Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson during the Gators' game against the Kentucky Wildcats Sept, 10, 2022. Richardson accounted for four of Florida's five touchdowns in Knoxville, Tennessee, Saturday but couldn't keep pace with the Volunteers offense.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida can’t make magic happen in Knoxville, drops first road game

By Topher Adams | Sep. 24, 2022

The Gators fell 38-33 on the road against Tennessee. Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker had a career day, throwing for 349 yards and running for an additional 112. Richardson had a bounceback performance for the Gators, throwing for a career-high 453 yards and adding 62 on the ground, but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the UT offense.

Florida running back Nay'Quan Wright celebrates a touchdown against South Florida Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

All in the details: No. 20 Florida takes on No. 11 Tennessee in Rocky Top

By Michael Hull | Sep. 23, 2022

The Florida Gators travel up to Knoxville to battle the Tennessee Volunteers Saturday, looking to pull off an upset and improve to 3-1 on the young season.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker hands off the ball at the start of a play against Akron in Neyland Stadium Saturday, Sep. 17, 2022. Photo by: Alexandra Ashmore, The Daily Beacon.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Know Your Enemy: Tennessee Volunteers

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 22, 2022

The Gators and Vols will meet on the gridiron for the 52nd time Saturday. Alligator sports editor Joseph Henry and the Daily Beacon sports editor Josh Lane connected to discuss all of the storylines before the latest edition of the storied rivalry in this week’s Know Your Enemy.

The Florida Gators landed two commitments for the 2023 class Thursday. (Photo from UF's game against South Florida Sept. 17, 2022)

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida announces 2023 football schedule

By Topher Adams | Sep. 20, 2022

The Gators announced their 2023 football schedule Tuesday evening. The slate is headlined by trips to Utah and a cross-divisional matchup with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Linebacker Scooby Williams celebrates with defensive back Tre’Vez Johnson, who brought in a clutch interception during Florida’s win over South Florida Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators tested by South Florida ahead of third top-25 opponent this season

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 19, 2022

Florida avoided a disastrous upset against USF Sept. 17. The Gators defeated the Bulls 31-28 despite their defense giving up 286 rushing yards and redshirt sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson throwing two interceptions. The old adage — one UF is currently living by — is that an ugly win is still a win.

Florida head coach Billy Napier during the No. 18 Gators narrow victory over the South Florida Bulls Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators escape upset with narrow victory over South Florida

By Jackson Castellano | Sep. 17, 2022

No. 18 Florida defeated South Florida 31-28 to avoid a disastrous upset Saturday night. Despite allowing more than 400 yards in offense, the Gators would survive to see an above .500 record once more. The Bulls missed a 48-yard field goal which would've sent the game into overtime.

Florida head coach Billy Napier during Gator Walk prior to his team's game against Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators looks for rebound against South Florida following Kentucky loss

By Topher Adams | Sep. 16, 2022

Last year, Anthony Richardson wowed the country with his highlight plays against South Florida. This year, he and the Gators face the Bulls again, looking to build from last week’s loss to the Kentucky Wildcats.

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson threw two costly interceptions against the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida shows inexperience and growing pains in Kentucky loss

By Topher Adams | Sep. 12, 2022

“With these things comes opportunity if you have the right attitude and approach,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said. The Gators showed their youth and need for growth in a disappointing loss to divisional rivals Kentucky.

Florida quarterback Kyle Trask drops back to pass against the Auburn Tigers Oct. 5, 2019. Trask is now a member of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Keeping up with Kyle Trask

By Michael Hull | Sep. 11, 2022

AlligatorSports Podcast host Michael Hull sat down with former Florida quarterback and current Buccaneer Kyle Trask to talk about his time at UF, the adjustment to the NFL, Anthony Richardson and more.

Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key catches a 55-yard touchdown pass over Florida defensive back Jalen Kimber during the Gators' 26-16 loss to the Wildcats Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida falls flat, drops conference opener to No. 20 Kentucky

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 10, 2022

No. 20 Kentucky silenced the Florida hype as quickly as it started Saturday night, defeating the Gators 26-16. Both teams made a plethora of mistakes, but it was the Wildcats who prevailed regardless. With the win, UK has now beaten Florida in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1976-1977.

Junior safety Jadarrius Perkins during Florida's upset of Utah Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Kentucky poses new threat to Gators in week two

By Jackson Castellano | Sep. 9, 2022

After exceeding expectations week one, the Gators must prove they aren’t a one-hit-wonder against No. 20 Kentucky.

Kentucky quarterback Will Levis throws a pass during the Wildcats game against Miami (Ohio) Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Jack Weaver | Kentucky Kernel

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Know Your Enemy: Kentucky Wildcats

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 8, 2022

Know Your Enemy returns with a look at this weekends game between No. 12 Florida and No. 20 Kentucky. Cole Parke, sports editor of the Kentucky Kernel, fields questions from the Alligator's sports editor Joseph Henry.

Florida head coach Billy Napier greeting fans during Gator Walk Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida ranked No.12 in this week’s AP top 25

By Topher Adams | Sep. 6, 2022

Florida jumped to No. 12 in the AP top 25 following Saturday’s win over the Utah Utes. It’s the largest rise for an unranked team in the AP Poll since 2016.

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson on the sidelines during the Gators’ 42-20 win over South Florida on Sept. 11, 2021. Richardson was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week Monday afternoon.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Richardson and Cox Jr. receive SEC honors for week one performances

By Topher Adams | Sep. 5, 2022

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson and edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. received SEC Player of the Week recognition after big performances in the Gators upset win over Utah Saturday.

Florida linebacker Amari Burney intercepts a pass from Utes quarterback Cameron Rising in the closing moments of the Gators' upset of No. 7 Utah Saturday night.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida upsets No. 7 Utah in front of record crowd

By Topher Adams | Sep. 3, 2022

The Florida Gators held off the No. 7 Utah Utes 28-26 in the first game of the Billy Napier era. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Richardson, in his first career home start, dazzled with 168 passing yards and another 106 on the ground and three touchdowns.

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson drops back during Florida's game against Georgia Oct. 30, 2021. All eyes will be on the Gators signal caller Saturday night when UF opens its season by hosting the Utah Utes.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Turn on the lights: Florida opens season against Utah Saturday night

By Joseph Henry | Sep. 2, 2022

A whole season awaits, but Florida has the opposite of a cupcake game to begin its season Saturday night. The Gators welcome No. 7 Utah to the Swamp for a matchup that will set the tone for Billy Napier's first campaign as head coach.

Defensive back Trey Dean III in coverage against Florida State Nov. 27, 2021.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida football position preview: Secondary

By Topher Adams | Sep. 1, 2022

Florida may or may not be the real “DBU,” but with new cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond, the Gators secondary could be a formidable group.

Outside linebacker Brenton Cox Jr. celebrates a sack against Florida State Nov. 27, 2021.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida football position preview: Front seven

By Topher Adams | Aug. 30, 2022

The Gators defense starts with Ventrell Miller, Gervon Dexter and Brenton Cox Jr. Outside of them, the Florida front seven is filled with question marks and potential.

Wide receiver Justin Shorter goes through a practice drill April 5, 2022.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida football position preview: Skill positions

By Topher Adams | Aug. 29, 2022

Florida's skill positions have many things in common. Returning players stepping into larger roles, transfers ready to make an impact and young studs thirsting for their first action. These are the storylines to watch across the board.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson scrambles to his right versus South Florida Sept. 11, 2021. Richardson will lead the Florida quarterback room this season, while the depth behind him is questionable.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida football position preview: Quarterback

By Topher Adams | Aug. 23, 2022

The Gators enters the 2022 season with a potential superstar under center and massive questions in relief. The quarterback position is the most important one on the field and Florida's crop has promise to excel or could find itself in trouble.