It Was THISCLOSE! #1 Florida overcomes slow start on Vault to win a nail-biter at home versus #4 Alabama.

With the new do Boogie is on a roll (UAA Photo) If you grew up in Sunday School or watching the old Cecile B. DeMille movies, you’re probably familiar with the story of Samson, the strongest man the world has ever known. Until Samson was coaxed into confessing the source of his strength was never cutting his hair, he was the scourge of the countryside. The Philistines quivered in fear that Samson would go on one of those rampages like the one with the jawbone of a donkey. Then he told Delilah his secret, his golden locks were trimmed and his strength drained from his body.   Well, think of what has happened with Boogie Fland a reverse Samson. Since his first haircut in five years, Boogie has become the catalyst of a Florida surge that has moved the 19 th -ranked Gators (12-5, 3-1 SEC) to the forefront of the Southeastern Conference race. In Florida’s SEC opening loss to Missouri, the Gators looked like a team that might struggle in SEC play. The Gators blew out Georgia in the next game, but that’s when Fland went to see the same barber who cut Walter Clayton Jr.’s hair. Walt went from All-SEC to All-America after his clip. In the two games since Fland got his new do, the Gators have begun the transformation into the team everybody thought they would be when the season began.   It’s like putting a puzzle together. Sometimes it just takes awhile for all the parts to fit together and there is usually one piece – in this case, Fland – that hastens the picture becoming complete. With Fland’s game on the upswing, the entire Florida team has played with new intensity, making Saturday’s matchup with 10 th -ranked Vanderbilt (16-1, 3-1 SEC) in Nashville) an opportunity for the Gators to assert themselves as not just the best team in the SEC, but a legitimate challenger to go deep into the NCAA Tournament in March.   The key has been the guard play. The Gators have the best and most experienced front line in the country, but the big guys can’t do it alone. With the improved play on the perimeter since the loss to Missouri, the Gators have dominated three straight opponents, scoring more than 90 points in wins over Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma while winning by an average of 18.7.   The big guys – Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu, Tommy Haugh and Micah Handlogten – have simply done what they always do, but thanks to the improvement in the guard play, the floor has opened up. Fland and his mates in the backcourt – Xaivian Lee, Urban Klavzar and Isaiah Brown – still haven’t found any consistency shooting the ball, but their defense and speed have opened up the floor.   Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma tried to collapse the defense around the big guys, but the guards got enough penetration and hit just enough shots to render that strategy useless. Since he shed the dreads after the Georgia game, Fland has put up 38 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and six steals with an impressive assist-to-turnover margin of 12-to-3. Add the Georgia game in and Fland, Lee, Klavzar and Brown have combined for 115 points, 28 rebounds, 37 assists and 14 steals.   The guards aren’t exactly burning it up from the 3-point line – just 14-52 in the last three games – but the way the Gators have been rebounding, 3-point makes are more of a luxury than a necessity. Already leading the nation in rebounding, the Gators average a  46.7-32 advantage in the last three games with 51 of those misses retrieved on the offensive end.   The big guys, meanwhile, have combined for 145 points, 97 rebounds, 19 assists, 12 steals and 18 blocked shots.   The way the Gators have won these last three games, they’ve taken on the look of a team on a search and destroy mission. The defensive intensity has picked up considerably, particularly on the perimeter where Fland has turned three very good shooters very ordinary. With Fland all over him, Georgia’s Jeremiah Wilkinson went 1-9 from the floor just a game removed destroying Auburn with 31. On the heels of a 34-point game against Texas, Tennessee’s Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who managed only 12. Tuesday against Oklahoma, Nijel Pack scored only five. The game before he lit up the Aggies for 24.   With their best scorers shut down on the perimeter, opponents have struggled in the paint. Possessions have been one-and-done. Meanwhile, the Gators sometimes seem like they’re playing volleyball on the offensive end. The ball goes up and if it’s missed it can lead to multiple shot possessions.   This will be the key against Vandy. The Commodores rely so heavily on the 3-point shot and they are especially good at funky Memorial Gymnasium. Typically, the Commodores launch 25-30 threes. That number has to be cut to somewhere around 20. The Gators held Georgia, Tennessee and Oklahoma to a combined 50 3-point attempts. When the Gators run opponents off the 3-point line, it plays into the hands of the big guys. Missed shots become Florida rebounds and rebounds become fast breaks.   Golden will insist that we can’t make too much of these last three games, that there are still 14 SEC games ahead, then the SEC Tournament and that is followed by the NCAA Tournament. He sees with a one-game-at-a-time vision, but he knows he has a good team. He also knows that if the shooting ever comes around, he could have a second straight great one.   It is a step-by-step process, but the transformation of Fland into the kind of lead guard that can take a team from good to great has begun. Fland, combined with Lee, make the Gators next to impossible to press effectively. The four big guys, particularly with Chinyelu rebounding everything in sight and Haugh playing the whatever it takes for the team to win role, are the best in the league.   If the Gators come out of Nashville with a win, they are going to dominate the SEC the rest of the season. Wednesday’s scores Texas (11-6, 2-2 SEC) 80, No. 10 Vanderbilt (16-1, 3-1 SEC) 65: Texas dominated the backboards, outrebounding Vanderbilt, 42-24, to hand the Commodores their first loss of the season. Vandy couldn’t contain 7-1 Matas Vokietatis, who scored 22, all in the paint. Vandy hit only 9-25 from the 3-point line. Duke Miles led Vanderbilt with 21.   No. 17 Arkansas (13-4, 3-1 SEC) 108, South Carolina (10-7, 1-3 SEC) 74: Meleek Thomas hit all five of his threes to lead Arkansas to a blowout of South Carolina. Thomas scored 21 to lead the Razorbacks while Darius Acuff Jr. had 18. Meechie Johnson scored 29 to lead South Carolina.   Ole Miss (10-7, 2-2 SEC) 97, No. 21 Georgia (14-3, 2-2 SEC) 95, OT: Patton Pinkins scored with one second remaining in overtime to give Ole Miss the upset win over Georgia. AJ Storr came off the bench to score 27 for Ole Miss, which hit 11-24 from the 3-point line. Jeremiah Wilkinson, who hit 6-10 from the 3-point line, led Georgia with 32.   Missouri (13-4, 3-1 SEC) 84, Auburn (10-7, 1-3 SEC) 74: Jayden Stone scored 22 points and Mark Mitchell 20 to lead Missouri past Auburn. The difference in the game was at the 3-point line where Mizzou went 9-19 and Auburn had a cold-shooting 6-21.  Elyjah Freeman led Auburn with 13.   Kentucky (11-6, 2-2 SEC) 75, LSU (12-5, 0-4 SEC) 74: The Wildcats trailed by 16 at the half, then rallied to win on an impossible Hail Mary that Malachi Moreno turned into the game-winning shot. The Wildcats couldn’t have won the game without 17 second half points from former Gator Denzel Aberdeen. Max Mackinnon and Marquel Sutton each scored 16 for LSU.   Saturday’s games No. 19 FLORIDA (12-5, 3-1 SEC) at No. 10 Vanderbilt (16-1, 3-1 SEC) No. 17 Arkansas (13-4, 3-1 SEC) at No. 21 Georgia (14-3, 2-2 SEC) No. 18 Alabama (12-5, 2-2 SEC) at Oklahoma (11-6, 1-3 SEC) Kentucky (11-6, 2-2 SEC) at No. 24 Tennessee (12-5, 2-2 SEC) Missouri (13-4, 3-1 SEC) at LSU (12-5, 0-4 SEC) Texas A&M (13-4, 3-1 SEC) at Texas (11-6, 2-2 SEC) South Carolina (10-7, 1-3 SEC) at Auburn (10-7, 1-3 SEC) Ole Miss (10-7, 2-2 SEC) at Mississippi State (10-7, 2-2 SEC)

Boogie Fland hangs on the rim after a fast beak dunk (UAA Photo) What happened Tuesday night at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman was the equivalent of a Florida warning shot across the bow of the other 15 teams in the Southeastern Conference. As if 19 th -ranked Florida needed to prove that last week’s blowout wins over Georgia and Tennessee weren’t simply O-Dome home cooking, the Gators (12-5, 3-1 SEC) showed that this newfound intensity plays quite well on the road.   It was 45-24 after the first half and 60-31 five minutes into the second half when the Gators let off the intensity pedal just enough to allow Oklahoma (11-6, 1-3 SEC) to heat up from the 3-point line to at least make the final score respectable. The Sooners went 8-12 from the 3-point line in the second half. That never got them closer than 15 and it all but ensured Todd Golden will be riding the Gators hard in practice as they prep for Saturday’s showdown in Nashville with unbeaten Vanderbilt.   “I thought we played really well the first 25 minutes of the game, an extension of our effort on Saturday against Tennessee,” Golden said after the Gators won their third straight SEC game, 96-79. “I thought we defended incredibly well in the first half, did a great job being on Oklahoma's tendencies, taking away the 3-point line, not allowing second chances after the first four minutes of the game. And offensively, we just played with great purpose, didn't turn the ball over, got the ball inside, did a really good job of imposing our will in there.”     The Gators played the first 25 minutes like a team on a search and destroy mission and that should bother the rest of the SEC. This is not the team that lost four preseason games, nor is it the one that dropped the SEC opener at Missouri. If there is such a thing as a good loss, the Missouri game was a good one because it served the purpose of a wakeup call.   In the three games since the Missouri loss, the Gators have dictated the pace of the game with their defense, forcing bad shots, grabbing rebounds and then beating opponents down the court where the first priority is getting the ball inside to the foursome of Tommy Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon and Micah Handlogten.   The Gators outscored Oklahoma 60-22 in the paint with the four big guys combining to go 23-38 from the field with 33 rebounds (16 on the offensive end).   “They can score one-on-one in the block and they can go get it,” Oklahoma coach Porter Moser said. “I don’t think we had answers for those bigs. You can’t simulate that. They’re physical, they’re skilled, but I thought their one-on-one post scoring and the elite passing … Condon six assists. That big-to-big passing is just so hard to guard. If you come to rotate, they just drop the other one over. They’re throwing up by the rim. Just really had no answers … “   Haugh finished the game with 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Chinyelu had another double-double, scoring 19 while grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking a shot. Condon had 10 points, six rebounds, six assists, two blocked shots and two steals. Coming off the bench Handlogten had six points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots.   Outside shooting was once again erratic – just 6-22 from the 3-point line – but even though they didn’t shoot all that well, Boogie Fland, Xaivian Lee and Urban Klavzar played extremely well. Fland followed up his breakout game against Tennessee by going off for 15 points to go with five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Lee had four points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Klavzar had 13 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal.   Golden said Fland is “playing with a lot of confidence out there. Made a big 3 in the first half, and other than that didn't shoot the three great, but I thought he played a really good floor game inside the three – seven assists, one turnover, two steals, just a lot of winning plays out there – and he’s definitely playing freer, playing with more confidence, and taking advantage of what the defense gives him. When him and X (Xaivian Lee) are playing well, we're going to be good.”   It was a 3-pointer by Fland with 9:10 remaining in the first half that put the Gators ahead 23-15, jump starting the Florida offense. Over the next five minutes the Gators stretched the lead to 20 (37-17) on a three by Haugh with 4:37 left. It was pure carnage the rest of the half and the first five of the second. In the first five minutes of the second half, the Gators pounded the ball inside with Chinyelu scoring eight while stretching the lead to 60-31.   From that point onward, the Sooners caught fire from the 3-point line. The Gators ran them off the line consistently in the first half when they attempted only four threes, but down 29, they started bombing in shots. Kirill Elatontsev scored all 17 of his second half points in the final 15 minutes, hitting all four of his 3-pointers.   Golden said Elatontsev “just made a lot of shots and kind of stretched us out. I thought they shot the ball well in the second half. I wasn't super pleased with our effort defensively and in the way we finished the game, but overall, very happy with this win. Go on the road and beat a good Oklahoma team by 17, it's hard to do. And, as I've talked about our team over this past week, I really feel like we're making a jump and we're getting better at the right time. ”   The Gators held Oklahoma to 29 percent shooting in the first half. Against Florida’s less than intense second half defense, they hit 58.6 percent overall and 67 percent from the 3-point line.   SEC BASKETBALL    No. 18 Alabama (12-5, 2-2 SEC) 97, Mississippi State (10-7, 2-2 SEC) 82: Alabama lit up Mississippi State for 61 second half points, turning a 2-point halftime advantage into a blowout win. Labaron Philon Jr. scored 32 and Aiden Sherrell 22 to lead the Crimson Tide, which ended a 2-game losing streak. Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State with 23.   No. 24 Tennessee (12-5, 2-2 SEC) 87, Texas A&M (13-4, 3-1 SEC) 82, 2 OT: The Vols began the game hitting just three of their first 17 shots, but they rallied and had chances to win the game in regulation and at the end of the first overtime before outscoring the Aggies 12-7 in the second extra period. Nate Ament led Tennessee with 23 points, 10 of which were scored in the two overtime periods. The Aggies, who had a 6-game winning streak broken, were led by Jacari Lane with 20 points.   Tonight’s games No. 10 Vanderbilt (16-0, 3-0 SEC) at Texas (10-6, 1-2 SEC) South Carolina (10-6, 1-2 SEC) at No. 17 Arkansas (12-4, 2-1 SEC) Ole Miss (9-7, 1-2 SEC) at No. 21 Georgia (14-2, 2-1 SEC) Auburn (10-6, 1-2 SEC) at Missouri (12-4, 2-1 SEC) Kentucky (10-6, 1-2 SEC) at LSU (12-4, 0-3 SEC)

Rueben Chinyelu has become a beast on the backboards (Photo by Chris Spears) There was no secret formula to Florida’s success last week. Combine defense and rebounding with rowdy crowds jamming into the O-Dome and the Gators began looking like the team that might have what it takes to make a deep run in March. Throw in some shooting that has been AWOL much of the year and the Gators played at what Todd Golden says is “close to our highest level.”   In beating two ranked teams – then 18 th -ranked Georgia and then 21 st -ranked Tennessee – the Gators played a smothering version of defense that took the 3-pointer out of the game. Georgia and Tennessee, which rely heavily on the 3-pointer, could only squeeze off 34 threes (made 10). Whether it was a three or a two, whenever they missed the Gators dominated the rebounding to the tune of 96-65. The Gators retrieved 34 of their own missed shots.   Against Tennessee, it seemed as if the Gators (11-5, 2-1 SEC) are on the verge of breaking out of the shooting slump that dogged them throughout the non-conference schedule and the first two SEC games. Boogie Fland, for example, came into the Tennessee game hitting just 12 of 63 from the 3-point line. He went 3-6 against the Vols, part of a 23-point effort that was clearly his best game of the season.   Golden hopes the shooting travels to Norman Tuesday night when the 19 th -ranked Gators face off with Oklahoma (11-5, 1-2 SEC), but even if the shooting is erratic, he knows Florida’s calling card has to be defense and rebounding.   “I think the main thing is defense and rebounding,” Golden said Monday afternoon before the Gators departed for Norman. “… Defense, rebounding, making some shots … I think it's going to take an elite defensive performance. I think we have to dominate the glass to give ourselves that high floor and we have to make more winning plays down the stretch than we did against Missouri.”     Against Georgia and Tennessee, the Gators got the stops and controlled the game with their rebounding. Florida leads the country in rebounding (46.94 per game), offensive rebounding (17 per game) and rebound margin (+15 per game). Few teams, if any, can match Florida’s 4-man rotation of big guys – 6-11 Alex Condon (14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds); 6-11 Rueben Chinyelu (10.9 points, 10.6 rebounds); 6-9 Tommy Haugh (17.2 points, 6.6 rebounds) and 7-1 Micah Handlogten (4.9 points, 6.6 rebounds). As good as they are, they need the help of some outside shooting.   When Fland, Xaivian Lee and Urban Klavzar are making shots, opponents can’t go zone and dare the Gators to win the game from the outside. Against Tennessee, Lee (10 points, 2-7 on threes) and Klavzar (15 points, 3-9 on threes) were enough of a threat that it kept the Vols from collapsing on the bigs.   Golden knows the Gators can play defense and rebound. Now, if they can only make shots with even 30-35 percent consistency, Florida is very capable of becoming the most dominant team in the SEC.   “I thought Saturday, was a good example of what it can look like when we're clicking on all cylinders,” Golden said. “We didn't play perfect, but we played how we want to play. And I thought we played two complete halves and did a good job in all the important, facets of the game. Hopefully we can build on it, getting on the road this week.”    Anticipated starting lineups No. 19 FLORIDA (11-5, 2-1 SEC): Alex Condon (6-11, 236, JR); Rueben Chinyelu (6-11, 265, JR); Tommy Haugh (6-9, 215, JR); Xaivian Lee (6-4, 185, JR); Boogie Fland (6-3, 185, SO)   Oklahoma (11-5, 1-2 SEC): Tae Davis (6-9, 215, SR); Mohamed Wague (6-10, 225, SR); Derrion Reed (6-8, 226, SO); Xzayvier Brown (6-2, 182, JR); Nijel Pack (5-10, 188, RSR)   Associated Press top 25: 1. Arizona 16-0; 2. Iowa State 16-0; 3. UConn 16-1; 4. Michigan 14-1; 5. Purdue 15-1; 6. Duke 15-1; 7. Houston 15-1; 8. Nebraska 16-0; 9. Gonzaga 17-1; 10. Vanderbilt 16-0; 11. BYU 15-1; 12. Michigan State 14-2; 13. Illinois 13-3; 14. North Carolina 14-2; 15. Texas Tech 12-4; 16. Virginia 14-2; 17. Arkansas 12-4; 18. Alabama; 19. FLORIDA 11-5; 20. Louisville 12-4; 21. Georgia 14-2; 22. Clemson 14-3; 23. Utah State 14-1; 24. Tennessee 11-5; 25. Seton Hall 14-2   Coaches top 25: 1. Arizona 16-0; 2. Iowa State 16-0; 3. Michigan 14-1; 4. UConn 16-1; 5. Purdue 15-1; 6. Duke 15-1; 7. Houston 15-1; 8. Vanderbilt; 9. Gonzaga 17-1; 10. Nebraska 16-0; 11. BYU 15-1; 12. Michigan State 14-2; 13. Illinois 13-3; 14. Texas Tech 12-4; 15. North Carolina 14-2; 16. Virginia 14-2; 17. Arkansas 12-4; 18. Alabama 11-5; 19. Louisville 12-4; 20. FLORIDA 11-5; 21. Clemson 14-3; 22. Georgia 14-2; 23. Iowa 12-4; 24. Utah State 14-1; 25. Kansas 11-5   SEC teams in kenpom.com national rankings: 5. Vanderbilt 16-0; 12. FLORIDA 11-5; 14. Alabama 11-5; 20. Tennessee 11-5; 27. Georgia 14-2; 29. Arkansas 12-4; 30. Auburn 10-6; 32. Kentucky 10-6; 40. LSU 12-4; 41. Texas A&M 13-3; 52. Texas 10-6; 54. Oklahoma 12-4; 59. Missouri 12-4; 68. Mississippi State 10-6; 70. Ole Miss 9-7; 72. South Carolina 10-6   SEC BASKETBALL No. 18 Alabama (11-5, 1-2 SEC): The Crimson Tide doesn’t have a strong inside presence, so on nights when the threes aren’t falling, they’re vulnerable. Alabama’s rebounding margin is 1.31 per game … Latrell Wrightsell will miss Tuesday’s game at Mississippi State.   No. 17 Arkansas (12-4, 2-1 SEC): Karter Knox suffered a hip injury in the loss to Auburn. His return is day-to-day.   Auburn (10-6, 1-2 SEC): The Tigers got Steven Pear’s share the ball message. Against Arkansas the Tigers finished with 20 assists. In five of Auburn’s six losses this season, the Tigers have registered their lowest assist totals.   No. 21 Georgia (14-2, 2-1 SEC): Georgia’s defense shut down South Carolina in the final eight minutes of the game when the Bulldogs turned an 8-point deficit into a 5-point win.   Kentucky (10-6, 1-2 SEC): The Wildcats are dealing with uncertainty regarding the status of point guard Jaland Lowe and power forward Jayden Quaintance. Quaintance is considered day-to-day right now while Lowe may miss several games moving forward.   LSU (12-4, 0-3 SEC): LSU has lost all three games since Dedan Thomas Jr. suffered a lower leg injury. Thomas was averaging 16.2 points and 7.1 assists per game prior to the injury. Thomas might be able to play again Wednesday evening against Kentucky.   Mississippi State (10-6, 2-1 SEC): In getting blown out at Kentucky, Mississippi State hit only 3-20 from the 3-point line while losing the rebounding battle and turning the ball over 15 times.   Missouri (12-4, 2-1 SEC): What a letdown for Mizzou. After beating Kentucky in Lexington for the first time in history, Missouri blew a 10-point first half lead and lost to Ole Miss in Oxford.   Oklahoma (11-5, 1-2 SEC): The Sooners have lost their last two games after shooting a combined 28 percent (14-50) from the 3-point line.   Ole Miss (9-7, 1-2 SEC): Missouri torched Ole Miss for five threes in seven shots during the first five minutes, but the defense tightened. Ole Miss held Mizzou to 2-17 from the 3-point line the rest of the way.   South Carolina (10-6, 1-2 SEC): Most of South Carolina’s woes can be tied to poor rebounding. The Gamecocks average 34.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 327 th nationally.   No. 24 Tennessee (11-5, 1-2 SEC): In losing to Florida, the Vols turned the ball over 18 times and were beaten on the backboards by 21 rebounds. The Gators had a 30-8 advantage in points off turnovers.   Texas (10-6, 1-2 SEC): The Longhorns regained their composure after blowing a 13-point lead in the second half to beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa.   Texas A&M (13-3, 3-0 SEC): The Aggies are a surprising 3-0 in SEC play thanks to a high scoring offense that averages 93.7 points per game, which is 5 th nationally. Six Aggies average double figures with Ruben Dominguez scoring a team-leading 13.7 per game.   No. 10 Vanderbilt (16-0, 3-0 SEC): The guard tandem of Tyler Tanner and Duke Miles is combining for 34.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game. Tyler Nickel (15 points per game) is hitting 47.5 percent of his 3-pointers.   Tuesday’s games No. 19 FLORIDA (11-5, 2-1 SEC) at Oklahoma (11-5, 1-2 SEC) No. 18 Alabama (11-5, 1-2 SEC) at Mississippi State (10-6, 2-1 SEC) Texas A&M (13-3, 3-0 SEC) at No. 24 Tennessee (11-5, 1-2 SEC)   Wednesday’s games No. 10 Vanderbilt (16-0, 3-0 SEC) at Texas (10-6, 1-2 SEC) South Carolina (10-6, 1-2 SEC) at No. 17 Arkansas (12-4, 2-1 SEC) Ole Miss (9-7, 1-2 SEC) at No. 21 Georgia (14-2, 2-1 SEC) Auburn (10-6, 1-2 SEC) at Missouri (12-4, 2-1 SEC) Kentucky (10-6, 1-2 SEC) at LSU (12-4, 0-3 SEC)

An AI concept of what Gator fans have been seeing their new coach doing in Gainesville

It was another productive weekend in the portal for Florida coach Jon Sumrall, who added Auburn wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., Georgia Tech tight end Luke Harpring and Southwestern Oklahoma State punter Miller Fealy. That brings Florida’s roster totals to 59 veterans and 19 freshman/jucos. Sumrall has as many as 27 more scholarships available to reach the NCAA maximum of 105.   Here is a position-by-position breakdown of what the Gators need to add: Quarterback (3): Four on scholarship is a necessity. Five is a luxury. Running Back (5): Six would be a luxury but maybe someone who is more slot than RB? Wide Receiver (9): Need two more at a minimum, but four more would be nice. Tight end (5): Need one more since signee Kent might move to tackle. O-line (19): Need 2-4 more veterans since six of the 18 are freshmen. D-line/EDGE (12): Veteran tackles are a necessity. At least three. Linebackers (6): Four more is a necessity, especially linebackers who are skilled in coverage. Secondary (15): Spread offenses require lots of corners, so minimum of three more. Special teams (4): Need backup kicker, punter   Here is a roster breakdown for Florida:   VETERANS (59) QUARTERBACK (2): Tramell Jones Jr. (6-0, 203, FR); QB Aaron Philo (6-2, 220, RFR, from Georgia Tech)   RUNNING BACKS (5): Duke Clark (6-1, 211, FR); Byron Louis (6-0, 211, FR); Jadan Baugh (6-1, 231, SO); Evan Pryor (5-9, 195, RSR, from Cincinnati); London Montgomery (5-11, 197, SO, from East Carolina)   WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Vernell Brown III (5-11, 178, FR); Dallas Wilson (6-3, 213, FR); TJ Abrams (5-10, 196, RFR); Bailey Stockton (5-11, 185, SO, from Georgia Tech); Micah Mays Jr. (6-2, 196, SO, from Wake Forest); WR Eric Singleton Jr. (5-10, 180, JR, from Auburn)   TIGHT END: (4) Amir Jackson (6-5, 235, RFR); Micah Jones (6-4, 257, FR); Lacote Dippre (6-4, 253, SO, from James Madison); Luke Harpring (6-3, 240, FR, from Georgia Tech)   O-LINE (13): OT Fletcher Westphal (6-8, 342, RFR); OT Caden Jones (6-8, 333, RSO); OT/OG Bryce Lovett (6-5, 321, RSO); OG Knijeah Harris (6-3, 313, JR); OG/C Roderick Kearney (6-4, 310, RSO); OG Jason Zandamela (6-3, 308, RFR); OT Jahari Medlock (6-5, 321, FR); OG TJ Dice Jr. (6-4, 304, FR); OG Daniel Pierre Louis (6-4, 332, FR); C Harrison Moore (6-5, 300, SO, from Georgia Tech); OG TJ Shanahan (6-4, 315, RSO, from Penn State); OT Eagan Boyer (6-8, 302, RFR, from Penn State); Emeka Ugorji (6-5, 300, FR, from Stanford)   D-LINE/EDGE (9): EDGE LJ McCray (6-6, 268, SO); EDGE Kamran James (6-6, 270, JR); EDGE Jayden Woods (6-3, 248, FR); DL Joseph Mbatchou (6-5, 300, FR); EDGE Kofi Asare (6-5, 251, RJR); EDGE Jaylen Wiggins (6-5, 268, FR); Brendan Bett (6-5, 308, RSO); DT DK Kalu (6-4, 309, SO, from Baylor); DE Emmanuel Oyebadejo (6-7, 295, JR, from Jacksonville State)   LINEBACKERS (5): Jaden Robinson (6-1, 226, JR); Myles Graham (6-1, 228, SO); Aaron Chiles (6-3, 244, SO); Ty Jackson (6-2, 221, FR); Myles Johnson (6-1, 224, FR)   SECONDARY (10): S Drake Stubbs (6-1, 207, FR); CB Cormani McClain (6-2, 189, RSO); S Bryce Thornton (5-10, 211, JR); S Lagonza Hayward (6-1, 206, FR); CB J’Vari Flowers (5-10, 187, FR); CB Dijon Johnson (6-1, 204, JR); CB Onis Konanbanny (6-0, 184, FR);  CB Ben Hanks III (6-1, 192, FR); S DJ Coleman (6-1, 210, JR, from Baylor); S Cam Dooley (6-2, 208, SO, from Kentucky)   SPECIAL TEAMS (4): PK Patrick Durkin (5-10, 175, SO, from Tulane); P Alec Clark (6-1, 185, RSO, from Tulane); LS Carter Milliron (6-0, 257, SR, from Louisiana); P Miller Fealy (6-2, 210, FR, from Southwest Oklahoma State)   SIGNED FRESHMEN/JUCOS (19) QUARTERBACK (1): Will Griffin (6-3, 230)   WIDE RECEIVERS (3): Davian Groce (6-2, 191); Justin Williams (5-11, 187); Marquez Daniel (6-5, 205)   TIGHT END (1): Heze Kent (6-6, 305)   O-LINE (6): Tyler Chukuyem (6-6, 285); Chancellor Campbell (6-8, 307); G’nivre Carr (6-4, 309); Desmond Green (6-5, 343); Javarii Luckas (6-6, 318); Corey Brown (6-1, 280)   D-LINE/EDGE (3): DL Kendall Guervil (6-2, 323); DL JaReylan McCoy (6-7, 260); EDGE KJ Ford (6-4, 246)   LINEBACKER (1): Malik Morris (6-0, 250)   SECONDARY (3): CJ Hester (6-0, 186); Kaiden Hall (6-2, 192); CJ Bronaugh (6-0, 172); Dylan Purter (6-0, 185); Elijah Owens (6-3, 210, FR, from Mississippi Gulf Coast)   GONERS (30) QB (1): DJ Lagway (to Baylor) RB (4): KD Daniels (to Wake Forest) ; Treyaun Webb (to Appalachian State); Chad Gaspar Jr.; Ja’Kobi Jackson WR (5): Eugene Wilson III (to LSU); Tank Hawkins; Aidan Mizell (to UCLA); Muizz Tounkara; Naeushaun Montgomery (to Missouri) TE (3): Hayden Hansen (to Oklahoma); Cameron Kossman; TE Tony Livingston OL (4): OT Marcus Mascoll; OT Enoch Wangoy; OT Devon Manuel; OT Noel Portnjagin DL/EDGE (3): DL Tavorise Brown; DL Michai Boireau (to Ole Miss) ; DL Jeramiah McCloud LB (1): Grayson Howard (to South Florida) S/CB (6): S Jordan Castell (to Kentucky); S Josiah Davis; CB Jameer Grimsley (to Mississippi State); S Teddy Foster (to South Florida); CB Aaron Gates (to Kentucky); CB Shariff Denson (to Ole Miss) ST (3): P Hayden Craig (to LSU); PK Evan Noel; LS Mack Mulhern   THE REST OF THE SEC (as of midnight, January 11) ALABAMA Outgoing (23) QB: RB: Richard Young WR: Aeryn Hampton; Jalen Hale; Jaylen Mbakwe (to Georgia Tech); Cole Adams (to Vanderbilt); Rico Scott; JJ Shelton (to Baylor); Isaiah Horton (to Texas A&M) TE: OL: OG Roq Montgomery; OT Olaus Alinen (to Kentucky); OG Micah DeBose (to Vanderbilt); OT Wilkin Formby (to Texas A&M) ; OG Joseph Ionata (to Georgia Tech); OT Arkel Anugwom (to Northwestern) DL/EDGE: EDGE Noah Carter (to Georgia Tech); EDGE Keon Keeley; DL James Smith; DL Kelby Collins (to South Carolina); LB: Qua Russaw; CB/S: S Kameron Howard (to Boston College); CB Cameron Calhoun; ST: PK Peter Notaro (to West Virginia); LS David Bird   Incoming (8) QB: RB: WR: TE Josh Ford (from Oklahoma State) OL: OG Kaden Strayhorn (from Michigan); DL/EDGE: DL Hunter Osborne (from Virginia); DL Kedrick Bingley-Jones (from Mississippi State); Devan Thompkins (from Southern California); LB: Caleb Woodson (from Virginia Tech); Ethan Stangle (from Syracuse) CB/S: Carmelo O’Neal (from Mercer)   ARKANSAS Outgoing (38) QB: Trever Jackson; Grayson Wilson (to Boston College); RB: AJ Green; Rodney Hill; Keshawn Davila (to North Texas); WR: Andy Jean; Jace Petty; Zachary Taylor; Krosse Johnson; Ja’Kayden Ferguson (to Kentucky); Kam Shanks (to Wake Forest) TE: OL: OT Shaq McRoy (to North Carolina); OG LJ Prudhomme (to Mississippi State); OT E’Marion Harris (to Oklahoma); OG Bubba Craig; OG Blake Cherry (to Wisconsin) DL/EDGE: DL Ian Geffrard (to Texas) ; DL Kaleb James (to Texas State); EDGE Justus Boone (to Wisconsin) ; DL Kavion Henderson; EDGE Charlie Collins; DL Danny Saili; DL Kevin Oatis; DT Keyshawn Blackstock LB: Tavion Wallace (to Kentucky); Justin Logan; JJ Shelton CB/S: CB Keshawn Davila (to Kansas State) ; S Miguel Mitchell; S Anton Pierce; CB Selman Bridges; CB Nigel Pringle; CB Jaheim Singletary; S Quentavius Scandrett; CB Jaden Allen; CB Akhari Johnson ST: PK Blake Ford; PK Scott Starzyk (to LSU)   Incoming (30) QB: AJ Hill (from Memphis); Braeden Fuller (from Angelo State) RB: Sutton Smith (from Memphis); Jasper Parker (from Michigan); Donovan Faupel (from New Mexico State) WR: Jamari Hawkins (from Memphis); Chris Marshall (from Boise State) TE: Ty Lockwood (from Boston College); Matt Adcock (from Memphis) OL: OT Malachi Breland (from Memphis); OT Josiah Clemons (from Memphis); OT Bryant Williams (from Louisiana); OT Terence Robinson Jr. (from Ouachita Baptist); OG Cole Best (from South Florida); OT Adam Hawkes (from Oregon State) DL/EDGE: DL Hunter Osborne (from Virginia) LB: Khmori House (from North Carolina); Phoenix Jackson (from Baylor); Jeremy Evans (from Baylor); Jamonta Waller (from Auburn); Ben Bogle (from West Virginia)   CB/S: S Christian Harrison (from Cincinnati); CB Jahiem Johnson (from Tulane); CB Shelton Lewis (from Clemson); CB Braydon Lee (from Maryland); CB Tyler Scott (from Georgia State); CB La’khi Roland (from Maryland); S Ian Williams (from Memphis) ST:  PK Braeden McAlister (from Georgia State); PK Max Gilbert (from Tennesse)   AUBURN Outgoing (38) QB: Ashton Daniels (to Florida State); Deuce Knight (to Ole Miss); Jackson Arnold (to UNLV) RB: Damari Alston; Durell Robinson WR: Horatio Fields (to Missouri) ; Perry Thompson (to Minnesota) ; Malcolm Simmons; Cam’Ron King; Cam Coleman (to Texas); Sam Turner; Eric Singleton Jr. (to Florida) TE: Hollis Davidson; Preston Howard; OL: OG DeAndre Carter (to Iowa State) ; OT Favour Edwin (to Georgia Tech); OT Seth Wilfred; OT Xavier Chaplin (to Florida State); OG Dylan Senda; OG Malachi Harris; OT Tyler Johnson DL/EDGE: EDGE Antonio Coleman; DL Amaris Williams (to Georgia); Jamonta Walker (to Arkansas) ; DL Malik Blocton (to LSU); DL James Ash LB: Caleb Wheatland (to Michigan State) ; Jamonta Walker (to Arkansas) ; Robert Woodyard Jr. ( to Missouri) ; D’Angelo Barber CB/S: CB A’mon Lane-Ganus (to South Florida) ; CB Raion Strader; CB Jay Crawford (to Ole Miss) ; CB Kayin Lee (to Tennessee) ; CB Donovan Starr (to Clemson); S Kensley Louidor-Faustin (to Missouri) ; S Taye Seymore (to North Texas)   ST: PK Towns McGough   Incoming (21) QB: Locklan Hewlett (from South Florida); Byrum Brown (from South Florida); QB Tristan Ti’a (from Oregon State) RB: RB Bryson Washington (from Baylor) WR: Korey Pettigrew (from South Florida); Christian Neptune (from South Florida); Jeremiah Koger(from South Florida); Chas Nimrod (from South Florida); Keshaun Singleton (from South Florida) TE: Xavier Newsom (from Howard); Jake Johnson (from North Carolina) OL: OT Stanton Ramil (from Michigan State); OT Joseph Simmons (from James Madison) DL/EDGE: DL Cody Sigler (from Arkansas State); DL Saint Farrior (from Appalachian State); EDGE Nate Johnson (from Missouri) LB: CB/S: S Fred Gaskin III (from South Florida); CB Naz Ward (from Western Kentucky); CB Raion Strader (from Pittsburgh); CB Andre Jordan Jr. (from UCLA) ST: LS Hudson Powell (from Maryland)   GEORGIA Outgoing (12) QB: RB: Roderick Robinson II WR: TE: Pearce Spurlin III OL: OT Bo Hughley; OT Nyier Daniels DL/EDGE: DL Jordan Thomas (to South Carolina); EDGE Elo Modozie LB: Kris Jones (to Boston College CB/S: CB Daniel Harris;  S Jaden Thomas (to Kansas); S Joenel Aguerol (to Ole Miss); CB Ondre Evans (to North Carolina State); S Adrian Maddox ST:   Incoming (5) QB: RB: WR: Isaiah Canion (from Georgia Tech) TE: OL:DL/EDGE: DL Amaris Williams (from Auburn) LB: CB/S: CB Braylon Conley (from Southern California); S Ja’Marley Riddle (from East Carolina); S Khalil Barnes (from Clemson)   KENTUCKY Outgoing (25) QB: Stone Saunders; Cutter Boley (to Arizona State) RB: Dante Dowdell; Jamarion Wilcox WR: David Washington Jr.; Preston Bowman; Tony Stellato; Quintin Simmons; Cameron Miller; WR Hardley Gilmore (to Louisville); WR Preston Bowman (to Ohio U); WR Montavin Quisenberry TE: OL: OT Darrin Strey   DL/EDGE: EDGE Landyn Watson (to Kansas) ; EDGE Steven Soles; DL Austin Ramsey ( to Kansas State) ; DL Javeon Campbell; EDGE Jacob Smith (to Louisville) ; DL Jerod Smith II (to Louisville) ; Kenyatta Hardge (to Marshall) LB: Tavion Wallace (from Arkansas) CB/S: CB Nasir Addison; S DJ Waller Jr . (to Louisville) ; S Cam Dooley (to Florida) ; CB Quaysheed Scott (to South Carolina) ST:   Incoming (19) QB: Kenny Minchey (from Notre Dame); JacQai Long (from Marshall) RB: Jovonate Barnes (from Oklahoma); CJ Baxter (from Texas)  WR: Xavier Daisy (from UAB): Ja’Kayden Ferguson (from Arkansas) TE: OL: OG Coleton Price (from Baylor); OG Max Anderson (from Tennessee); OT Olaus Alinen (from Alabama); OT Lance Heard (from Tennessee); OT Mark Robinson (from UTEP) DL/EDGE: EDGE Antonio Berry (from Gardner-Webb); DL Ahmad Breaux (from LSU); DL Jesse Anderson (from Pittsburgh); DL Dominic Wiseman (from South Alabama)   LB: Elijah Barnes (from Texas) CB/S: CB Hasaan Sykes (from Western Carolina); S Cyrus Reeves (from Mississippi State); CB Mark Manfred III (from Missouri)  ST: PK Adam Zouagui (from South Florida); LS Spencer Radnoti (from Oklahoma)    LSU Outgoing (33) QB: Colin Hurley; Michael Van Buren (to South Florida); Tre People RB: Ju’Juan Johnson (to Syracuse); Kaleb Jackson; Caden Durham; JT Lindsey WR: Jelani Watkins; Khylan Billiot (to James Madison); Kyle Parker; TaRon Francis (to West Virginia); Destyn Hill (to Tulane); Isaiah Stone TE: Donovan Green (to Oklahoma State) OL: OG Carius Curne (to Ole Miss); OG Coen Echols (to Texas A&M) ; OG DJ Chester; OT Tyree Adams (to Texas A&M); OT Paul Mubenga; OT Ethan Calloway; OT Ory Williams (to Tennessee); OT Tyler Miller DL/EDGE: DL Ahmad Breaux (to Kentucky); DL Sydir Mitchell (to Wake Forest); DL Zion Williams (to Texas); DL Walter Mathis Jr.; EDGE CJ Jackson (to Vanderbilt) LB: Princeton Malbrue CB/S: CB Ashton Stamps (to Arizona State); S Javian Toviano; S Austin Ausberry; S Dashawn Spears; S Joel Rogers  ST: PK Aeron Burrell (to North Carolina)   Incoming (20) QB: Landen Clark (from Elon) RB: Raycine Guillory (from Utah); Rod Gainey Jr. (from Charlotte) WR: Jackson Harris (from Hawaii); Tre Brown (from Old Dominion); Malachi Thomas (from Pittsburgh); Jayce Brown (from Kansas State); Eugene Wilson III (from Florida); Malik Elzy (from Illinois); Josh Jackson (from McNeese State); Tyree Holloway (from West Florida); Winston Watkins (from Ole Miss) TE: OL: OG William Satterwhite (from Tennessee) DL/EDGE: DL Stephiylan Green (from Clemson); DL Malik Blocton (from Auburn); EDGE Jaylen Brown (from South Carolina); EDGE Jordan Ross (from Tennessee); EDGE Achilles Woods (from South Alabama) LB: CB/S: S Ty Benefield (from Boise State) ST: PK Scott Starzyk (from Arkansas)     MISSISSIPPI STATE Outgoing (33) QB: Luke Kromenhoek (to South Florida) RB: Johnnie Daniels; Seth Davis; Geron Johnson WR: Ferzell Shepard; Jaron Glover (to South Florida); Jordan Mosley; Markus Allen; Davian Jackson; Cam Thompson (to Northern Illinois) TE: TE Emeka Lloh; Cam Ball OL: OG Brennan Smith; OT Jimothy Lewis Jr. (to California); OT Jaekwon Bouldin; OT Luke Work (to Missouri) ; OG Alex Lopez (to Western Kentucky); OG Koby Keenum (to Memphis) DL/EDGE: DL Terrance Hibblier Jr.; DL Ashun Shepphard (to California); EDGE Joseph Head Jr. (to Memphis); DL Corey Clark; DL Kai McClendon; Kedrick Bigley-Jones (to Alabama) LB: CB/S: S Tony Mitchell; S Stonka Burnside (to Memphis) ; CB Dwight Lewis III; S Tyler Woodard; S Lo’Kavion Jackson; CB Jayven Williams; CB Elijah Cannon (to Kansas); CB DK McGruder; S Cyrus Reeves (to Kentucky) ST:   Incoming (11) QB: AJ Swann (from Appalachian State) RB: WR: Marquis Johnson (from Missouri) TE: TE Riley Williams (from Oregon State) OL: OG LJ Prudhomme (from Arkansas); OT Ja’Elyne Matthews (from Florida State) DL/EDGE: DL Jayson Jenkins (from Florida State); EDGE Amaree Williams (from Florida State); DL Gus Cordova (from Southern California) LB: CB/S: S Kaylib Singleton (from Syracuse); CB Quentin Taylor (from Iowa State); S Marcus Williams (from Rice) ST:   MISSOURI Outgoing (30) QB: Beau Pribula; RB: RB Marquise Davis (to Louisville) ; RB Brendon Haygood (to North Texas); Tavorous Jones WR: James Madison II (to UT-San Antonio) ; Josh Manning (to Kansas State) ; Marquis Johnson (to Mississippi State) ; Daniel Blood (to Washington State); KJ Daniels TE: TE Dakota Terrell OL: OG Henry Fenuku (to North Texas); OT Johnny Williams IV; OT Brandon Solis; OT Jayven Richardson; OT Jaylen Early; OG Keiton Jones (to Kansas State) ; OG Troy Everett; OT Luke Baklenko DL/EDGE: EDGE Javion Hilson (to Virginia Tech) ; EDGE Nate Johnson (to Auburn); DL Justin Bodford; EDGE Damon Wilson II LB: Kobie McKenzie CB/S: S Caleb Flagg; CB Mark Manfred III (to Kentucky) ; CB Shamar McNeil; S Marvin Burks Jr. (to Wisconsin); S Gentry Williams; CB Kendel Colby ST: PK Robert Meyer   Incoming (13) QB: Austin Simmons (from Ole Miss) RB: Xai’Shaun Edwards (from Houston Christian) WR: Caleb Goodie (from Cincinnati); Horatio Fields (from Auburn); WR Naeushaun Montgomery (from Florida) TE: OL: OT Luke Work (from Mississippi State); OL Will Kemna (from Kansas State); OT Josh Atkins (from Arizona State) DL/EDGE: EDGE Jaden Jones (from Florida State); DL Donta Simpson (from Miami) LB: Robert Woodyard Jr. (from Auburn) CB/S: CB Jahlil Florence (from Oregon) ; S JaDon Blair (from Notre Dame) ST:   OKLAHOMA Outgoing (21) QB: Michael Hawkins (to West Virginia) RB: Jovonate Barnes (to Kentucky); Taylor Tatum (to Michigan) WR: Jayden Gibson (to South Carolina) ; Zion Kearney; Javonnie Gibson (to Cincinnati); Ivan Carreon; Zion Ragins (to South Carolina) TE: Kaden Helms (to Minnesota); Carson Kent (to Pittsburgh) OL: OG Jacob Sexton (to Oklahoma State); OL Logan Howland (to Virginia Tech); OL Jake Taylor (to Iowa State) ; OG Caleb Nitta; OT Luke Baklenko (to Arizona State) DL/EDGE: DL Marcus Strong (to Clemson); DL Ricky Lolohea LB: Samuel Omosigho CB/S: S Marcus Wimberly (to Utah); CB Devon Jordan (to Baylor) ; CB Maliek Hawkins (to West Virginia) ; S Jaydan Hardy ST:   Incoming (11) QB: RB: WR: Trell Harris (from Virginia); Parker Livingstone (from Texas); Mackenzie Alleyne (from Washington State) TE: Rocky Beers (from Colorado State); Hayden Hansen (from Florida) OL: OT E’Marion Harris (from Arkansas); OG Peyton Joseph (from Georgia Tech) DL/EDGE: EDGE Kenny Ozowalu (from UT-San Antonio) LB: Kobie McKinzie (to Northwestern); Cole Sullivan (from Michigan); CB/S: CB Dakoda Fields (from Oregon) ST:   OLE MISS Outgoing (12) QB: Austin Simmons (to Missouri) RB: RB Domonique Thomas WR: Winston Watkins (to LSU) TE: OL: OG PJ Wilkins; OT Jude Foster; OG Ethan Fields; OG Delano Thompson   DL/EDGE: EDGE Corey Amos; DL Josh Schell (to UCF) LB: Jaden Yates (to Houston) CB/S: CB Chris Gravesaw; CB Ricky Fletcher      Incoming (12) QB: Deuce Knight (from Auburn) RB: WR: TE: Brady Prieskorn (from Michigan) OL: OG Carrius Curne (from LSU DL/EDGE: EDGE Jonathan Maldonado (from Nevada); DT Jehiem Oatis (from Colorado); DL Michai Boireau (from Florida); LB: Keaton Thomas (from Baylor); Chris Jones (from Southern Miss) CB/S: CB Sharif Denson (from Florida) ; CB Jay Crawford (from Auburn); S Joenel Aguerol (from Georgia); S Edwin Joseph (from Florida State) ST:   SOUTH CAROLINA Outgoing (22) QB: Air Noland RB: WR: Emazon Littlejohn; Brian Rowe Jr. (to UCLA); Vandrevious Jacobs (to Miami) TE: Michael Smith (to Syracuse) OL: OT Mac Walters (to Appalachian State); OG Trovon Baugh (to Texas A&M) ; OT Cason Henry (to Louisville); OT Tree Babalade (to Nebraska); OG Nick Sharpe (to Michigan State); OG Rodney Newsom; OG Boaz Stanley (to Purdue); OT Josiah Thompson; OT Campbell Vandiver; OT Jatavius Shivers DL/EDGE: DL Zavion Hardy (to Baylor); EDGE Taeshawn Alston; DL Chase Kibble LB: Jaron Willis (to Kansas) ; EDGE Jaylen Brown (to LSU) CB/S: CB Myles Norwood ST: PK Peyton Argent   Incoming (16) QB: RB: Sam Williams-Dixon (from Ohio State); Jabree Wallace-Coleman (from Penn State) WR: Jayden Gibson (from Oklahoma); Nitro Tuggle (from Purdue); Zion Ragins (from Oklahoma) TE: OL: OT Hank Purvis (from Purdue); OG Boaz Stanley (to Purdue); OT Jaccarius Peak (from North Carolina State); OT Emmanuel Poku (from East Carolina); OG Dayne Arnett (from Ferris State); OT Seth Smith (from Northern Arizona) DL/EDGE: DL Tomiwa Durojaiye (from Illinois); EDGE Drew Collins (from Arkansas State); DL Kelby Collins (from Texas) LB: CB/S: CB Quaysheed Scott (from Kentucky) ST: PK Upton Bellenfant (from Texas Tech)   TENNESSEE Outgoing (21) QB: Jake Merklinger; RB: Peyton Lewis (to Virginia) WR: Tommy Winton TE: OL: OT Trevor Duncan; OG Max Anderson (to Kentucky) ; OT Lance Heard (to Kentucky); OT Bennett Warren (to Minnesota) ; OG William Satterwhite (to LSU); DL/EDGE: EDGE Kellen Lindstrom; DL Jamal Wallace (to Utah); DL Herb Gray; EDGE Amari Jefferson; EDGE Caleb Herring; EDGE Emmanuel Okoye; EDGE Jayden Loften (to Wisconsin); EDGE Jordan Ross (to LSU) LB: Brenden Anes CB/S: S Boo Carter (to Colorado); S Marcus Goree Jr.; CB Rickey Gibson ST: PK Max Gilbert (to Arkansas)   Incoming (10) QB: RB: WR: Gavin Freeman (from Oklahoma State) TE: Richie Anderson (from Fresno State) OL: OT Ory Williams (from LSU)DL/EDGE: DL Xavier Gilliam (from Penn State); EDGE Chaz Coleman (from Penn State) LB: Amare Campbell (from Penn State) CB/S: S Qua Moss (from Kansas State); CB Kayin Lee (from Auburn); S Dejuan Lane (from Penn State) ST: PK Cooper Ranvier (from Louisville)   TEXAS Outgoing (26) QB: Trey Owens (to Arkansas State) RB: CJ Baxter (to Kentucky); Jerrick Gibson (to Purdue) ; Rickey Stewart Jr.; Quintrevion Wisner (to Florida State) ; RB Christian Clark WR: Aaron Butler; DeAndre Moore Jr.; Parker Livingstone (to Oklahoma); Jaime Ffrench (to Michigan) TE: Jordan Washington (to North Carolina) OL: OG Connor Stroh (to Kansas) ; OG Neto Umeozulu; OG Nate Kibble (to Baylor); OG Daniel Cruz DL/EDGE: DL Melvin Hills III (to UConn); DL Lavon Johnson (to Maryland); DL Josh Schell; EDGE Zina Umeozulu; DL Kelby Collins (to South Carolina) LB: Liona Lefau (to Colorado); Elijah Barnes (to Kentucky) CB/S: CB Santana Wilson (to Louisville); CB Wardell Mack; CB Caleb Chester (to Arizona State); CB Kobe Black ST:     Incoming (13) QB: RB: Raleek Brown (from Arizona State); Hollywood Smothers (from North Carolina State) WR: TE: Michael Masunas (from Michigan State) OL: OT Wes King (from Wyoming); OG Dylan Sikorski (from Oregon State) DL/EDGE: DL Ian Geffrard (from Arkansas); DL Zion Williams (from LSU) LB: Justin Cryer (from Florida State); Rasheem Biles (from Pittsburgh) CB/S: CB Bo Mascoe (from Rutgers) ST: P Mac Chiumento (from Florida State); PK Gianni Spetic (from Memphis); PK Will Stone (from UCF)   TEXAS A&M Outgoing (15) QB: Miles O’Neill (to North Carolina) RB: WR: Izaiah Williams (to Kansas State) TE: Theo Melin Ohrstrom (to SMU) OL: OT Jonte Newman DL/EDGE: EDGE Solomon Williams (to California) ; EDGE Rylan Kennedy (to Florida State) ; DL Dealyn Evans; DL Alessandro Perez LB: Tristan Jernigan (to California) CB/S: CB Jayvon Thomas; S Jordan Pride (to Southern Miss); S Bryce Anderson; CB Cobey Sellers ST: LS Shea Freibaum; P Truette Tumey   Incoming (14) QB: RB: WR: Isaiah Horton (from Alabama) TE: Houston Thomas (from UT-San Antonio) OL: OG Coen Echols (from LSU); OG Trovon Baugh (from South Carolina); OT Tyree Adams (from LSU); OT Wilkin Formby (from Alabama) DL/EDGE: DL Brandon Davis-Swain (from Colorado); EDGE Ryan Henderson (from San Diego State); EDGE Anto Saka (from Northwestern); DL Angelo McCullom (from Illinois) LB: Ray Coney (from Tulsa) CB/S: S Tawfiq Byard (from Colorado); CB Rickey Gibson (from Tennessee) ST: PK David Olano (from Illinois)   VANDERBILT Outgoing (15) QB: Drew Dickey (to Arkansas State); Jeremy St. Hilaire RB: AJ Newberry WR: Boski Barrett; Jeremiah Dillon; Chance Fitzgerald; Tre Richardson (to Louisville) TE: Maurice Veney; Witt Edwards OL: OT Misael Sandoval; OG Cooper Starks DL/EDGE: DL Linus Zunk (to Washington State); DL Terry Nwabuisi-Ezeala LB: CB/S: S Randon Fontenette (to Colorado); CB Trudell Berry ST:   Incoming (10) QB: RB: WR: Cole Adams (from Alabama) TE: Jayvontay Conner (from East Carolina) OL: OT Beau Johnson (from North Dakota State); OG Lyndon Cooper (from Pittsburgh); OG Micah DeBose (from Alabama) DL/EDGE: DL Talan Carter (from Louisiana); EDGE CJ Jackson (from LSU); DL Brian Allen (from Iowa) LB: CB/S: CB Cobey Sellers (from Texas A&M); S Ricardo Jones (from Clemson)

Boogie Fland lit up the Vols for 23 points (UAA Photo) For the first 16 minutes Saturday afternoon at the O-Dome, the Tennessee Vols were going toe-to-toe with the Florida Gators. Other than the fact the score was tied 26-26, the game had almost gone as if Rick Barnes had scripted it. It was hand-to-hand combat, tough and physical. About the only thing missing was Gordon Solie on the play-by-play.     “It was a good game, a close game, the kind of game you would expect and then the last four minutes of first half, just really poor basketball,” Barnes explained after the 21 st -ranked Vols (11-5, 1-2 SEC) felt like litter in the tall grass on the side of the road, tossed aside 91-67 by Gators (11-5, 2-1 SEC) who finally played the complete game that Todd Golden has been waiting for patiently since the season began two months ago.   Poor basketball if you choose to view the outcome through creamsicle colored glasses, a work of art if you’re a Gator, and for that, you can blame it on the Boogie.   In those final four minutes of the first half when the Gators broke away on a 15-2 run, Boogie Fland became the dominant figure on both ends of the court. He scored, he defended, he intimidated, he passed and when the clock struck zero to mercifully bring the first half to a close, the Gators held a 41-28 lead. Starting with a stepback 3-pointer off a between the legs dribble that put the Gators ahead for good at 29-26 with 3:33 remaining in the half, Boogie Fland became Tennessee’s worst nightmare.   The battle damage assessment for that stretch had Boogie Fland’s fingerprints on everything. Of Florida’s 15 points to end the half, the only two Fland wasn’t responsible for came on a layup by Rueben Chinyelu. Fland’s second three came from the right wing off a nifty pass from Xaivian Lee that made it 34-28 with 1:44 left. Then came a steal, a crossover dribble and a layup that nearly sucked the oxygen out of the building. There was another steal. He turned this one into a pass for to Urban Klavzar, who stepped into a 25-foot three.   Finally, there was a drive into a pack of Vols with just under 50 seconds remaining. Fland was surrounded and then he wasn’t, so he finished with a Houdini-like banker that found the bottom of the net after eluding a swat by 6-8 Jaylen Carey. Just like that, the Gators were up by 13 points and there was a charge of electricity in the O-Dome like we haven’t seen since the last home game of the 2024-25 season.   The momentum carried over to the second half where Fland scored 11 points during a 19-7 run that pushed the Florida lead to 60-36 on Fland’s third 3-pointer of the game with 13:03 remaining. Florida’s offense was clearly an extension of defensive intensity that completely neutralized Tennessee’s leading scorer Ja’Kobi Gillespie and ran the Vols off the 3-point line. Gillespie, who scored 34 points in his last outing, managed only 12 against Florida’s 3-headed defensive rotation of Fland, Lee and Klavzar. Gillespie was able to squeeze off only 10 shots the entire game and was 2-6 from the 3-point line. For a successful comeback attempt, the Vols needed threes, but Florida defenders kept them from getting their feet set.   “ Especially once we got out to a little bit of a lead, we made sure our guys understood how important it was to make them operate inside the three,” Golden said. “We didn't want to give them opportunities to get back in the ball game. ”   Almost as an insult to the visiting Vols, the Gators cut Chinyelu loose in the second half where he scored 10 points and grabbed 10 of his 16 rebounds. The Vols tried Felix Okpara on Chinyelu one-on-one, but when that didn’t work, they tried doubling down and sometimes surrounding him.   None of that worked.   “I think he's growing into one of the best frontcourt players in the land,” Golden said. “And, you know, we talked a lot about this game specifically winning the battle of paint. They play two bigs, we play two bigs, both teams like to screen-assist in the lane. Both teams use their big as screeners a lot, and then both teams are relentlessly trying to create second-chance opportunities. So, you know, we challenged those guys to win that battle, and you know, Rue had 16 rebounds. Okpara had one. He dominated. You know, that stretch in the second half where we were able to get him some deep post catches over there on the right block, and just his patience and his ability to get to his left shoulder and find a way to finish, you know, that was kind of the backbreaker that allowed us to get an insurmountable lead.”   With Chinyelu leading the way, the Gators finished with a 41-30 rebounding advantage. The Gators forced Tennessee into 18 turnovers that were converted into 30 points. Florida’s 10 turnovers only resulted in eight UT points.   In earning their second win of the week over a ranked opponent, the Gators followed the same formula – intense defense on the perimeter that neutralizes the 3-point line and complete control of the backboards. In scoring the two wins, the Gators outrebounded Georgia and Tennessee by a combined 96-65 while keeping them from going into shooter’s comas from the 3-point line. Georgia and the Vols combined for only 34 3-point attempts (made 10).   Why the win over Tennessee had to feel like the best game the Gators have played this season had everything to do with the guard play. Fland (23 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals), Lee (10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) and Klavzar (15 points) combined to shoot 16-31 overall from the field, 8-22 from the 3-point line.   Fland was 9-13 from the field and 3-6 from the 3-point line. He has been playing good defense and doing a good job distributing the ball, but the ability to make shots had been the missing link, not just for Fland, but the entire team. If he is able to make threes, it will open things up on the perimeter for everyone. When he’s making shots, there is no sloughing off to help out on other shooters nor is it profitable to sag into the paint and dare him to take threes.   If the Gators are able to sustain the shooting moving forward, they will have a chance to become the dominant team in the SEC for the second straight year.   “As I've said to you guys, when we start making some shots, we're gonna be able to run away from some people,” Golden said. “We were able to do that today.”   Game notes: Six Gators scored in double figures – Fland (23), Chinyelu (17), Klavzar (15), Tommy Haugh (13), Alex Condon (11) and Lee (10) … The Gators have won 15 straight games in the O-Dome, the 10 th longest streak in school history and longest since 2012-14 when the Gators won 33 straight … Golden has won 20 games against top 25-ranked opponents in four seasons, tying Mike White for second on Florida’s all-time list. White got 20 top 25 wins in seven seasons. Billy Donovan holds the UF record with 64 over 19 seasons ... Next up for the Gators is Oklahoma Tuesday night.   SEC BASKETBALL Saturday’s games No. 11 Vanderbilt (16-0, 3-0 SEC) 84, LSU (12-4, 0-3 SEC) 73: Tyler Tanner scored 20 points to lead Vandy, which had five players score in double figures. Tyler Nickel had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Commodores. LSU was led by Max Mackinnon, who scored 27.   Texas (10-6, 1-2 SEC) 92, No. 13 Alabama (11-5, 1-2 SEC) 88: The Longhorns got their first SEC win, stunning 13 th -ranked Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Jordan Pope led the Longhorns with 28 points. Labaron Philon Jr. scored 21 to lead Alabama.   Auburn (10-6, 1-2 SEC) 95, No. 15 Arkansas (12-4, 2-1 SEC) 73: Behind 32 points by Keyshawn Hall, Auburn blew the doors off Arkansas, handing the Razorbacks their first SEC loss. Darius Acuff Jr. led Arkansas with 19 points.   No. 18 Georgia (14-2, 2-1 SEC) 75, South Carolina (10-6, 1-2 SEC) 70: Georgia clamped down defensively in the last five minutes to ease past South Carolina in Columbia. Kanon Catchings led Georgia with 20 points while South Carolina was led by Mike Sharavjamts with 18.   Texas A&M (13-3, 3-0 SEC) 83, Oklahoma (11-5, 1-2 SEC) 76: Rashaun Agee with 16 points and 12 rebounds led the Aggies, who won despite being outrebounded by Oklahoma 43-32. Nigel Pack scored 24 for Oklahoma.   Ole Miss (9-7, 1-2 SEC) 76, Missouri (12-4, 2-1 SEC) 69: AJ Storr came off the bench to light up Mizzou for 26 points, handing the Tigers their first SEC loss. Mark Mitchell scored 20 to lead Missouri.   Kentucky (10-6, 1-2 SEC) 92, Mississippi State (10-6, 2-1 SEC) 68: Kentucky avoided an 0-3 start in SEC play by running away from Mississippi State in the second half when the Wildcats outscored the Bulldogs 48-29. Otega Oweh scored 22 to lead Kentucky while Josh Hubbard led Mississippi State with 20.   Tuesday’s games FLORIDA (11-5, 2-1 SEC) at Oklahoma (11-5, 1-2 SEC) No. 13 Alabama (11-5, 1-2 SEC) at Mississippi State (10-6, 2-1 SEC) Texas A&M (13-3, 3-0 SEC) at No. 21 Tennessee (11-5, 1-2 SEC)   Wednesday’s games No. 11 Vanderbilt (16-0, 3-0 SEC) at Texas (9-6, 0-2 SEC) South Carolina (10-6, 1-2 SEC) at No. 15 Arkansas (12-4, 2-1 SEC) Ole Miss (9-7, 1-2 SEC) at No. 18 Georgia (14-2, 2-1 SEC) Auburn (10-6, 1-2 SEC) at Missouri (12-4, 2-1 SEC) Kentucky (SEC) at LSU (12-4, 0-3 SEC)

Coach Jenny Rowland:“I would say the Gators showed up and showed out today."

If it’s star power that you’re looking for when it comes to Jon Sumrall’s very systematic retooling of the Florida football roster, then you need to look somewhere else. Retaining Jadan Baugh and Jayden Woods was certainly huge, but the guys Sumrall is bringing in from the transfer portal don’t have the same sizzle. That doesn’t mean Florida is a bust when it comes to recruiting in the portal, just that Sumrall is ensuring he will have a competent veteran roster with very few holes when the Gators take the field against Florida Atlantic on September 5.   Thursday, Sumrall added to the depth of the running backs room when he got a commitment from East Carolina’s London Montgomery (5-11, 197, SO). Last season, Montgomery ran for 742 yards (7 TDs, 4.76 per carry) while catching 15 passes for 76 yards in an offense that averaged 449 yards and 32.7 points per game. Montgomery, who is a sophomore with two years eligibility, gives the Gators five running backs. Baugh will certainly move on to the NFL after the 2026 season and Cincinnati transfer Evan Pryor will exhaust his eligibility. So, adding Montgomery to a room that also includes current freshmen Duke Clark and Byron Louis, ensures the Gators won’t go into the 2027 season minus veteran runners.   Friday morning, Sumrall resolved a special teams problem when he got a commitment from Louisiana long snapper Carter Milliron (6-0, 257, SR).   That brings Florida’s veteran roster to 55 to go with 18 freshman signees and one juco. At 74 on scholarship, Sumrall still has 31 at his disposal. With late registration ending next week, expect the action in the portal to go fast and furious.   In another piece of news, quarterback DJ Lagway has found his new home. As expected, Lagway signed with Baylor, three hours from his Willis, Texas home and the alma mater of his father, who played running back for the Bears during his collegiate career.   Here is the scholarship breakdown and the bare minimum of what Sumrall will be looking to add from the portal: Quarterback (3): Four on scholarship is a necessity. Five is a luxury. Running Back (5): Six would be a luxury but maybe someone who is more slot than RB? Wide Receiver (8): Need two more at a minimum, but four more would be nice. Tight end (5): Need one more since signee Kent might move to tackle. O-line (18): Need 2-4 more veterans since six of the 18 are freshmen. D-line/EDGE (12): Veteran tackles are a necessity. At least three. Linebackers (6): Four more is a necessity, especially linebackers who are skilled in coverage. Secondary (13): Spread offenses require lots of corners, so minimum of three more. Special teams (3): Need backup kicker, punter   VETERANS (55) QUARTERBACK (2): Tramell Jones Jr. (6-0, 203, FR); QB Aaron Philo (6-2, 220, RFR, from Georgia Tech)   RUNNING BACKS (5): Duke Clark (6-1, 211, FR); Byron Louis (6-0, 211, FR); Jadan Baugh (6-1, 231, SO); Evan Pryor (5-9, 195, RSR, from Cincinnati); London Montgomery (5-11, 197, SO, from East Carolina)   WIDE RECEIVERS (5): Vernell Brown III (5-11, 178, FR); Dallas Wilson (6-3, 213, FR); TJ Abrams (5-10, 196, RFR); Bailey Stockton (5-11, 185, SO, from Georgia Tech); Micah Mays Jr. (6-2, 196, SO, from Wake Forest)   TIGHT END: (4) Amir Jackson (6-5, 235, RFR); Micah Jones (6-4, 257, FR); Tony Livingston (6-5, 264, RSO); Lacote Dippre (6-4, 253, SO, from James Madison)   O-LINE (12): OT Fletcher Westphal (6-8, 342, RFR); OT Caden Jones (6-8, 333, RSO); OT/OG Bryce Lovett (6-5, 321, RSO); OG Knijeah Harris (6-3, 313, JR); OG/C Roderick Kearney (6-4, 310, RSO); OG Jason Zandamela (6-3, 308, RFR); OT Jahari Medlock (6-5, 321, FR); OG TJ Dice Jr. (6-4, 304, FR); OG Daniel Pierre Louis (6-4, 332, FR); C Harrison Moore (6-5, 300, SO, from Georgia Tech); OG TJ Shanahan (6-4, 315, RSO, from Penn State); OT Eagan Boyer (6-8, 302, RFR, from Penn State)   D-LINE/EDGE (9): EDGE LJ McCray (6-6, 268, SO); EDGE Kamran James (6-6, 270, JR); EDGE Jayden Woods (6-3, 248, FR); DL Joseph Mbatchou (6-5, 300, FR); EDGE Kofi Asare (6-5, 251, RJR); EDGE Jaylen Wiggins (6-5, 268, FR); Brendan Bett (6-5, 308, RSO); DT DK Kalu (6-4, 309, SO, from Baylor); DE Emmanuel Oyebadejo (6-7, 295, JR, from Jacksonville State)   LINEBACKERS (5): Jaden Robinson (6-1, 226, JR); Myles Graham (6-1, 228, SO); Aaron Chiles (6-3, 244, SO); Ty Jackson (6-2, 221, FR); Myles Johnson (6-1, 224, FR)   SECONDARY (10): S Drake Stubbs (6-1, 207, FR); CB Cormani McClain (6-2, 189, RSO); S Bryce Thornton (5-10, 211, JR); S Lagonza Hayward (6-1, 206, FR); CB J’Vari Flowers (5-10, 187, FR); CB Dijon Johnson (6-1, 204, JR); CB Onis Konanbanny (6-0, 184, FR);  CB Ben Hanks III (6-1, 192, FR); S DJ Coleman (6-1, 210, JR, from Baylor); S Cam Dooley (6-2, 208, SO, from Kentucky)   SPECIAL TEAMS (3): PK Patrick Durkin (5-10, 175, SO, from Tulane); P Alec Clark (6-1, 185, RSO, from Tulane); LS Carter Milliron (6-0, 257, SR, from Louisiana)   SIGNED FRESHMEN/JUCOS (19) QUARTERBACK (1): Will Griffin (6-3, 230)   WIDE RECEIVERS (3): Davian Groce (6-2, 191); Justin Williams (5-11, 187); Marquez Daniel (6-5, 205)   TIGHT END (1): Heze Kent (6-6, 305)   O-LINE (6): Tyler Chukuyem (6-6, 285); Chancellor Campbell (6-8, 307); G’nivre Carr (6-4, 309); Desmond Green (6-5, 343); Javarii Luckas (6-6, 318); Corey Brown (6-1, 280)   D-LINE/EDGE (3): DL Kendall Guervil (6-2, 323); DL JaReylan McCoy (6-7, 260); EDGE KJ Ford (6-4, 246)   LINEBACKER (1): Malik Morris (6-0, 250)   SECONDARY (3): CJ Hester (6-0, 186); Kaiden Hall (6-2, 192); CJ Bronaugh (6-0, 172); Dylan Purter (6-0, 185); Elijah Owens (6-3, 210, FR, from Mississippi Gulf Coast)   GONERS (29) QB (1): DJ Lagway (to Baylor) RB (4): KD Daniels (to Wake Forest) ; Treyaun Webb; Chad Gaspar Jr.; Ja’Kobi Jackson WR (5): Eugene Wilson III (to LSU); Tank Hawkins; Aidan Mizell (to UCLA); Muizz Tounkara; Naushaun Montgomery TE (2): Hayden Hansen (to Oklahoma); Cameron Kossman OL (4): OT Marcus Mascoll; OT Enoch Wangoy; OT Devon Manuel; OT Noel Portnjagin DL/EDGE (3): DL Tavorise Brown; DL Michai Boireau (to Ole Miss) ; DL Jeramiah McCloud LB (1): Grayson Howard (to South Florida) S/CB (6): S Jordan Castell (to Kentucky); S Josiah Davis; CB Jameer Grimsley (to Mississippi State); S Teddy Foster (to South Florida); CB Aaron Gates (to Kentucky); CB Shariff Denson (to Ole Miss) ST (3): P Hayden Craig (to LSU); PK Evan Noel; LS Mack Mulhern   CALL THIS ONE MIAMI’S FIESTA BOWL REVENGE If you are old enough and you recall the Ohio State-Miami game in the Fiesta Bowl that decided the 2002 national championship, then you are quite familiar with the horrendous pass interference call in the end zone that literally gifted the title to the Buckeyes. While it won’t inject Novocain into the Miami memory bank, Hurricane fans should feel a measure of payback today because the zebra from the Big Ten crew swallowed his whistle on the game’s final play.   Miami corner Ethan O’Connor mugged Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, grabbing his pads with both hands to prevent him from making a catch that would have won the game. It was clearly pass interference as ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, himself a former corner who spent eight years in the NFL, pointed out Friday morning on “Get Up.” A pass interference call wouldn’t have won the game for Ole Miss, but it would have given the Rebels one more shot at the end zone.   This was not a Hail Mary pass as Kirk Herbstreit so weakly described it. He should be ashamed of himself for being such a coward. He saw what happened live. He had the benefit of all those replays. He saw a normal pass route by Stribling and an exceptional throw by Trinidad Chambers. He also saw that O’Connor made no attempt to make a play on the ball but instead concentrated on pulling Stribling down.   Further, ESPN rules analyst Bill LeMonnier proved an even bigger coward by defending the no-call, claiming that it’s a no-call 99 percent of the time.   And why is that? Because a zebra doesn’t want to go down as the guy who made a call on the final play of the game?   I’m friends with college basketball official Doug Shows, who says the way you call a game in the first five minutes has to be consistent with the way you call it in the last five. The same analysis applies to football. Ole Miss should have had one more play. There are no guarantees they score a TD, but at least they could walk away knowing they were given a fair shot.   IS THE SEC GASPING FOR AIR? For the third straight year, not only will a Southeastern Conference team not win the national championship, but won’t have a team in the championship game. Adding to the misery, the SEC had five teams in this year’s playoff and only Ole Miss made it to the final four. Outside of Ole Miss going 2-1 in the playoff, the closest thing to a signature win for the league was Texas sprinting past Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.   Meanwhile, if either Indiana or Oregon – the other two teams in the final four – go on to win the championship it will mark three straight national titles for the Big Ten. Diehard SEC fans cringe at the thought of one more year in which Big Ten fans crow that they have the best conference.   I do not think the SEC is as strong as it was from 2006-2022 when it won 13 national titles to three for the ACC and one for the Big Ten. Nor is the SEC as strong as it was from 2015-22 when it claimed six national championships and lost in the title game the other two years. Some of that has to do with coaching changes – Alabama replacing Nick Saban with Kalen DeBoer certainly hasn’t helped but that isn’t the only change – but the bigger culprit is the portal and NIL. Thanks to the portal a team can make up for all those four and five star recruits who went bust or grew impatient waiting their chance to play. Thanks to NIL, a school with an enterprising big oil gozillionaire such as Texas Tech with Cody Campbell, can spend its way to a title. The SEC doesn’t lack for deep pocket boosters with more money than brains. The league will be back. It’s a matter of when not if.

Xaivian Lee (1) sizes up Georgia's Blue Cain (Photo by Chris Spears) The late, great Red Auerbach, who coached the Boston Celtics to nine NBA championships, once commented, “You can’t win without the ball.” With Bill Russell as his anchor, Auerbach and the Celtics proved that on nights when you can’t throw the ball in the ocean from the end of the pier, you can still win if you play defense and rebound.   That theory will be tested to the max today when the Florida Gators (10-5, 1-1 SEC) play host to 19 th -ranked Tennessee (11-4, 1-1 SEC) at the O-Dome (12 noon, ESPN). Mired in a shooting slump (27.7 percent on 3-point shots) that shows no signs of departing anytime soon, the Gators still have answers on the defensive end and on the backboards. The Gators are the No. 8 team in the nation for defensive intensity per the kenpom.com analytics. Even with the erratic shooting, Florida is still the No. 26 team nationally in offensive efficiency.   All this is made possible by intense defense and dominant rebounding, which go hand-in-hand. The combination of defense and rebounding leads to a lot of one shot-and-done possessions for opponents. Great offensive rebounding leads to multiple shot possessions for the Gators, which comes in handy when you look at the Gators’ abysmal outside shooting.   It produces a style that might not be as aesthetically pleasing as last season when the Gators won the national championship but until the shooting comes around, this is how games will be won.   “It’s who we are,” Florida coach Todd Golden said back on Tuesday night after the Gators derailed Georgia, 92-77. Georgia came into the game the nation’s leading scoring team, averaging a shade less than 100 a game, but the Bulldogs’ run them until they gasp for air approach was slowed substantially. On the backboards, Georgia was no match for the Gators, who had a devastating, 56-35, rebounding margin. The Gators retrieved 22 of their own misses.   For the Gators to score a win over the Vols today, they’ll have to replicate the Georgia effort. In beating Georgia, the Gators dominated the paint, but on the perimeter turned Jermiah Wilkinson and Blue Cain completely dysfunctional. Georgia’s two leading scorers managed a combined 4-18 night from the field. When Tennessee’s offense is operating at a high pace, Maryland transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie heats up early from the outside. Averaging 18.7 points per game while shooting 36.4 percent from the 3-point line, Gillespie is the head of the Tennessee snake.   To beat the Vols, the Gators will have to cut the head off the snake and prevent off-the-bench shooters like Bishop Boswell (57.9 percent from three) and Amaree Abram (35.5 percent) from getting into any kind of a rhythm. Gillespie is coming off a 34-point effort in Tennessee’s win over Texas,  a game in which he hit 5-8 from the 3-point line. The Gators will need to do a good job of keeping freshman Nate Ament and veteran Jaylen Carey from getting established down low. Ament averages 14.7 points and 6.5 rebounds as a starter and No. 2 offensive option for the Vols. Carey, 6-8 and 265 pounds, brings muscle into the game from the bench. He’s averaging 9.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.   A year ago, Tennessee came to the O-Dome ranked No. 1 nationally while the Gators were still smarting from a 101-100 loss to Kentucky in Lexington. Unlike the Kentucky loss, the Gators showed up defensively to hand the Vols the worst loss of a No. 1-ranked team in decades, 73-43.   GAME NOTES: The Gators are No. 1 nationally in rebounds per game (47.33), offensive rebounds per game (17.33) and rebound margin (+16 per game) … In the kenpom.com analytics, the Gators are the No. 8 team in the country in defensive efficiency, No. 26 in offensive efficiency … Tennessee is No. 13 in defensive efficiency, No. 34 in offensive efficiency … Tommy Haugh, who had 21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocked shots in the win over Georgia, is on the Wooden Award watch list. Haugh is averaging 17.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game … All five Florida starters are averaging double figures – Haugh 17.5, Alex Condon 14.8, Xaivian Lee 11.7, Boogie Fland 10.8 and Rueben Chinyelu 10.5. Chinyelu leads the Gators and the SEC in rebounding at 10.2 per game while Condon averages 8.4 … Urban Klavzar  (8.8 points per game) is Florida’s leading 3-point shooting, hitting 36.4 percent of his long distance attempts.   SEC teams in kenpom.com national rankings: 6. Vanderbilt; 13. FLORIDA; 14. Alabama; 16. Tennessee; 24. Arkansas; 25. Kentucky; 30. Georgia; 36. Auburn; 41. LSU; 43. Texas A&M; 48. Oklahoma; 53. Texas; 60. Missouri; 67. Ole Miss; 68. South Carolina; 78. Mississippi State   SEC teams in NCAA NET rankings: 7. Vanderbilt; 13. Alabama; 22. FLORIDA; 24. Tennessee; 27. Arkansas; 28. Georgia; 32. Kentucky; 37. Auburn; 47. LSU; 48. Oklahoma; 49. Texas A&M; 73. Texas; 82. Missouri; 88. South Carolina; 97. Mississippi State; 99. Ole Miss   SEC BASKETBALL Today’s games No. 21 Tennessee (11-4, 1-1 SEC) at FLORIDA (10-5, 1-1 SEC) LSU (12-3, 0-2 SEC) at No. 11 Vanderbilt (15-0, 2-0 SEC) Texas (9-6, 0-2 SEC) at No. 13 Alabama (11-4, 1-1 SEC) No. 15 Arkansas (12-3, 2-0 SEC) at Auburn (9-6, 0-2 SEC) No. 18 Georgia (13-2, 1-1 SEC) at South Carolina (10-5, 1-1 SEC) Missouri (12-3, 2-0 SEC) at Ole Miss (8-7, 0-2 SEC) Oklahoma (11-4, 1-1 SEC) at Texas A&M (12-3, 2-0 SEC) Mississippi State (10-5, 2-0 SEC) at Kentucky (9-6, 0-2 SEC)