Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

The Rally: Does Florida’s offense need to get its receivers involved?

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 19, 2011

Tom: We’re three games into Will Muschamp’s first season and finally have our first Southeastern Conference game under our belts, so we’re starting to get an idea of Florida’s offensive identity. To this point, it’s been a heavy dose of running backs, both on handoffs and in the passing game, but the receivers have been a non-factor.

Gators running back Chris Rainey had more than 100 yards rushing and receiving on Saturday. He was named the nation’s offensive player of the week on Sunday.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

RAINEY DAY: RB enters record books in win

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 18, 2011

It was a different atmosphere with a different feel and different stakes for Florida, but it was the same old, same old for Chris Rainey.

Gators sophomore safety Matt Elam said the secondary hung posters of Tennessee receivers Da’Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter in their lockers.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Secondary motivated by Tennessee trash talk

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 18, 2011

Maybe the Gators didn’t approach Saturday’s matchup against the Volunteers like any other game.

Defensive end/linebacker Ronald Powell pressured Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray into throwing an interception to start the second half Saturday.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Penalties concern Muschamp after win

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 18, 2011

Florida coach Will Muschamp was thrilled after beating Tennessee 33-23 in The Swamp on Saturday, but he wasn’t happy with the excessive number of penalties the Gators racked up.

Sophomore Maggie Rodgers had two assists and the Gators scored a season-high seven goals Sunday.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Gators rout Jayhawks with scoring barrage

By JOHN BOOTHE | Sep. 18, 2011

With light rain slicking the field in Lawrence, Kan., just before warm-ups, all the Gators had to do Sunday was find an open shot and watch as the Jayhawks let the game slip right through their fingers.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

UF men's golf finishes seventh at Olympia Fields

By LANDON WATNICK< | Sep. 18, 2011

Florida won the Olympia Fields Invitational last season with a score of 5-over par.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida volleyball minimizing mistakes

By JOE MORGAN< | Sep. 18, 2011

To err is human, but the Gators are slowly overcoming that.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

Florida nearly flawless in Gator Invitational

By ALEX PECKHAM< | Sep. 18, 2011

If the Florida men’s tennis team can continue to display the form it showed in its opening weekend of play, this may be a year to remember.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Rainey's record-setting day fuels Florida past Tennessee

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 17, 2011

It was a different atmosphere with a different feel and different stakes for Florida, but it was the same old, same old for Chris Rainey.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida men's golf stagnant after disappointing second round

By LANDON WATNICK< | Sep. 17, 2011

Although its overall quality of play has fallen, the UF men’s golf team remains tied for 10th place after its second day of action.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

UF men's tennis continues strong play at Gator Invite

Sep. 17, 2011

After coasting through an easy first day against FAU at the Gator Invitational, UF men’s tennis coach Andy Jackson correctly predicted UCF would be able to provide a tougher test.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Gators win SEC opener behind Murphy’s triple-double

Sep. 16, 2011

The Gators brought out the brooms in their Southeastern Conference opener, much like they did to begin the regular season.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Speese continues hot streak, lifts Florida soccer over Mizzou

By JOSH JURNOVOY< | Sep. 16, 2011

Florida talked all week about getting off to a fast start against Missouri after it experienced a pair hot and cold matches offensively against Florida Gulf Coast and Florida State last weekend.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Transfer makes first round impact for Florida men's golf

By LANDON WATNICK< | Sep. 16, 2011

The UF men’s golf team struggled in its first round of the season, although coach Buddy Alexander is looking on the bright side.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS TENNIS

UF men's tennis breezes through opener

Sep. 16, 2011

Though the competition level proved paltry and the stakes of the tournament low, the Gators men’s tennis team couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2011 season.

Tennessee running back Tauren Poole leads the team with 199 yards rushing through two games. It’s Poole and the Vols’ ability to convert on third down that could make the difference Saturday.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Stopping Tennessee on third down will be key

Sep. 15, 2011

Tennessee is more than just Tyler Bray, despite what you have read this week.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Versatile personnel provide Weis desired edge

By <ahref="mailto:gluca@alligator.org">GREG LUCA< | Sep. 15, 2011

When Charlie Weis took over at Notre Dame, he said the Fighting Irish would have a “decided schematic advantage” over their opponents.

Gators golf coach Buddy Alexander (left) is tasked with replacing his senior leadership, including standout Bank Vongvanij (right).

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS GOLF

Florida men's golf opens season with tough test

By LANDON WATNICK< | Sep. 15, 2011

Despite a disappointing showing at the NCAA Championships, the UF men’s golf team had a “dream season” last year, capturing five tournament titles, including the 2011 Southeastern Conference Championship.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Picks Column: Tennessee

Sep. 15, 2011

It’s that time of year again.

Gators defensive specialist Holly Pole is one of several freshmen making an immediate impact for the Florida volleyball team.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Pole, freshmen playing important role for No. 7 Florida

Sep. 15, 2011

After every game, Florida's volleyball team forms a circle and stretches. For most players, this is a mindless routine; but for Holly Pole, it often serves as a moment of reflection.