News:Analysis: The normally stout Florida defense allowed 27 points to Louisville and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday. Bridgewater threw for 266 yards and two touchdowns, as the Gators could muster just one turnover in the process. On the bright side, Andre Debose did return a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, so the game wasn't a total loss for the Florida DST. The Gator defense will lose safety Matt Elam and DT Sharrif Floyd to the NFL drat, and DE Dominique Easley could follow suit shortly as well. As a result, a repeat of a top-3 defense next season could be difficult.
News:Analysis: The Gator defense flexed its muscle again Saturday at Florida State, forcing five turnovers in a 37-26 victory over the Seminoles. The 26 points allowed on defense were the most given up by the Gators this season, though. Still, the Florida defense finishes 2012 3rd overall in points against, having given up an average of just 12.9 points per tilt.
News:Analysis: The Gators did not allow a point to the Gamecocks on Saturday, yielding just 242 yards in the process. Jon Bostic also returned an interception seven yards for a touchdown. A banner regular season for the Florida defense comes to an end next weekend at Florida State.
News:Analysis: Loucheiz Purifoy blocked a punt late in the fourth quarter for the Gators, which was returned 36 yards by Jelani Jenkins for the game-winning touchdown. Florida allowed just 267 yards and 20 points in total, while forcing a fumble as well. The Gator defense should be started in most formats next weekend against Jacksonville State.
Florida's Defense Accounts for Four James Franklin INTs
News:Florida's defense held Missouri to 335 yards of total offense and picked off quarterback James Franklin four times in a 14-7 win over the Tigers at home in Gainesville.
Analysis: Missouri actually outproduced Florida 335 to 276 in total yards of offense, but couldn't overcome quarterback James Franklin's four picks on the day - the last of which came on an Josh Evans interception in Florida's end zone with five seconds remaining. Consider the Gators defense an absolute-must next week against UL-Lafayette.
News:Analysis: The Gators picked off Georgia QB Aaron Murray three times, though could not get the final stop in Saturday's 17-9 loss to the Bulldogs. The Florida defense remains a top play next week against Mizzou, though.
News:Analysis: The Gator defense forced four turnovers against South Carolina on Saturday, while allowing just three field goals to the Gamecocks' offense. Florida faces an offensive juggernaut in the Georgia Bulldogs next week, but it's tough to bench such a ferociously productive unit at this time.
News:Analysis: The Florida defense forced a fumble at Vanderbilt while allowing just 10 points on 363 yards. The Gators face a pivotal test next week against South Carolina.
News:Analysis: The Florida defense allowed just six points to LSU on Saturday, while forcing two interceptions and a fumble. The Gator defensive unit has emerged as an elite unit this season, and makes for an excellent play next week at Vanderbilt.
News:Analysis: The Gator defense did not allow a single point to Kentucky on Saturday, yielding just 219 yards while forcing three interceptions. Jaylen Watkins returned one of those picks 26 yards to paydirt, completing a standout day for the defensive unit. The Gators are off next week before a huge showdown with LSU on October 6.
News:Analysis: The Gators allowed just 20 points on 340 yards to a potent Tennessee offense, picking off quarterback Tyler Bray on two occasions. The Florida defense should continue its stellar play next week against Kentucky.
News:Analysis: The Gator defense allowed 334 yards and 17 points to a Kevin Sumlin-led offense. On the downside, Florida failed to record a turnover for the game. The Gators visit the high-flying Tennessee Volunteers next week.
News:Analysis: The Gator defense forced a fumble while also snatching an interception from Bowling Green on Saturday. However, the Gators did allow 327 yards of offense along with 14 points to a far inferior opponent. They may not be the best choice at Texas A&M next week.
News: Florida starting cornerback Marcus Roberson was arrested September 14th for underage drinking and a spokesperson for the university says that his punishment will be dealt with internally.
Analysis: It is likely that Roberson will miss next week's game against Georgia which bodes well for the emerging Marlon Brown and his quarterback Aaron Murray.
News: After being arrested last month and missing one game for that arrest, Florida linebacker Dee Finley has decided to transfer from Gainesville.
Analysis: Finley was a five-star recruit but was mainly a special teamer at this point in his career.
News: Against a very potent Tennessee offense, Florida's defense and special teams looked very good. When the Gators play Kentucky this weekend, it should be messy for the Wildcats.
Analysis: The Gator defense is, as usual, a strong unit and against a sputtering Kentucky offense, they should be a fantastic start.
News: Florida head coach Will Muschamp has been open about how he feels with regards to the ruling from the NCAA that defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd must sit out two games. Muchamp conveyed that he thinks Floyd is being made an example of and is getting "lumped into what is bad about college athletics."
Analysis: It appears as if Floyd is a solid kid who just fell into shaky circumstances. Floyd will make an impact when he gets back on the field and thankfully, due to the schedule, his absence won't hurt much.
News: Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd will have to sit out another game and repay back $2700 before being eligible to play.
Analysis: Floyd is a rising star on the Gator defensive line but they will certainly be fine without him against UAB.,
News: Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd sat out the season opener against Florida Atlantic due to ineligibility and is slated to meet with the NCAA to discuss his eligibility this Tuesday.
Analysis: This is all stemming from his recruitment from North Carolina... just when you thought it was over.
News: Florida offensive lineman Jon Halapio and defensive lineman Earl Okine are uninjured after a tire blew out on their vehicle causing them to crash into some trees.
Analysis: This is good news not only for the player's well being but also considering the product the Gators hope to field this Saturday.
News: Florida safety Matt Elam got in a bit of trouble recently when he was cited for possession of alcohol by a minor. A spokesperson for the university said "Coach (Will) Muschamp is aware of the incident and will deal with it internally."
Analysis: Elam could possibly miss some gametime, but as long as he is back for the game against Tennessee, the Gators should be fine.
News: Florida's hybrid linebacker/defensive end Chris Martin has decided to no longer be a Gator and is looking to transfer. Martin was slated to backup Ronald Powell at the hybrid Buck linebacker position after excelling on the scout team during his redshirt season. Out of high school, Martin committed to Notre Dame and then ended up signing with California before winding up in Gainesville.
Analysis: The nomadic Martin appears to be the all too common case of a supremely talented athlete who just cannot seem to get it all together enough to put that talent to use on the gridiron.
News: This offseason we have heard story after story of college football players breaking the law and getting arrested, but for Florida running back Chris Rainey and defensive back Moses Jenkins, they were the victims. The story goes that someone broke into their house and stole quite a bit of merchandise, including Rainey's 2008 National Championship ring.
Analysis: Despite their losses, both Gators should be pivotal to the success of the their team and their new head coach Will Muschamp.
News:Analysis: From a fantasy standpoint, the Gators' one turnover-performance against Appalachian State Saturday was a letdown. They held the Mountaineers below 300 total yards, but were unable to pitch a shutout. Next week's matchup against Florida State is a tenuous one.
News:Analysis: Florida, like other teams in the SEC, got a bad case of the Lattimores Saturday as they fell to South Carolina 36-14. The Gators gave up four rushing touchdowns and did not force any turnovers. Look for them to bounce back against Appalachian State next week.
News:Analysis: Florida allowed 14 points against Vanderbilt Saturday while totaling four sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one blocked punt and two touchdowns. Don't expect such a ridiculous outing against South Carolina, but Stephen Garcia and company definitely made a bad showing against an inferior Arkansas defense last week.
News:Analysis: The Gators' DST forced four turnovers in Saturday's overtime win against Georgia. The third interception came in overtime, setting up kicker Chas Henry with a game-winning field goal. Florida gave up 31 points, but managed to keep the Bulldogs' powerful offense off the scoreboard when it counted.
News:Analysis: The Gators held Mississippi State to 33 passing yards, but the 10 first quarter points Florida surrendere proved, along with a terrible offense, to be the nail in the coffin in Saturday's loss. The Gators gave up 212 yards on the ground and failed to force a turnover. Next week's bye will be a much-needed break. In two weeks the Gators face a red-hot Georgia offense.
News:Analysis: With 35 seconds left in the game and the Gators up by a field goal, LSU faked a 52-yard field goal, got a first down, and went on to score the game winning touchdown with six seconds left. The Gators DST played an average game up to that point, picking off LSU once and keeping the game manageable. Look elsewhere for a productive DST.
News:Analysis: Florida's defense received a pounding Saturday against Alabama. They surrendered 171 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. They held Alabama to 103 yards through the air, but that's not saying much since the Tide only passed the ball 18 times. The Gators' D remains a tenuous play next week against LSU, but keep them in mind for their matchups against Mississippi State and Vanberbilt in the next few weeks.
News:Analysis: Florida allowed 14 points while totaling one sack, two interceptions and a touchdown against Kentucky Saturday. The Florida offense has regressed, but the defense might be as good as last year's. However, playing them against Alabama is very risky.
News:Analysis: Florida's win Saturday was much closer than expected. Granted, the Vols are a bitter rival. But let's be honest. Tennessee's Matt Simms struggled against Tennesee-Martin and floundered against Oregon. While the Gators' secondary picked off two Simms passes (that makes 10 for the season) they gave up two long touchdowns through the air. The Gators managed to hold the Vols to 29 yards on the ground. Next week's matchup against Kentucky is, on paper, an easy win. However, Kentucky's offense features legitimate studs at running back and receiver. The Gators should be the 'Cats, but they may give up long passing and rushing plays in the process.
Gators’ Four Interceptions Fuel Victory Over Bulls
News:Analysis: Florida's defense picked off Bulls' quarterback Daniels four times, one of which they returned for a touchdown. The Gators held South Florida to six completions for 86 yards. This marks the second straight week the Gators garnered four picks. Florida continues to be a top-notch defense. Keep them in your lineup until they prove otherwise.
News:Analysis: The Gator defense picked off four passes on Saturday, including one for a touchdown. The defense also registered two sacks and held the RedHawks to a mere 212 total yards. The Florida defensive unit showed no signs of struggle despite losing Brandon Spikes and Joe Haden to the NFL.
Top 2010 DE/LB Prospect Martin Leaves Cal for Florida
News: Consensus five-star defensive end/linebacker Chris Martin will transfer from California to Florida, the Aurora Sentinel reports.
Analysis: That's a major bummer for California. Because he had already enrolled at Cal, Martin will have to redshirt for the 2010 season. After that, though, he ought to be a star at either defensive end or linebacker for the Gators.
Maurkice Pouncey has Gators Next in Line for NCAA Probe
News: The NCAA is investigating whether former Gator and current Steeler Maurkice Pouncey had improper sports agent contact in December of 2009, ESPN reports.
Analysis: Pouncey allegedly received $100,000 from a representative of an agent. There's no word at the moment on if Florida will be facing some kind of punishment if these allegations are verified.
News: Linebacker A.J. Jones (knee) has been cleared for all football activities after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in December, the St. Petersburg Times reports.
Analysis: The Florida defense is dealing with the loss of a bunch of extremely important players this off-season, but Jones has the talent to become part of the next line of playmakers. He's been steady as a role player the past three years for Florida and showed some signs of really coming to life last year, totaling 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and three interceptions in 10 games. Jones' successful return will be important if Florida is to overcome the loss of Brandon Spikes, Ryan Stamper and Dustin Doe at linebacker.
News: Florida's defense limited Florida International to three points and just 189 total yards of offense in their victory over the Golden Panthers on Saturday.
Analysis: Linebacker Brandon Spikes gave the Gators a lead they would never relinquish when he returned an interception for a touchdown less than two minutes into the game. The Florida defense will face Florida St. and freshman quarterback E.J. Manuel in Week 13.
Florida Defense Forces Three Turnovers in Week 11 Victory
News: Florida's defense forced three turnovers in their victory over South Carolina on Saturday.
Analysis: The Gators also held South Carolina to just 61 yards on their 33 rushing attempts. The Florida defense faces Florida International's 101st-ranked offense in Week 12 in a too-good-to-be-true matchup for fantasy owners making a late run at the playoffs.
News: Florida's defense gave up just three points and 199 yards of total offense in their victory over Vanderbilt on Saturday.
Analysis: Linebacker Ryan Stamper also intercepted a pass for the Gators. Florida's defense has been putting up some big fantasy totals this season and fantasy owners should expect that trend to continue when the Gators take on South Carolina in Week 11.
Florida Defense Picks Off Four Passes in Victory over Georgia
News: The Florida defense limited Georgia to just 286 yards of total offense and also intercepted four passes in their victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday.
Analysis: Linebacker A.J. Jones picked off two passes in the game; and fellow linebacker Brandon Spikes intercepted a pass on Georgia's own 5-yard line and returned it for a score. Florida's defense takes on Vanderbilt in Week 10 and fantasy owners should count on big production from that unit.
Florida Defense Has Big Performance in Victory over Mississippi St.
News: Despite playing without three starters, the Florida defense limited Mississippi St. to just 237 yards of total offense in their victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday.
Analysis: Florida also intercepted three passes in the game, the last of which was returned by linebacker Dustin Doe for a touchdown. Look for another big performance in Week 9 against a Georgia offense that is ranked 90th in the nation.
News: Three Florida defensive starters missed parts of practice this week, SI.com reports.
Analysis: Linebacker Brandon Spikes and defensive tackles Jaye Howard and Lawrence Marsh were limited during the week. Of the three, Spikes probably has the best chance to play, but he missed the majority of last week's game against Arkansas with a groin injury. Howard and Marsh are listed as doubtful, so Florida could be a little thin up front. Still, the Florida defense should remain in your lineup unless you have another top flight option on your fantasy squad.
Florida Defense Unspectacular in Victory Over Arkansas
News: Florida's defense allowed 357 yards in their victory over Arkansas on Saturday.
Analysis: The Florida defense did not force a turnover but allowed just 20 points in the game. Florida will take on Mississippi St. in Week 8.
Florida Defense Holds LSU Well Under 200 Total Yards
News: Florida's defense absolutely shut down LSU in their victory over the Tigers last Saturday, holding them under 100 yards passing and 100 yards rushing.
Analysis: LSU ran for just a 2.2 yard average on their 30 rushing attempts and quarterback Jordan Jefferson only threw for 96 yards. Florida's defense will face its toughest task to date when they take on Arkansas in Week 7, but they have played so well this season that it would be hard to leave them on the bench against any opponent.
