Sports | Football - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida receiver Antonio Callaway celebrates after scoring a touchdown during UF's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

SETTING A NEW STANDARD: Florida flashes potential in SEC rout

By IAN COHEN | Sep. 11, 2016

There was no way Antonio Callaway would drop this ball.

Florida's Mark Thompson (24) runs with the ball during UF's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Notebook: Florida’s running game gaining traction

By Ethan Bauer | Sep. 10, 2016

Entering the season, Florida touted its running backs.

Jalen tabor (31) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during Florida's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Defense shines in Florida’s SEC-opening win

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Sep. 10, 2016

Jalen Tabor knew the play.

Luke Del Rio (14) looks to pass during Florida's 45-7 win over Kentucky on Sept. 10, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Thirty straight: Gators extend winning streak over Wildcats in SEC opener

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 10, 2016

Luke Del Rio didn’t hesitate when Antonio Callaway snuck behind Kentucky’s defense.

UF football coach Jim McElwain walks out of the visitor's tunnel prior to Florida's 14-9 win against Kentucky on Sept. 19, 2015, at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Kentucky.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida’s winning streak on line vs. Kentucky

By IAN COHEN | Sep. 8, 2016

Jim McElwain looked confused, as if he was prepared for every possible question except for the one that was just asked.

UF linebacker Jarrad Davis tackles Florida State running back Dalvin Cook during Florida's 27-2 loss on Nov. 28, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF looking to end penalty problems

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Sep. 7, 2016

Late in the first quarter against UMass, Jarrad Davis swarmed into the backfield on third and 3.

Washington Redskins running back Mack Brown (34) runs away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Keith Tandy (37) on a 60-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of an NFL preseason football game Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators in the NFL: Brown scores touchdown, Driskel signs with Cincinnati

By Matt Brannon | Sep. 6, 2016

Preseason Week 4 is a bittersweet time to be unproven in the NFL. On one hand, there’s probably no better opportunity to score playing time as head coaches cautiously sit their starters. But it could also be your last chance to suit up if you’re cut from the 53-man roster. Former Gators experienced both outcomes over the weekend, from 2013 running backs to Jeff Driskel to a pair of Chiefs’ receivers and scattered defensive specialists.

Cornerback Jalen Tabor (31) celebrates after successfully defending wide receiver Josh Hammond (10) during the Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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With Tabor back, Gators hoping to bolster defense

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 6, 2016

There wasn’t a doubt that Florida’s secondary showed holes in its season opener against UMass — a 53-yard bomb down the sideline over sophomore defensive back Chris Williamson in the second quarter affirmed that notion.

Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio throws the ball during UF's 24-7 win over Massachusetts on Sept. 4, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

alligatorSports Roundtable: What will be the key for a Florida victory against Kentucky?

Sep. 6, 2016

The alligatorSports roundtable returns for Week 2, and this time we’ll discuss what we think will be the biggest key to a Florida win on Saturday against Kentucky. Sports writers Ethan Bauer, Ian Cohen, Jordan McPherson and Patrick Pinak will debate, with arguments going in alphabetical order by last name.

Jim McElwain talks with players during stretches before a fall practice at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Injury notes: Massey out for season, Dawson will be back

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 5, 2016

Florida’s offense took a major blow Monday, as coach Jim McElwain announced that Dre Massey will require season-ending surgery on his right knee.

Jordan Scarlett (25) is tackled by UMass defenders during Florida's 24-7 win over Massachusetts on Sept. 3, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

An Underwhelming Start: UF shows room for improvement in opener

By Ethan Bauer | Sep. 5, 2016

With the first-down marker less than a yard away, coach Jim McElwain turned to Mark Thompson — a 6-foot-2, 237-pound transfer running back.

Steve Spurrier talks to the crowd before the start of Florida's 24-7 win over Massachusetts on Sept. 4, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators earn first win on Steve Spurrier-Florida Field

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 3, 2016

The Head Ball Coach didn’t disappoint.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida escapes season opener with win over Massachusetts

By IAN COHEN | Sep. 3, 2016

Finally, in the fourth quarter, Brandon Powell broke the touchdown drought.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UMass confident despite being overmatched

By Ethan Bauer | Sep. 1, 2016

When Ross Comis entered the huddle, the game was already over.

Quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) hands the ball to running back Mark Thompson (24) during the Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida to use five-player rotation at RB

By Patrick Pinak | Sep. 1, 2016

You’d think finding a way to involve five running backs in a game and satisfy each of their carry counts would stress out a coach.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONSHIP ASPIRATIONS: In second year, players buying into McElwain’s plan

By IAN COHEN | Aug. 31, 2016

Before there was anything, it was an empty stretch of land.

Players celebrate with nickel back Duke Dawson after Dawson's first interception during the Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Versatile UF defensive back Dawson: ‘I can play it all’

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Aug. 30, 2016

UF defensive back Duke Dawson takes pride in his versatility.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Gators in the NFL: Former UF receivers score TDs, Bullard earns sack

By Matt Brannon | Aug. 30, 2016

Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand during the anthem overshadowed an even more surprising narrative on the 49ers’ sideline this week: The re-emergence of Jeff Driskel. But setting Driskel aside for a moment, Florida’s receivers, defensive rookies and veterans came through for their teams in Week 3 of the NFL preseason.

UF coach Jim McElwain talks with his team following the Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Cleveland, Wells suspended for Florida’s opener

By IAN COHEN | Aug. 29, 2016

Freshmen receivers Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Wells are suspended for Florida’s season opener against Massachusetts on Saturday, coach Jim McElwain announced on Monday.

Quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) drops back to pass during Florida's Orange & Blue Debut on April 8, 2016, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

McElwain, Del Rio confident in offense

By Patrick Pinak | Aug. 29, 2016

Jim McElwain slammed his hand on the side of the lectern during his Monday press conference, but he wasn’t angry.