KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15: Trey Burton #8 of the Florida Gators runs in for the touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half of play at Neyland Stadium on September 15, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
25 Total Updates since September 15, 2012
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Florida St. Seminoles moved up two spots in the USA Today Coaches Poll to No. 4 after their dominante 52-0 win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Florida State hopped Oklahoma, and with USC losing to Stanford that allowed them to move up two spots. The ACC now has two teams in the top 10 as the Clemson Tigers are ranked No. 9 after three weeks.
The Florida Gators also saw a jump in the poll as they moved up three spots to No. 14 after they defeated Tennessee 37-20 on Saturday night. Being ranked No. 14 makes the gators the fourth highest ranked SEC team. They are trailing the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers who hold down the top two spots, and then the South Carolina Gamecocks are No. 8. Mississippi State ranked at No. 23 gives the SEC five teams ranked in the top 25.
8 months ago Article 0 comments
The Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles both moved up in the national rankings after their respective victories on Saturday.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Miami Hurricanes disposed of Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, 38-10, and the star of the game was running back Duke Johnson and his four touchdowns.
Johnson took it to the house on a pair of rushing TDs, a 95-yard kickoff return and a catch and run for a score as well.
The Canes have a lot to look forward to if Johnson is going to play anywhere near that well throughout the season.
Here are some notes from the 7th Floor on freshmen not named Duke Johnson:
DE Jelani Hamilton had a tackle for loss. Fellow DE Tyriq McCord had 2 sacks and a batted pass. S Deon Bushstarted in place of Vaughn Telemaque and had several nice open field tackles as well as a pass defensed.Ereck Flowers saw limited action, as Seantrel Henderson appeared to take the majority of snaps at RT. Malcolm Lewis had a nice kick return and finished with 2 catches for 9 yards. Dallas Crawford has an INT off a fake punt.
Read more on the Canes at The 7th Floor.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
Even some Florida State Seminoles fans weren't sure if the Noles should have been four-touchdown favorites against Wake Forest on Sunday, given that Florida State hadn't done anything yet to warrant such confidence. And Wake Forest is a conference opponent, so this game was expected to be a bit more competitive for the fans.
Well, the Noles took a 52-0 victory and absolutely shattered the spread. FSU compiled 612 yards of total offense and sat a lot of their starters in the third quarter. Not only that, but the Noles left some plays on the field. Can't be perfect, right? However, as Tomahawk Nation notes:
It was complete and total domination.
Keyed by an explosive running game, the 'Noles built a 38-0 lead by the half. Athletically, it wasn't close. Chris Thompson took two stretch runs for 74 and 80 yards, respectively. It was a particularly meaningful game for Thomspon -- a great leader, team player, and good kid who broke his back against this same opponent just a year ago.
Not wanting to risk injury with the game out of hand, Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher elected not to play Thompson in the second half. He didn't need to. Thomspon gained 197 yards on just nine carries, including two touchdowns.
Read more on the Florida State Seminoles at Tomahawk Nation.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
Alligator Army put into perspective what a Florida win against Tennessee on Saturday would mean for the team. That's back-to-back SEC road wins to cap the Gators' 3-0 start to the season, with a relatively easy path to 4-0 when they face Kentucky next week.
And the Gators couldn't ask for much more out of quarterback Jeff Driskel, who is clearly the team's definitive leading man at the position at this point. Here's Andy Hutchins at Alligator Army on Driskel inching toward Tim Tebow status, and he appears to be serious about this:
Jeff Driskel is what we wanted him to be 18 months ago, is the definitive winner of the 2012 Florida quarterback competition, and is very possibly a worthy heir to Tim Tebow's mantle. Blasphemous as that last bit may be, selling Driskel short after the best full game a Florida quarterback has played since Tebow aerated Cincinnati in the 2010 Sugar Bowl would seem like a disservice. He completed 14 of 20 throws for 219 yards, and though Hammond made the longest reception of the night happen with moves in the open field, Driskel made two throws that rank with the best I have seen a Florida quarterback since Rex Grossman make: he escaped pressure, rolled out, and fired a strike to Solomon Patton in the second quarter that moved the chains, and, under duress, he stood tall and dropped the pass to Reed for his touchdown into a box where Reed could make a (difficult) catch or the pass could fall incomplete. There's no issue with Driskel's arm strength, or accuracy, or composure, and the indecisiveness that plagued him in College Station wasn't evident on this night, as he bedeviled rushers and ran the ball eight times for 81 yards. If Driskel can sustain this level of performance as the stakes get higher and the defenses get more fearsome, he's going to enter the pantheon of great Florida quarterbacks; if he keeps improving, as I think he will, Driskel might eventually be a Heisman Trophy candidate. Really.
Is Andy prisoner of the moment? Maybe. But there is no denying that whatever the Gators' fate is this season, it's going to be heavily tied to Driskel's performance.
For more information on Gators football, head on over to Alligator Army. Don't forget to also take a look at our SEC blog, Team Speed Kills.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
Many people didn't give the Florida Atlantic Owls much of a chance against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Owls gave Georgia an interesting first half, but ended up losing, 56-20, after a huge Bulldog second half.
Georgia appeared to miss star linebacker Jarvis Jones early in the game. The Owls were able to rack up over 200 yards of offense in the first half, and were within shouting distance of their heavily favored opponents. However, 28 straight Georgia points in the second half put the game out of reach for Carl Pelini's side.
Graham Wilbert looked good at times, going 18-of-33 for 188 yards, one touchdown and one interception, but eventually was shown to be out of his depth. Damian Fortner contributed 81 yards on the ground and a touchdown.
Next week, the Owls' task only gets tougher, as they have to travel to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama next Saturday, while Georgia hosts Vanderbilt.
For more on the Bulldogs, check out Dawg Sports. For additional SEC coverage, take a look at SEC blog Team Speed Kills. And while you're at it, check out SB Nation's dedicated college football hub.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
It looked like the Tennessee Volunteers had a great shot of breaking the Florida Gators' seven game winning streak over the Volunteers, but a second half filled with big plays by the Gators was just too much. Florida continues to torment Tennessee, this time to the tune of a 37-20 win on the road in Knoxville.
Starting at the 3:37 mark in the second quarter, Florida reeled off 34 straight points to turn a 20-13 deficit into a 37-20 lead. Big plays were the key, with Trey Burton's 80 yard touchdown run and Jeff Driskel's 75 yard touchdown pass to Mike Hammond leading the way. Mike Gillislee ran for 119 yards on 19 carries, and the Gators racked up 556 total yards on their way to a convincing win.
For Tennessee, it means another loss to the Gators and a return to the drawing board. Tyler Bray threw for two touchdowns, but also threw two picks and made some questionable decisions with the ball.
For more information on Gators football, head on over to Alligator Army. For more Volunteers coverage, pay a visit to Rocky Top Talk. Don't forget to also take a look at our SEC blog, Team Speed Kills.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Tennessee Volunteers and Florida Gators continue to box their way through a back and forth game, with the Vols leading the Gators, 14-13.
Florida took the opening kick of the second half and quickly moved the ball into the red zone, but the Tennessee defense stood firm and held Florida to 25 yard Caleb Sturgis field goal. On the ensuing drive, the Vols marched 81 yards on 12 plays before cashing in with a one run A.J. Johnson touchdown run, pushing the score to 20-13. Tennessee failed to convert on the extra point.
After trading scoreless drives, Florida tied the game on an electric 80 yard touchdown run on the first play of the drive, which is captured below in gif form:
Sensing what could be Tennessee's eighth straight loss to the Gators, UT quarterback Tyler Bray forced a ball down the middle that was intercepted by Matt Elam. Mike Gillislee broke off a 45 yard run on the first play of the next drive, and two plays later Jeff Driskel completed a 23 yard touchdown pass to Jordan Reed to put the Gators up 27-20.
For more information on Gators football, head on over to Alligator Army. For more Volunteers coverage, pay a visit to Rocky Top Talk.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
Tennessee has its first halftime lead over Florida since 2006 with the score sitting at 14-10 as both teams head to the locker room. Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray has bounced back nicely from an early interception, throwing for two touchdowns and 154 yards on 13-of-23 passing. Jeff Driskel has been solid on Florida's end with 90 yards through the air and 42 on the ground, but the Gators haven't had much success on third down so far (1-of-6).
Florida's only touchdown was set up by a 25-yard interception return from Lerentee McCray, off Bray's only blemish on the day. Running back Trey Burton would then take full advantage of that mistake, scampering into the end zone from 14 yards out.
After that though, something with Bray clicked. The Volunteers would get their first points off a quick strike drive that ended in a two-yard touchdown connection to Cordarrelle Patterson. Bray would also hook up with tight end Mychal Rivera on their very next drive to find pay dirt from six yards out.
Luckily for Florida, a 28-yard run from Driskel would help set up the Gators with a 20-yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis in the closing seconds off the half. Florida will get to build on the momentum when they get the ball back coming out of the locker room.
For more information on Gators football, head on over to Alligator Army. For more Volunteers coverage, pay a visit to Rocky Top Talk.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
Central Florida held off a late charge from Florida International Saturday, winning 33-20 in their home opener after jumping out to 23-0 lead.
In the first half, the Knights had three unanswered touchdowns and safety off a bad snap that went over the head of FIU punter Josh Brisk. The UCF defense also seemed to have the Panthers' offense stumped after they only compiled two first downs and 26 total yards.
But in the second, the Panthers would get a second-wind lead by two touchdowns from running back Darian Mallary. Ultimately, though, FIU would be done in by quarterback Jake Medlock's inaccuracy as the sophomore signal caller completed only 13 of his 28 passes.
The double-headed Central Florida rushing attack also played a big part in closing out the game with Storm Johnson and Brynn Harvey combining for 151 yards on 34 carries.
Box Score Hero: UCF WR J.J. Worton had 94 yards on five receptions including a 10-yard touchdown from WR Jeff Godfrey out of the wildcat wildknight.
Rankings Ramifications: Neither of these teams will be on the AP's radar anytime soon.
But Did They Cover: Central Florida favored by 15.
For More On This Game: For additional coverage on both of these teams, stay plugged into SB Nation Tampa Bay.
Next Week's Schedule: Florida International gets their first shot at a ranked team next Saturday when No. 19 Louisville heads into town while Central Florida try their chances against Missouri at home.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Florida Gators and Tennessee Volunteers are all knotted up 7-7 after the first fifteen minutes of play. Vols QB Tyler Bray leads both teams in passing with 79 yards and a touchdown but did have a bad interception that set up the Gators only score. Both teams have been struggling on third down, combining to go 0-6 in that area when looking for a first.
The Gators began the game with an three-and-out but got a big break when linebacker Lerentee McCray intercepted Bray and returned it 25 yards to Tennessee's 35. Florida QB Jeff Driskel would then complete a 20-yard pass to TE Jordan Reed before RB Trey Burton scampered in from 14 yards out for the touchdown.
Tennessee would respond later in the first when Bray hooked up with WR Justin Hunter on a 40-yard strike to get things rolling. A pass interference play would then set up a two-yard touchdown pass to WR Cordarrelle Patterson, capping off a scoring drive that only lasted a little over a minute.
For more information on Gators football, head on over to Alligator Army. For more Volunteers coverage, pay a visit to Rocky Top Talk.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
It was a dominating performance on Saturday afternoon in Tallahassee as Florida St. crushed Wake Forest, 52-0, in front of a capacity crowd at Doak Campbell Stadium. The game was over by halftime as the Seminoles went up 38-0 and never looked back.
Seminoles quarterback E.J. Manuel threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 48 yards and one score on the ground. But senior tailback Chris Thompson put up the most impressive stat line of the day. He fell just three yards short of becoming the first Florida State player since 1988 to rush for 200 yards in a ball game.
Thompson finished the day with 197 yards on just nine carries, good for an impressing rushing average of 21.9 yards per carry. In the second quarter he had back-to-back scoring plays of 74 and 80 yards which helped Florida State bury Wake Forest. The win brings the Seminoles record to 3-0 on the season as they now look forward to playing the Clemson Tigers next weekend.
For more on Florida State head over to Tomahawk Nation and for everything about Wake Forest visit Blogger So Dear.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
It wasn't pretty or easy, but the Miami Hurricanes came away with a win, defeating the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 38-10.
Neither offense was able to move the ball consistently, but Miami running back Duke Johnson put the team on his back with 246 all purpose yards and four touchdowns, two rushing, one receiving, and one returning. Quarterback Stephen Morris was inconsistent for much of the day, but was able to move the offense efficiently in spurts. A touchdown by Eduardo Clements iced the game with 3:56 remaining.
Even without Ramon Buchanan and Vaughn Telemaque, Miami's defense was able to keep the Wildcats from putting up touchdowns, despite allowing for over 300 yards of offense. Bethune-Cookman was able to run the ball with some effectiveness, but their inability to throw the ball prevented them from really threatening the Hurricanes.
With the win, Miami moves to 2-1. They take on Georgia Tech next Saturday in Atlanta.
For more on the Hurricanes, please visit Miami blog The Seventh Floor.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
Florida State continues to dominate Wake Forest as they lead 45-0 at the end of the third quarter. After the offensive explosion in the first and second quarters, things slowed down offensively for the Seminoles as they only scored one touchdown in the third.
The score came on the heels of a 13-play, 80 yard drive when E.J. Manuel hit Kenny Shaw in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown pass, making the score 45-0. Wake Forest has still been unable to score on Florida State's defense, but the Demon Deacons were able to complete their first third down conversion of the game in the quarter.
It would seem at this point that Florida State will cruise to finish line as they have this game well under control. They have been dominant on both sides of the ball and the Demon Deacons have no chance to come back.
For more on Florida State head over to Tomahawk Nation and for everything about Wake Forest visit Blogger So Dear.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Seminoles continue to pour it on at home as they lead Wake Forest, 38-0, at the half. Florida State would strike first in the second quarter, putting together a two-play, 95-yard drive on their first possession.
After starting with the ball on their own five-yard line, E.J. Manuel scrambled for 21-yards to give the Seminoles the first down. On the ensuing play, senior running back Chris Thompson -- with the help of some fabulous blocking by the offensive line -- took the Manuel hand-off and exploded out of the backfield on his way to a 74-yard touchdown run to make the score 21-0.
Ironically enough, 11 months ago against this same Wake Forest squad, Thompson was seriously injured after suffering two broken vertebrae in his back. Saturday's game is the first real on-field action he's seen since his injury.
The senior back quickly followed up his 74-yard scamper with an 80-yard touchdown run from scrimmage on Florida State's second offensive possession of the quarter. The score put the Seminoles ahead 28-0 with over nine minutes to go in the quarter. Thompson needs just three yards to become the first player from Florida State to rush for 200 or more yards in a game since1988.
Wake Forest did show some defensive spirit on Florida State's third possession of the quarter. The Demon Deacons put together a goal-line stand and stuffed Florida State on the one-yard line, forcing them to kick a field goal to make the score 31-0. But Florida State would score once more with just 14 seconds to go in the half on a 20-yard touchdown pass from Manuel to Devonta Freeman to go ahead 38-0.
Despite dominating the time of possession and the number of plays run from scrimmage, it's been of no help to Wake Forest who have been completely outplayed thus far. Florida State has amassed 357 yards of total offense (282 rushing, 75 yards passing) to their opponents yards 70 yards.
For more on Florida State head over to Tomahawk Nation and for everything about Wake Forest visit Blogger So Dear.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Miami Hurricanes came into their game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats looking for an easy win. However, Al Golden and the Canes haven't found one so far, as they only lead the Wildcats 17-7 at halftime.
Bethune-Cookman was the first team to strike, with running back Isidore Johnson punching in a one yard touchdown run to cap off a nine play, 65 yard drive. Almost on cue, however, Miami running back Duke Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to tie the game at seven. After swapping five straight punts, the Hurricanes took the lead when Johnson scored on a one yard touchdown run with 6:28 left in the half. Miami added a field goal right before halftime to push their lead to 17-7.
Both teams have been productive on the ground, but have struggled in the air. Miami quarterback Stephen Morris did not look great for most of the half, but went 4-7 for 62 yards on the Hurricanes' final drive of the half.
For more on the Hurricanes, head to Miami blog The Seventh Floor.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
Wake Forest and Florida State are underway from Doak S. Campbell Stadium on a hot day in Tallahassee, Fla. After a slow start to the contest, the Seminoles have found their scoring groove and lead the Demon Deacons after one quarter, 14-0.
The first score of the game came on a three-play, 47-yard drive led by Seminoles quarterback, E.J. Manuel. On second-and-12 from the Demon Deacons' 16-yard line, the redshirt senior scampered in 16-yards for the touchdown.
Florida State would quickly put more points on the board. After a three-and-out by Wake Forest on their ensuing posession, Alexander Kinal kicked a 42-yard punt which was received by Florida State's Rashad Greene. The sophomore wideout took the punt and went untouched en route to a 60-yard touchdown.
The Seminoles have already racked up 109 total yards to the Demon Deacons' 54 on three fewer plays thus far.
For more on Florida State head over to Tomahawk Nation and for everything about Wake Forest visit Blogger So Dear.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Tennessee Volunteers will retire the No. 45 jersey of former player and coach Johnny Majors before their Saturday home game against the Florida Gators, reports Evan Woodbery of Go Vols Extra.
In three seasons with the Vols from 1954-'56, Majors, now 77, was twice named SEC Player of the Year as a tailback. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1956, the same year he was a unanimous All-American. He also won 116 games while coaching Tennessee from 1977-'92.
"It is only fitting to honor such a distinguished playing career," said Tennessee Athletics Director Dave Hart in a university release. "Johnny Majors is one of the greatest players in the rich and storied tradition of Tennessee football, and we are proud to bestow this honor upon him."
The ceremony is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. ET, 20 minutes before the scheduled kickoff. The game will be televised by ESPN.
Stick with this StoryStream for complete coverage including scores, injury updates and more for Florida vs. Tennessee. For all things Gators, head over to Florida blog Alligator Army.
8 months ago Commentary 0 comments
Continue8 months ago Update 0 comments
The No. 18 Florida Gators face the No. 23 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, with both teams looking to make a statement and improve their standing in the rankings. The Vols haven't beaten the Gators since 2004 and are ranked for the first time since 2008, and Gator fans would like nothing more than if Florida went to Tennessee, kept that streak going and knocked Tennessee out of the ratings in one motion.
Florida's offense hasn't been everything it could be in Weeks 1 and 2, ranking 93rd with an average of 336 yards per game. Senior running back Mike Gillislee has four touchdowns and an SEC-leading 231 yards through the first two games, but he may have aggravated a groin injury in Florida's comeback win over Texas A&M.
That means Saturday's matchup might come down to the defense, which could be troubling. Junior linebacker Jelani Jenkins is out with a hand injury, as is another junior linebacker, Ronald Powell. Junior cornerback Cody Riggs will also not play, and will likely miss the next month with a broken foot. The Gators will need everything they can from the defense: Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray has 643 yards and 6 touchdowns so far this season and running back Marlin Lane is averaging over six yards per carry.
Game Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Television Coverage: ESPN
Odds: Tennessee favored by three points
Stick with this StoryStream for complete coverage including scores, injury updates and more for Florida vs. Tennessee. For all things Gators, head over to Florida blog Alligator Army.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Florida Atlantic Owls face long odds in Saturday's game, as they head on the road to face the seventh-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. The Owls are 0-9 against top-25 opponents, and Georgia has won 30 of their last 31 home games against non-conference opponents.
Florida Atlantic is 1-1 after a narrow 7-3 win at home against Wagner in Week 1 and a 31-17 road loss to Middle Tennessee in Week 2. Senior quarterback Graham Wilbert is having a strong season so far, posting a 77.8 percent completion rate through the first two games, throwing for 386 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. The team's rushing attack is lagging a bit behind. Leading rusher Martese Jackson has only 99 yards on 21 carries.
If they want to catch the Bulldogs sleeping, the Owls will need to be firing on all cylinders and have more than a little luck on Saturday.
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Television Coverage: ESPN3
Odds: Georgia favored by 42 points
Stick with SB Nation Tampa Bay for more news, scores and more from Florida Atlantic's 2012 football season.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Florida A&M Rattlers face the Hampton Pirates in Week 3 of the 2012 college football season, with both teams looking for their first win. Florida A&M lost a close game to open the season, 17-14 to Tennessee State, and were blown out in Week 2 by the Oklahoma Sooners, 69-13.
If the Rattlers want to get into the win column they'll need a stronger effort from quarterback Damien Flemming. Through the first two weeks the sophomore has posted a completion rate just a hair above 50 percent and has as many interceptions as he does passing touchdowns, though that's only two of each.
The defense didn't have much of a prayer against the Sooners, but they should fair better against Hampton. The Pirates scored just seven points in their Week 2 loss, thanks in part to quarterback Travis Champion throwing two interceptions.
Game Time: 6 p.m. ET
Television Coverage: Local coverage only
Odds: No odds given
Stick with SB Nation Tampa Bay for Florida A&M University Rattlers news, scores and more.
8 months ago Article 0 comments
Webber International will be looking for their first win of the season as they face off with Jacksonville University this Saturday.
8 months ago Article 0 comments
UCF was stunned by upstart FIU in Miami last year and looks revenge in their home opener.
8 months ago Article 0 comments
Florida State is taking on their first FBS opponent of the year when they face Wake Forest at home.
8 months ago Update 0 comments
The Miami Hurricanes will take on the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in Week 3 of the 2012 college football season, hoping to rebound after a 52-13 defeat at the hands of Kansas State.
Miami's defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio is beginning to face some difficult questions. The Hurricanes gave up a combined 93 points in their first two games, leaving them 113th in the NCAA in points against. Defense is going to be key against Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats have displayed the ability to pile on points and not let up, including unanswered scoring runs of 38 and 27 points in their first two games.
The offense will need to do their part by focusing on efficiency and limiting turnovers. The Hurricanes gave the ball away only once in their Week 1 win, but three times in their Week 2 loss. Stephen Morris and the offensive line can make the biggest contribution there. Two of the three turnovers against Kansas State were fumbles lost after Morris was sacked.
Miami is a team with more power and talent than Bethune-Cookman, leaving them as the heavy favorites. If they underestimate their opponent and fail to execute, though, they may find themselves on the wrong end of an upset.
Game Time: 12 p.m. ET
Television Coverage: ESPN 3
Odds: Off the board
Stick with SB Nation Tampa Bay for more coverage, or head over to Hurricanes blog The 7th Floor.
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Here's the coaches poll top 25:
Read more on the Gators at Alligator Army and for more on the 'Noles head over toTomahawk Nation.