Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

UF's Carli Snyder (left) and Rhamat Alhassan celebrate during Florida's 3-0 win against New Hampshire Dec. 3, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida advances to Elite Eight with five-set win over Wisconsin

By Patrick Pinak | Dec. 11, 2015

The Gators finally won a fifth set.

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

Jarrad Davis' return for next season strengthens the Gators

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 8, 2015

While much has deservedly been made about the skill of the seniors, Jim McElwain knows Florida’s remarkable 10-3 record this season couldn’t have been possible without the progression and subsequent contributions of the team’s underclassmen.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Taking a risk to do what you love can change your life

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 8, 2015

Before I worked at the Alligator, I had intended to drop out of college.

Noami Santos-Lamb swings for a kill attempt during Florida's 3-2 win against Oklahoma on Aug. 30, 2014, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

From student-athlete to student: A volleyball player’s story

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 8, 2015

Noami Santos-Lamb steps onto the court of the O’Connell Center with all the confidence in the world.

UF defensive lineman Jon Bullard (90) goes for a tackle during Florida's 28-27 win against Tennessee on Sept. 26, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Five Gators named to coaches' All-SEC teams

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 8, 2015

Five Florida players found themselves on the coaches’ All-Southeastern Conference first and second teams, which were announced Tuesday afternoon.

UF's Eddie Garcia (middle) leads the pack during the 2015 Mountain Dew Invitational in Gainesville.

SPORTS | OTHER SPORTS CROSS COUNTRY

Passing the Torch: UF’s younger cross country runners continue legacy

By Alejandro López | Dec. 7, 2015

"Next Man Up."

Jim McElwain walks on the field of the Georgia Dome during warmups prior to Florida's 29-15 loss to Alabama in the 2015 SEC Championship Game.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida begins bowl preparation

By GRAHAM HACK | Dec. 7, 2015

Bowl games might count on season records, but bowl season is unlike any other part of the year.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Alabama running back Derrick Henry headlines Heisman Trophy finalists

By Luis Torres | Dec. 7, 2015

And then there were three.

Devin Robinson shoots a three during Florida's 105-54 win against North Carolina A&T on Nov. 16, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida’s men’s basketball faces test in talented Miami team

By ALEX MAMINAKIS | Dec. 7, 2015

With a week off following a 20-point win over Richmond, Florida has taken the time to prepare for its upcoming December schedule.

SPORTS | SOCCER

Movin’ on up: Florida freshman goalie becomes starter, keeps the job

By Ryan Summers | Dec. 7, 2015

Kaylan Marckese walked onto campus this Summer and didn’t plan on seeing the field.

Haley Lorenzen battles for position in the paint during Florida's 99-34 win against Savannah State on Nov. 24, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Gators women’s basketball comes from behind to defeat Arkansas State

By Ethan Bauer | Dec. 7, 2015

It wasn’t easy, but as it often has this season, the Florida women’s basketball team found a way to win.

UF coach Jim McElwain smiles in the huddle during practice on Dec. 4, 2015, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Despite SEC title game loss, McElwain still exceeded expectations in Year 1

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 6, 2015

ATLANTA — On Dec. 5, 2014, Jim McElwain stepped off of a UAA private plane at the Gainesville Regional Airport.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Column: Florida’s unpredictable season was both a triumph and a wasted opportunity

By GRAHAM HACK | Dec. 6, 2015

After Saturday’s loss in the Southeastern Conference title game, Gator fans will be split into two camps.

UF's Antonio Callaway returns a punt 85 yards for a touchdown during Florida's 29-15 loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference Game on Dec. 5, 2015, in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF’s special teams proves to be mixed bag in Atlanta

By Luis Torres | Dec. 6, 2015

ATLANTA — The last time Florida had a punt and a field goal blocked in the same game was against South Carolina last season, ultimately costing former coach Will Muschamp his job.

UF point guard Carlie Needles drives to the basket during Florida's 99-34 win over Savannah State on Nov. 24, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

UF women’s basketball back home to face Arkansas State

By Ethan Bauer | Dec. 6, 2015

Following their matchup with a perennial cellar dweller, the Gators will now face a contest with the cream of the Sun Belt Conference crop.

UF's David Sharpe (78), Jake McGee (83) and Bryan Cox (94) walk off the field at the Georgia Dome following Florida's 29-15 loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 5, 2015, in Atlanta.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

IT WASN'T PEACHES & CREAM: Gators fall to Crimson Tide in SEC Championship Game

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 5, 2015

ATLANTA -- There weren’t many who expected the Gators to show up in Atlanta and roll the Crimson Tide.

UF defensive specialist Lindsey Rogers serves during Florida's 3-0 win against Auburn on Oct. 11, 2015.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

UF volleyball advances to Sweet 16 with win over FSU

By Brian Lee | Dec. 5, 2015

With Florida trailing 23-19 in a crucial third set against Florida State, the Seminoles seemed poised to take a stranglehold on the match.

UF football players run out of the tunnel prior to Florida's 27-2 loss to Florida State on Nov. 28, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Florida embracing underdog label going into Atlanta

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 3, 2015

Barring an unforeseen mangling of the College Football Playoff rankings, Florida enters Saturday’s Southeastern Conference Championship Game solely focused on the 60 minutes of play and not on any championship possibilities, giving UF a chance to play spoiler of the Crimson Tide’s postseason dreams.

UF offensive linemen Trip Thurman (63), Tyler Jordan (64) and Mason Halter (75) protect quarterback Treon Harris (3) during Florida's 27-2 loss against Florida State on Nov. 28, 2015, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UF offensive line faces tough test in Alabama defensive line

By Luis Torres | Dec. 3, 2015

Florida’s offensive line has seen its share of ups and downs throughout the season.

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Picks column: SEC Championship

Dec. 3, 2015

Site: Georgia Dome (Cap. 71,228