questionable for Saturday

By JOE MORGAN< | Nov. 18, 2013

Tyler Murphy was frustrated.