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Sports

Florida volleyball overcomes mistakes, sweeps Auburn

By JOE MORGAN< | Sep. 30, 2011

No. 13 Florida's road victory against Auburn was an uneven affair.

Sports

Early goals allow Gators to cruise past Dores

By JOSH JURNOVOY< | Sep. 30, 2011

A week after suffering through two slow starts to open Southeastern Conference play, Florida's offense wasted no time getting to work against Vanderbilt on Friday night.

Gators defensive tackle Dominique Easley is known for being a jokester in the locker room, helping keep teammates light before kickoff.

Sports

Child's Play: Often misunderstood, Easley refuses to hide personality

Sep. 29, 2011

Here is the doll. The “Chucky” doll. The doll that has become Dominique Easley’s famous accessory. The doll with the murderous streak. The doll that exemplifies the scariness of Florida’s 282-pound defensive tackle.

Alabama running back Trent Richardson leads a rushing attack that averages more than 230 yards per game and is ranked 19th in the nation.

Sports

Gators facing first real rushing test against Tide

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 29, 2011

Florida’s players don’t like talking about last season. They don’t want to discuss the 31-6 drubbing at the hands of Alabama — and for good reason.

Despite facing a vaunted, third-ranked rush defense, Florida must be able to move the ball on the ground with Chris Rainey (1) and Jeff Demps against Alabama on Saturday.

Sports

To beat Alabama, Florida must pound it

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 29, 2011

Charlie Weis and Florida’s offense will face a unique challenge when Alabama enters The Swamp on Saturday.

Sports

Starting Saturday, Muschamp not likely to rewrite history

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 29, 2011

Calm down, everyone.

Sports

Picks Column: Alabama

Sep. 29, 2011

We here at the alligatorSports Brand Picks Column aren’t total bros; we swear.

UF defender Kat Williamson said the undersized field at Pressly Stadium can actually be an advantage for the opposition.

Sports

Florida soccer working on offensive spacing

By JOSH JURNOVOY< | Sep. 29, 2011

The Florida offense has had no trouble finding its groove as of late.

Gators middle blocker Cassandra Anderson (21) is second on the team in blocks, but coach Mary Wise said Florida wants to get her more involved against Auburn tonight at 8.

Sports

Gators look to get Anderson more involved against Auburn

By JOE MORGAN< | Sep. 29, 2011

Senior middle blocker Cassandra Anderson does not get enough touches.

Trey Burton (8) threw an interception on Florida’s first drive in a loss to Alabama last season. Safety Josh Evans said the costly turnover broke down the Gators mentally, causing the team to lose focus.

Sports

Turnover battle key to victory in Florida-Alabama rivalry

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 28, 2011

Last year, after driving 74 yards in 11 plays on the team’s first possession, Florida faced a fourth and goal from the Alabama 2-yard line. Instead of attempting a game-tying field goal, the Gators went for the touchdown, a statement score.

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn (left) said safety Matt Elam, who is responsible for the defense’s pre-snap adjustments, has taken the next step to becoming a great player

Sports

Notebook: Unity has Gators better prepared for adversity

Sep. 28, 2011

The Gators have yet to fall behind in a game this year, much less face serious adversity. That could change Saturday, when No. 12 Florida takes on No. 3 Alabama.

Gators sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Burke makes a save against the Tennessee Volunteers during a game in 2011. Burke played the second half in Florida's 3-0 home loss on FSU on Friday night.

Sports

Burke trying to bounce back after rough weekend in goal

By JOHN BOOTHE | Sep. 28, 2011

It’s been a long time since an opposing team has been able to get four goals past Taylor Burke.

Alabama coach Nick Saban (pictured) helped groom Florida coach Will Muschamp during his career.

Sports

Muschamp, Saban cast from same mold

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 28, 2011

Were it not for Nick Saban, Will Muschamp might still be calling plays at Valdosta State.

Sports

The Mailbag: More ‘Star Wars’, animal wars and Heisman chatter

Sep. 28, 2011

Welcome back. We have plenty of questions about this weekend’s game against No. 3 Alabama, so let’s get right to them.

Sports

Freshman Monserez helping solidify No. 13 Gators’ defense

Sep. 28, 2011

Madison Monserez has a soft voice, bright blond hair and an infectious smile.

Florida center Jonotthan Harrison, like many players this week, said the Gators are approaching the game against Alabama just like any other. “Nameless, faceless” opponents, he said.

Sports

Gators remain focused on preparation, not Tide

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 27, 2011

When the Gators study the Crimson Tide on film, all they see are nameless, faceless numbers.

Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis will be named the head coach at Kansas on Friday, the Jayhawks announced Thursday.

Sports

Notebook: Run game will be key Saturday; Weis: Crimson Tide will get the ‘kitchen sink’

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 27, 2011

Gators center Jonotthan Harrison believes this week’s matchup with No. 3 Alabama will be all about the battle at the line of scrimmage.

Sports

The Rally: Does the 2011 season hinge on this week’s Alabama game?

Sep. 27, 2011

Tyler: The Gators have not proven much yet. Yes, Florida is 4-0 and looked great last week against Kentucky. Florida started 4-0 last year, including a dominating win against Kentucky. Then, they played Alabama. Then, the season spiraled out of control.

Sports

Swimmer arrested Monday on cocaine possession charge

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 27, 2011

Former Gators swimmer Lily Ramirez, 21, was arrested Monday night for cocaine possession and resisting an officer without violence at the Alachua County Fair Grounds.

Sports

UF men's golf finishes seventh at Inverness Intercollegiate

By LANDON WATNICK< | Sep. 27, 2011

In their second tournament of the year, the Gators finished in a tie for seventh place.