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GAINESVILLE, FL- Florida soccer earned a game that was more or less a must win. The Gators entered Thursday’s contest with the #52 RPI in the country and only three regular season games remaining.
Both Florida and Georgia entered the night on long scoring streaks. The Gators hadn’t scored in their previous four matches while the Bulldogs hadn’t found the net in six straight matches entering.
Florida defeated the Bulldogs 1-0 behind a goal from junior midfielder Tess Sapone and a clean sheet from GK Kaylan Marckese.
Game Trends
Florida did find success in the first half (and controlled much of the contest offensively) when Sapone scored her first goal of the season in the 14th minute. Sapone received the pass from Mayra Pelayo on the left wing into the middle of the field where she one touched the ball around a Georgia defender before beating the goalkeeper to the left and sneaking the ball inside the post.
The Gators had an early lead rather than a deficit thanks to a couple of early stops by Marckese.
The Gator defense only allowed the struggling Georgia offense to attempt five shots for the entire contest, and seemed to take over in the second half. Florida attempted five corners while the Bulldogs were only able to take one.
Fast Facts
Florida moves into seventh place in the conference and clinches a berth into the SEC Tournament.
GK Kaylan Marckese recorded three saves in earning her 27th career shutout. This places Marckese into a three way tie atop the record books for the statistic.
For Sapone, the goal was the second of her career. Sapone scored against Troy in 2017.
What’s Next
Florida has two more regular season contests including a 1:00 PM match up with 5-9-2 Missouri in Columbia on Sunday. Florida concludes the regular season with a home match against Arkansas next Thursday.
The Florida Gators women’s basketball team was projected by the media to finish near the basement of the Southeastern Conference standings, the league announced on Tuesday.
Despite returning the team’s leading scorer from a year ago and overhauling the roster, media pundits weren’t impressed with head coach Cameron Newbauer‘s team.
Funda Nakkasoglu led Florida in scoring with 14.9 per game in 2017-18, but failed to land on the preseason All-SEC team. The Gators also return do-everything guard Delicia Washington who averaged 10.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game as a sophomore.
Florida opens the season Tuesday, November 6 against Gardner-Webb before traveling to Tallahassee to face the rival Seminoles on November 11.
A voting panel consisting of SEC and National media members made predictions on how the men’s basketball season will play out this year. The results? Florida is picked to finished 5th, with the projected champion being Kentucky.
Media members also voted on the Player of the Year award which went to Tennessee Junior star Grant Williams. Also receiving votes was Florida’s Jalen Hudson, who withdrew his name from the NBA Draft this past spring, is expected to have an outstanding senior year after averaging 15.5 points a game as a junior in 2017-’18.
Along with receiving Player of the Year votes, Hudson is also on the second team all-conference list with Auburn duo of Bryce Brown and Jared Harper, Kentucky Sophomore PJ Washington; Mississippi State star Quinndary Weatherspoon; Missouri’s Jontay Porter, and Tennessee’s Admiral Schofield.
Preseason Media Poll
Kentucky
Tennessee
Auburn
Mississippi State
Florida
LSU
Alabama
Vanderbilt
Missouri
Arkansas
South Carolina
Texas A&M
Georgia
Ole Miss
First Team All-SEC
Daniel Gafford – Arkansas
Reid Travis – Kentucky
Tremont Waters – LSU
Chris Silva – South Carolina
Grant Williams – Tennessee
Second Team All-SEC
Bryce Brown – Auburn
Jared Harper – Auburn
Jalen Hudson – Florida
PJ Washington – Kentucky
Quinndary Weatherspoon – Mississippi State
Jontay Porter – Missouri
Admiral Schofield – Tennessee
The Fort Payne, Alabama native connected on all three field goal attempts in the 37-27 victory, including a long of 43 yards.
For the season, McPherson has made eleven of his twelve field goal attempts, however the one miss has been widely disputed by much of the Florida fanbase as it appeared to hook inside the upright on replay.
In addition to the 33 points McPherson has earned via field goal tries, he has knocked in each of his 25 extra point attempts.
McPherson is certainly making his mark on the program and fans can look forward to at minimum two more years after this season ends.
The 6’8″ Kramer posted eleven kills and a career-high nine blocks in Florida’s five-set win against South Carolina to lift the Gators to a 7-0 conference record. Kramer hit a .350 clip against the Gamecocks, as well.
In Florida’s second season sweep of Alabama on Sunday, the Arizona native averaged 1.67 blocks per frame.
Kramer is sitting pretty, ranking third in the conference in blocks per set (1.27).
Kramer and the Gators have a busy week, taking on Ole Miss in Oxford on Friday and hosting Missouri on Sunday.
The Florida volleyball team extended its SEC record to 8-0 after sweeping the Alabama Crimson Tide. Earlier in the season, the Gators swept the Tide in Tuscaloosa. Today, the team did inside the Exactech Arena.
Set 1
Alabama was clearly out for revenge in this strong first set. The two teams were tied 21-21 until the Gators pulled away based on two Bama errors, an ace (Holly Carlton), and a kill (Paige Hammons).
In the frame, Florida hit a .400 clip and 15 kills. Carlton and freshman Thayer Hall made four kills apiece.
Set 2
Florida had a much easier time this set, never trailing. The Tide lost some momentum, committing 15 errors and hitting just -.030. However, the Gators did not put on a show, hitting .250. Carlton and Hammons led the way in kills with three each.
Set 3
Two nice service runs from Carlton gave Florida a 20-10 advantage. Freshman Lauren Dooley registered a clean block, giving the Gators match point and seventh sweep this season.
Gator Notables
Six Gators made an offensive impact, hitting over .300 – Marlie Monserez (1.000), Taelor Kellum (.583), Mia Sokolowski (.500), Holly Carlton (.471), Rachael Kramer (.400) and Paige Hammons (.308).
Florida has never lost to Alabama, moving to 46-0 all-time.
Up Next
On Friday, Florida gets a rematch against Ole Miss after hosting the Rebels for their home opener.
Following Saturday’s gut check win in Nashville, the Gators move up in the polls. The trajectory has been upwardly mobile for three consecutive weeks.
Dan Mullen‘s team checks into the Amway Coaches Poll at number 12. Meanwhile, the Gators fifth straight victory earns them a number 11 ranking in the AP poll. After beginning the season unranked, the Gators rebuild is going faster than anticipated.
Florida defeated Vanderbilt in Nashville 37-27 on Saturday despite an early 21-3 deficit.
Florida has a bye week upcoming before facing rival Georgia in Jacksonville on October 27th. The game is set for a 3:30 kickoff and will be aired on CBS.
Nashville, TN –Following four consecutive wins, including two against ranked opponents, the Gators’ biggest opponent this weekend was themselves. Many experts called for the Commodores to keep things uncomfortably close with the 14th ranked Gators. After several self inflicted wounds for Florida, that’s exactly what they got.
Florida completed a large comeback and defeated the Commodores 37-27 on Saturday and will head into the bye week with a 6-1 record.
1st Quarter: Florida 0 Vandy 7
On the opening possessions for both teams, it seemed that it would be business as usual. The Gators defense held Vandy to a quick three and out and the offense then marched right down the field, effectively and efficiently. That is, until Feleipe Franks’ pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and picked off at the 2 yard line by Vanderbilt’s Joejuan Williams.
For much of the remainder of the first half, Vanderbilt gave the Gators all they could handle. The ‘Dores took the ball and the momentum, 98 yards on their way to the endzone. Shocked, the Gators offense went back to work and once again, moved the ball pretty well on their way to the redzone.
Passing Leaders
Florida
Franks: 19/29, 284 YD 2 TD 1 INT
Vandy
Shurmur: 18/36, 229 YD 2 TD 1 INT
2nd Quarter: Florida 13 Vandy 14
On third and goal, Jordan Scarlett was wrapped up and brought down in the backfield, forcing Dan Mullen to call on the field goal unit. Freshman Evan McPherson continued his successful season with the Gators first score. But with two trips to the redzone, Florida and their fans weren’t satisfied with only 3 points.
Vanderbilt continued their upset bid on their next possession. Kyle Shurmur found running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn on a screen pass and the star back did the rest. Vaughn turned the screen into an electrifying 75 yard touchdown and the Gators were stunned.
For the last four weeks, it has been the Gators defense that has been in the spotlight. Today, they needed a lift from Florida’s offense. While a blowout win for the rowdy reptiles would have been ideal, their response to getting kicked in the teeth may be a tell tale sign of how far this team has come.
In an effort to respond, Franks attempted to do a little too much on the next series. On third down, he tried to break the edge and stretch out to pick up the drive sustaining first down. Instead, he fumbled the ball into a crowd of defenders who bumbled and kicked the ball 20+ yards downfield before eventually gaining possession.
With the ball in Florida territory, Vandy went back to work. A few plays later, Jamauri Wakefield found paydirt for the Commodores and their lead grew to 18 points. With just over six minutes remaining in the first half, the Gators needed to stop the bleeding.
Lamical Perine turned in what might be his best performance as a Gator, rushing for 121 yards and receiving another 93. It was Perine who took the team on his back for the offense’s next drive. It was also Perine who stretched out as he was being brought down to give the Gators their first touchdown of the day.
With the score now 21-10, Florida’s defense began to show signs of life as they forced a punt with 2 minutes remaining. On the ensuing return, LB James Houston was called for targeting, injuring one of Vanderbilt’s defensive lineman. This lead to Vandy head coach Derek Mason exchanging words with Florida DC Todd Grantham and Mullen.
Following a targeting call on the Gators, Florida’s Dan Mullen and Vanderbilt’s Derek Mason exchanged words. pic.twitter.com/ZhTimyBWdj
As the tempers flared, the teams began to get involved and both sidelines were called for unsportsmanlike conduct. Florida’s Vosean Joseph was ejected from the game as a result of the penalty as it was his second unsportsmanlike of the day. On one special teams play, Florida lost two of its linebackers.
Once things calmed down, it looked as though Florida would have to settle for taking it to halftime when Perine took a screen pass 63 yards to set up another McPherson field goal. The Gators had managed to steal some momentum before going into the break trailing 21-13.
Receiving Leaders
Florida
Perine: 4 REC, 93 YD
Jefferson: 3 REC, 65 YD 1 TD
Swain: 1 REC, 11 YD 1 TD
Vandy
Vaughn: 1 REC, 75 YD 1 TD
Lipscomb: 4 REC, 64 YD
Pinkney: 3 REC, 25 YD 1 TD
3rd Quarter: Florida 7 Vandy 0
After the break, the Gators were held to a three and out. With Vaughn out of the game due to injury, the two teams traded possession a few times before the next score. The loss of Vaughn proved to be costly to the Commodores.
Midway through the third quarter, Franks found Van Jefferson for a 38 yard touchdown, cutting the lead to a single point. By this point the entire mood of the game had changed. It was apparent who the better team was despite their poor showing in the first half.
Save for a few miscues, this might have been a blowout win for the Gators. But in the SEC, no opponent can be overlooked. This game played out exactly in the fashion that many of the experts predicted it would.
Rushing Leaders
Florida
Perine: 23 CAR, 121 YD 1 TD
Scarlett: 16 CAR, 113 YD 1 TD
Vandy
Vaughn: 7 CAR, 56 YD
Wakefield: 8 CAR, 32 YD 1 TD
4th Quarter: Florida 17 Vandy 6 The fourth quarter began with some fireworks of its own as Scarlett had his longest run of the season. His 48 yard touchdown scamper gave the Gators their first lead of the game, a lead they would never relinquish.
Without their star playmaker in Vaughn, all the ‘Dores could muster was a pair of late game field goals. In the end, the depth became a huge difference maker as Florida ran 92 plays on offense. Vanderbilt’s defense was exhausted and it showed as Florida just became more explosive as the game went on.
Mullen once again used deception when the Gators found themselves facing 4th down and 4 from near midfield with the score 27-24. The punting team came out on the field and punter Tommy Townsend kept the ball on a fake punt that resulted in an 18 yard gain and a first down.
That play kept the drive alive so that Florida could score their final touchdown of the game. Franks found Freddie Swain on a screen in which Swain dove over a defender to the endzone. This was Swain’s 4th receiving touchdown of the season and 5th overall.
Each team tacked on one final field goal. Vandy’s, an impressive 53 yarder, before the final gun. The Gators continued their now 5 game winning streak and have now won 27 of their last 28 against the Commodores and 31 straight in Nashville.
Their will be plenty to work on in the next couple of weeks for Dan Mullen and his team. But they have shown resolve and the ability to win in multiple ways. Today, in the face of adversity, they kept their composure and they fought back, emerging victorious.
Team Stats
1st Downs
Florida 31
Vandy 17
Total Plays
Florida 92
Vandy 58
Time of Possession
Florida 36:55
Vandy 23:04
Passing Yards
Florida 284
Vandy 229
Rushing Yards
Florida 292
Vandy 107
Penalties-Yards
Florida 7-63
Vandy 5-28
Total Yards
Florida 576
Vandy 336
Turnovers
Florida 3
Vandy 1
East Standings Conference-Overall
Georgia 3-0 5-0
Kentucky 2-1 4-1
Florida 4-1 6-1
South Carolina 2-1 3-1
Tennessee 1-2 3-3
Mizzou 0-2 3-2
Vandy 0-3 3-3 *Some games may still be in progress
Up Next
Florida has a bye week to rest and to prepare for the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. The game will be televised on CBS, live from Jacksonville at 3:30 p.m. EST. Be sure to follow the action on the ChompTalk.com Facebook and Twitter accounts too!
The No. 11 Florida volleyball team is now 7-0 in conference play after a road win over South Carolina. Although the Gators swept their first four SEC opponents, this win over the Gamecocks is Florida’s third straight that lasted five full sets.
Sets 1-2
The Gators took an early advantage, winning the first two sets.
In set 1, Florida won 25-17. The team never trailed and hit a clip of .458 behind 13 kills. Freshman Thayer Hall made five kills in the frame during her return home. Hall is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina and led her high school (Dorman) to back-to-back State Championships in 2016 and 2017.
Set 2 started off as a much closer battle, with the two teams tied 10-10. However, four kills, two blocks and two blocks put the Gators on a 15-5 run, while holding the Gamecocks to a .065 hitting percentage. Nine errors from South Carolina didn’t hurt either. Florida won the frame 25-15.
Sets 3-4
The Gators were not able to maintain that momentum, dropping the next two sets. During set 3, the two were tied 6-6. But, then it was the Gamecocks’ turn to go on a massive run… 13-6 to be exact. The battle went on until the score was 24-18 USC, but a final block from the Gamecocks ended the set. Florida did not make any blocks during set 3.
The fourth set saw both teams tied at 24-24. A South Carolina kill gave the Gamecocks the advantage, but the Gators forced the fifth set by making a blocking error. Florida made a stellar 18 kills despite the losing frame, hitting .400 as a team.
Set 5
Hall and Taelor Kellum made the difference in set 5. Another tie (this time it was at the halfway point of 7-7) turned into an 11-8 Gators lead behind three kills from the two players. Rachael Kramer sealed the deal with a kill and the team left South Carolina with its 16th win of the season.
Gator Notables
In Thayer Hall’s homecoming match, she made 16 kills. Holly Carlton and Rachael Kramer were not too far behind with 13 and 11 kills, respectively. Kramer also made a career-high nine blocks on the night.
Former Gamecock Allie Monserez registered her eighth double-double of the season, recording 24 assists and 14 digs. Monserez’s three service aces led the night as well. Monserez played at South Carolina her freshman year before transferring to Florida. She is currently in her redshirt senior year.
Up Next
Florida will re-match Alabama after sweeping the Tide earlier in the season. However, this time, the Gators will get home-court advantage. Catch this match on Sunday at 1:30 in the Exactech Arena or on the SEC Network.
One might think that after defeating the fifth-ranked team in the nation, you know what the 2018 Gators are made of. True, this team has accomplished much and proven more. But after three consecutive emotional victories against SEC opposition, it is this weekend that will truly tell us who this year’s team really is.
When you’ve pushed yourself beyond what you previously thought were the limits each of the last four weeks, the natural inclination is to exhale and ease up. It is just Vanderbilt, after all. But that is precisely the mindset that Dan Mullen wants his team to avoid.
The way the Gators have prepared this week and the way they play on Saturday will speak volumes about their mental toughness. Many of the players have friends and family who have been directly impacted by hurricane Michael. They’re stretched thin, emotionally and physically after four straight wins. And after Saturday, they get a week off before facing the #2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
Florida will truly make a statement about their character as a team if they can shake off all of the outlying factors and perform to the Gator Standard in an 11 a.m. (noon EST) kickoff in Nashville. If they can continue their weekly improvement, they will handle the Commodores easily.
At a glance:
Vanderbilt Commodores
Nashville, TN
Enrollment: 6,885
2018 record: 3-3 (0-2)
Head coach: Derek Mason
After starting the season with 8 sacks and 6 takeaways in their first two games, the ‘Dores defense has recorded just 2 sacks and 3 takeaways in the four games since. Defensive linemen Dare and Dayo Odeyingbo will be looking to change that trend against the Gators. They will also need big performances from linebacker Josh Smith and cornerback Joejuan Williams if they want to keep it close.
This Commodores defense just hasn’t been up to snuff since their week three loss to Notre Dame. In the last three games, Vandy has allowed 105 points to the opposition a trend that won’t be easy to reverse this weekend. Florida is averaging 34 points per game right now and has scored upwards of 40 in three games this season.
The Gators rushing attack should find success in attacking the middle of the defensive line as they’ve been susceptible to leaving the interior open so far this season. If the running backs begin to roll, QB Feleipe Franks will have plenty of chances to hit the edge routes as well as beating Vandy over the top with the deep ball.
Todd Grantham‘s defense will be charged with stopping Vanderbilt running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who is averaging 6.8 YPC. One of the ways Florida can shut him down will be getting an early lead and forcing Vandy to play from behind. This is a very achievable goal as the Commodores haven’t scored a first quarter touchdown since they faced MTSU in week one.
Apart from putting an embargo on the Vanderbilt running game, the Gators defense will need to keep constant pressure on the league’s most veteran quarterback in Kyle Shurmur. Shurmur likes to find Kalija Lipscomb, the league’s reception leader, as often as possible.
Don’t expect Shurmur and Lipscomb to run wild against the Gators, though. Florida leads the SEC in both sacks and pass defense. Shurmur will be pressured all day from all angles and every throw will be challenged by Florida’s talented secondary.
The Gators have a decidedly large advantage in the defensive matchup. Don’t be surprised to see them take the game over from a Vandy team that has held the lead for a total of 15 seconds on the gameclock in three losses to Notre Dame, South Carolina, and Georgia.
With all of the discussion about a potential trap game, there is no doubt that Mullen has stressed the importance of giving relentless effort and being prepared for what should be an easy win. The Gators are currently 7 point favorites over the Commodores according to the betting line. If they play to their standard, the margin will be much greater than that.
The game will be broadcast live from Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville at noon EST on ESPN. As always, don’t forget to follow along with the action on the ChompTalk.com Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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