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Picks Column: Tennessee

Sep. 15, 2011

It’s that time of year again.

Gators sophomore Ronald Powell has struggled to adapt to his new role, recording just five tackles and a sack in two games. Coaches have said they’d like to see more production from his position.

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Notebook: Coaches looking for bigger pass-rush impact from Powell

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 14, 2011

Both coach Will Muschamp and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn have said they want to see more production out of sophomore linebacker Ronald Powell.

Tennessee wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers (21) and teammate Justin Hunter have combined for more than 500 yards and five touchdowns this year.

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Bray has firepower to challenge UF defense

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 14, 2011

Picture this.

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Open letter to Will Muschamp

Sep. 14, 2011

Dear Will,

Gators offensive lineman Dan Wenger (56), a sixth-year senior who transferred from Notre Dame during the summer, is no longer worried about the concussions he suffered a year ago. Wenger has experience with offensive line coach Frank Verducci and coordinator Charlie Weis from his time with the Irish.

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Notebook: Finley’s felony charge, Weis not concerned with Week 2 red-zone woes

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 13, 2011

Linebacker Dee Finley had his first appearance before a judge on Tuesday morning after he was arrested Monday on charges of driving on a suspended license and resisting arrest with violence, a third-degree felony.

Florida center Jonotthan Harrison and the Gators offensive line has yet to allow a sack through two games this season — only one of 10 teams in the nation to do so.

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Offensive line protecting Brantley, has yet to allow a sack

Sep. 13, 2011

John Brantley has taken plenty of criticism the last two years, but his gift-giving ability was never a point of contention until Tuesday.

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Whether he admits it or not, this one is huge for Muschamp

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 13, 2011

It’s almost The Third Saturday in September.

Florida defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) is slated to return against Tennessee this Saturday after missing the first two games. He was suspended by the NCAA for taking impermissible benefits during the recruitment processs.

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Gators hope Floyd’s return helps bolster sagging pass rush

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 12, 2011

A 295-pound void in the Gators’ front seven will be filled this weekend.

Florida coach Will Muschamp said he doesn’t treat any game different from the next. But fullback Trey Burton said the UT game could mean the difference later on.

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Notebook: Florida preparing for ‘nameless, faceless’ Vols

Sep. 12, 2011

When it comes to rivalry games, Will Muschamp is more subdued than his predecessor.

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The Rally: Let Rainey shoulder the load or distribute the wealth?

By MATT WATTS< | Sep. 12, 2011

GREG: Even as Chris Rainey darts over, around and past would-be tacklers, some people take away more concern than optimism.

Florida beat UAB handily on Saturday in The Swamp, shutting out the Blazers 39-0, but questions linger as Southeastern Conference play gets underway. Tennesee and its ninth-ranked passing attack await.

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Under Construction: Gators win, Vols up next

Sep. 11, 2011

HEEEERRRREEE come the questions.

Gators fullback Trey Burton was part of a diverse rushing attack in UF’s 39-0 win against UAB on Saturday. In all, Florida ran the ball 55 times for 300 yards and unveiled several new packages, including the Wildcat.

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Gators get creative in Demps’ absence

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 11, 2011

UAB’s defense knew the run was coming. The Blazers still couldn’t stop it.

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Tennessee provides first real test for inexperienced secondary

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 11, 2011

Finally, real football is here.

Gators offensive lineman Xavier Nixon, whose parents both have military backgrounds, was one of eight players to carry a flag on Saturday.

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Nixon, Gators pay tribute to 9/11 during UAB game

By GREG LUCA | Sep. 11, 2011

When Xavier Nixon came sprinting out of the tunnel waving an American flag, a powerful sense of pride was added to the normal pregame intensity.

Sophomore defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73), who played in all 13 games as a freshman, was suspended for two games Thursday by the NCAA for receiving impermissible benefits.

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NCAA suspends DL Floyd two games, will miss UAB game

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 8, 2011

Sophomore defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd was suspended for two games by the NCAA and must repay impermissible benefits received before he can play again for Florida, a decision that did not go over well with coach Will Muschamp.

Florida linebacker Jelani Jenkins (3) dropped a near interception against FAU on Saturday, and the Gators posted a minus-3 turnover margin despite handily beating the Owls 41-3.

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Gators must win turnover battle against UAB

By MATT WATTS | Sep. 8, 2011

Above all else, one thing stands out from last Saturday’s win against Florida Atlantic.

Florida running back Jeff Demps rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns in the Gators’ 41-3 win against FAU in the season opener last Saturday. It was Demps’ fifth-career 100-yard game.

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Chasing History: Demps, Rainey could rewrite record books

By TOM GREEN | Sep. 8, 2011

Linebacker Jon Bostic watched from the sidelines in disbelief, and all left tackle Xavier Nixon saw were clumps of dirt kicking up from the field as 88,708 fans erupted in The Swamp.

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Muschamp's statement on NCAA decision to suspend Floyd

By UF PRESS RELEASE | Sep. 8, 2011

UF coach Will Muschamp issued a statement Thursday regarding the NCAA's decision to suspend defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd for two games.

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Picks Column: UAB

Sep. 8, 2011

Who knew college football’s story arc would take such a mundane turn?

Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said the defensive line missed some opportunites for sacks against FAU. Quinn highlighted the pass rush as an area that needs to improve this Saturday.

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Notebook: Florida seeking better pass rush on Saturday

Sep. 7, 2011

Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was pleased with his unit’s overall performance in the season opener last weekend, when Florida held FAU to 137 total yards.