1 » Former Florida Gators running back Fred Taylor, a 13-year NFL veteran who spent the majority of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, will sign a one-day contract with the team on Friday and officially announce his retirement. Taylor – who has rushed for 11,695 yards and 66 touchdowns while catching 290 passes for 2,384 yards and eight touchdowns – was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in 2007 who is only one of 30 players in league history to have rushed for more than 10,000 yards. He was a three-time Southeastern Conference champion (1994-96) and one-time national champion (1996) at Florida and was named as a first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC member in 1997. A member of the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame, Taylor spent his first 10 years in the NFL with Jacksonville before playing his final two seasons with the New England Patriots. The No. 9 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, he is Jacksonville’s all-time leader in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns.

OGGOA will have more on Taylor’s retirement on Friday. Stay tuned.

2 » Looking to avenge a come-from-behind victory by the Gators in the Sweet 16 of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, No. 25 Florida State Seminoles volleyball strode into the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on a mission Tuesday evening. Fortunately for No. 9 Florida (3-0), the Gators were able to push back their opponents and sweep the Seminoles 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22) in front of a school-record 1,901 students (total attendance: 4,631). Florida has won all nine sets in which they’ve played this season and continues to claw their way to victory each match. Senior right-side/setter Kelly Murphy notched a triple-double in the contest with 12 kills, 10 digs and 17 assists. The trio of senior middle-back Cassandra Anderson (eight), senior outside hitter Stephanie Ferrell (seven) and senior OH Kristy Jaeckel (six) combined for 21 kills on the evening as the Gators improved to 28-2 against FSU under head coach Mary Wise.

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Tags: Alex Brown, All-American, All-Pro, All-SEC, Cassandra Anderson, CFL, Chicago Bears, Dallas Baker, Draft, Florida State Seminoles, Fred Taylor, Gator Chomp, Hall of Fame, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kelly Murphy, Kristy Jaeckel, Montreal Alouettes, NCAA, NCAA Tournament, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, NFL, Pro Bowl, Saskatchewan Roughriders, SEC, Stephanie Ferrell, Sweet 16, University of Florida, volleyball, Wes Chandler

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Al Horford, having recently completed his fourth NBA season, is in his prime and playing the best basketball of his career.

Averaging career highs in points (15.3), field goal percentage (.557) and free throw percentage (.789) while also posting 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in 2010-11, he was named a NBA All-Star for the second-straight season just months after Atlanta locked him up long-term with an impressive five-year, $60 million contract extension in November.

OGGOA caught up with the two-time National Champion, two-time NCAA Finals Most Valuable Player and member of the 2008 NBA All-Rookie Team while he was in Lexington, KY practicing with the Dominican Republic National Team. Horford, who is working out in facilities usually occupied by the Kentucky Wildcats due to his team being led by Kentucky head coach John Calipari, has found himself learning a new system in enemy territory. He spoke with us just after completing practice about a variety of topics including his new contract, reminiscing with the Oh Fours, representing his country and performing some Gator Chomps in the near future.

ADAM SILVERSTEIN: Last time we spoke was a year and a half ago just before you played in your first All-Star game. You went back and posted some career highs this season. To what do you attribute your continued improvement?
AL HORFORD: “There’s really no secret behind that, it’s all about putting in the time in the summer. I always try to focus on something different in the offseason that I want to work on and improve. This past summer I got a chance to work with [veteran skills trainer] Rob McClanaghan, a great basketball trainer who works with a lot of other guys in the league including Derrick Rose. He helped me a lot with my game, but I think at the end of the day it is just all about taking the time and making a commitment to work and keep getting better in the offseason.”

AS: Is there any type of competition between you and Jo[akim Noah]? Obviously you were came out of the same school and were picked high in the 2007 NBA Draft, but you’re also playing the same position and competing in the Eastern Conference, too.
AH: “Nah, not really. Me and Joakim, when we talk, we rarely talk basketball. I’m sure he wants to do good and great for his team, and I do the same, but I think at the end of the day we’re not caught up on so much individual stuff. For us, it’s more about our teams and winning and stuff like that. Obviously he has the upper hand on me because of their team because of the playoffs. I know he was happy about that. We’re not competing individually, it’s [more like] how much we impact our individual teams.”

Read the rest of our exclusive interview with Al Horford after the jump!
Continue Reading » Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford: “It was a no-brainer for me to represent my country.”

Tags: Al Horford, All-Rookie, All-Star, Atlanta Hawks, Gator Chomp, John Calipari, Kentucky Wildcats, Most Valuable Player, National Champion, NBA, NCAA, Oh-Fours

1 » Former Florida Gators and current U.S. Women’s National Team striker Abby Wambach recently allowed Gatorade to film an Inside the Edge segment with her as she trained for and played in a Women’s Professional Soccer game with the magicJack. Wambach, who is a starter and the temporary coach for the team, went through her daily regimen and spoke about what it takes to prepare day-in and day-out. Check it out:

2 » Promoting a the new movie Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, 11-year-old actress Bailee Madison proved she may be the cutest Florida fan in Hollywood after she performed the Gator Chomp while telling a story during an interview with the unfunny, bit-stealing host. In order to reduce your pain in watching a Leno interview, OGGOA was able to cut the segment down to just a few seconds. Thanks to reader Craig S. for the heads-up (especially considering this television program is prohibited from being watched at OGGOA headquarters).

Check out two more video BITS of Tebow and Cooper…after the break
Continue Reading » FOUR (Video) BITS: Wambach’s edge, Madison’s chomp, Tebow’s pass, Cooper’s catch

Tags: Abby Wambach, Bailee Madison, Denver Broncos, Gator Chomp, magicJack, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Riley Cooper, soccer, Tim Tebow

On the brink of the earliest elimination from a World Cup in their country’s history, the 2011 U.S. Women’s National Team was saved as former Florida Gators soccer star Abby Wambach directed a sharp header into the net two minutes into injury time during extra time to tie the match 2-2 and force a penalty kick finish.

Leading 1-0 for most of the match after being on the positive end of an own goal by Brazil just minutes into the contest, the USWNT found themselves the victim of atrocious officiating. Following a questionable red card that took USA down to 10 women, Brazil was awarded a penalty kick as the foul occurred inside the box. After missing the try, Brazil was given a second chance after the referee noted that either USWNT goaltender Hope Solo moved off the line prior to the kick (she didn’t) or an American player encroached into the box before the kick.

Brazil took advantage and tied the match 1-1, forcing two 15-minute extra time periods. Marta, the five-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, scored quickly for Brazil during the first extra time, putting USA at a distinct disadvantage as the clock was running down.

Failing to connect on attempt after attempt, the USWNT finally found their equalizer as Megan Rapinoe rocketed a cross in to the far post, allowing Wambach to propel herself forward and tie the match by heading the ball home.

Penalty kicks followed with USA making all five of theirs to complete an incredible come-from-behind victory and remain alive in the World Cup. The USWNT will square off against France on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. (ESPN) in semifinal action.

Wambach’s teammate, fellow former Florida soccer star Heather Mitts, celebrated USA’s thrilling penalty kick victory with a post-match Gator Chomp:

Wambach’s post-match comments:

Tags: Abby Wambach, Gator Chomp, Heather Mitts, Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe, soccer, USA, USA Soccer, World Cup

EA Sports is not an official OGGOA sponsor (though we certainly wouldn’t mind) but their latest commercial for NCAA Football 12 is notable considering it features a Florida Gators fan working out in the gym by doing a Gator Chomp to prepare for the season. The game goes on sale next week but is already available to pre-order. Check out the video:

Tags: EA Sports, Gator Chomp, NCAA Football 12

Just hours after completing his first Gator Gathering in Lakeland, FL, Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp traveled to Bristol, CT and was put through ESPN‘s self-named car wash – appearing on nearly a dozen of the network’s media platforms over the course of one business day. OGGOA followed Muschamp’s media appearances throughout the day and has put together the following recap:

He started the morning on the set of SportsCenter, where anchor Josh Elliot interviewed him about becoming a head coach and taking over the Florida program.

Then Muschamp headed over to First Take on ESPN2 where host Jay Crawford covered a wide variety of topics with him.

Read, view and listen to the rest of his day in Bristol…after the break!
Continue Reading » Coach Muschamp goes through ESPN’s car wash

Tags: Andre Debose, Charlie Weis, Draft, ESPN, Gator Chomp, Gator Gathering, Jeremy Foley, Jesse Palmer, Jimbo Fisher, John Brantley, Mack Brown, NFL, Shelley Meyer, Urban Meyer, Will Muschamp

After a difficult season and a head coaching change, the Florida Gators and their fans have been hearing some negative recruiting news for the last few weeks. The same was not true Wednesday during the 2011 Under Armour All-American Game as four-star safety Jabari Gorman (Miami, FL) committed to the Gators late in the first quarter.

Gorman, the No. 8 safety (No. 85 overall recruit) according to ESPNU and No. 10 safety (No. 174 overall) according to Rivals, chose Florida over Ohio State and Miami and was one of five Gators commitments who played in the game.

Also participating were five-star quarterback Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, FL) and four-stars tight end A.C. Leonard (Jacksonville, FL), athlete/S De’Ante Saunders (DeLand, FL) and wide receiver Ja’Juan Story (Brooksville, FL).

Driskel accounted for one of the highlights of the night when he avoided a pass rush and took off for a 63-yard touchdown run. He finished with a team-high 80 yards on the ground and had a potential 70-yard touchdown pass dropped at the end of the first half. Leonard was instrumental in Driskel’s explosive run by coming up with a huge block on the play; the duo celebrated with Gator Chomps after the score.

The first official commitment under new head coach Will Muschamp, Gorman becomes Florida’s 16th recruit for their growing 2011 class.

Tags: A.C. Leonard, De'Ante Saunders, Gator Chomp, Ja'Juan Story, Jabari Gorman, Jeff Driskel, Under Armour All-American Game, Will Muschamp

With the 2010-11 NFL regular season having come to a close, a number of Florida Gators participated in Week 17 action, some of whom had an impact on their team’s performance.OGGOA has checked and re-checked the box scores to bring you a summary of what these Gators accomplished during the final week of the regular season.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
DE CARLOS DUNLAP, Cincinnati Bengals: Four tackles (two solo, one for loss), 1.5 sacks, two QB hits, fumble recovery, Gator Chomp

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
WR ANDRE CALDWELL, Cincinnati Bengals: Seven receptions for 94 yards (targets: 11, long: 39)
S REGGIE NELSON, Cincinnati Bengals: Four solo tackles, two passes defended, interception (56-yard return)
QB TIM TEBOW, Denver Broncos: 16/36 for 205 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions (QB rating: 58.2); 13 carries for 94 yards; touchdown (long: 30)
DL JEREMY MINCEY, Jacksonville Jaguars: Eight tackles (five solo, two for loss)
WR PERCY HARVIN, Minnesota Vikings: Eight receptions for 69 yards [team-highs] (targets: 14, long: 20); two rushes for -4 yards
DE ALEX BROWN, New Orleans Saints: Three solo tackles, sack, forced fumble

LB MIKE PETERSON, Atlanta Falcons: Solo tackle (for loss), fumble recovery
CB KEIWAN RATLIFF, Cincinnati Bengals: Two solo tackles
CB JOE HADEN, Cleveland Browns: Six solo tackles, pass defended
WR JABAR GAFFNEY, Denver Broncos: Rec. for 12 yards (targets: 3), solo tackle
DE DERRICK HARVEY, Jacksonville Jaguars: Solo tackle
LB CHANNING CROWDER, Miami Dolphins: Four solo tackles
CB LITO SHEPPARD, Minnesota Vikings: Three tackles (two solo)
RB FRED TAYLOR, New England Patriots: 10 carries for 35 yards
DT GERARD WARREN, New England Patriots: Two tackles (one solo)
DE JARVIS MOSS, Oakland Raiders: Three tackles, three QB hits, sack
WR LOUIS MURPHY, Oakland Raiders: Two receptions for 29 yards (targets: 4)
WR RILEY COOPER, Philadelphia Eagles: Reception for five yards (targets: 4)
FB BILLY LATSKO, San Diego Chargers: Solo tackle
LB BRANDON SILER, San Diego Chargers: Four solo tackles
QB REX GROSSMAN, Washington Redskins: 26/44 for 336 yards, two touchdowns, interception (QB rating: 88.8); carry for two yards; two fumbles lost

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN — NO STATISTICS / DID NOT PLAY
C Maurkice Pouncey (Pittsburgh Steelers), G Cooper Carlisle (Raiders) – WR David Nelson (Buffalo Bills), S Major Wright (Chicago Bears), DT Marcus Thomas (Broncos), DE Ray McDonald (San Francisco 49ers), FB Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

INACTIVES
LB Andra Davis (Bills); LB Jermaine Cunningham, TE Aaron Hernandez, LB Brandon Spikes (Patriots); LT Max Starks (Steelers); RB DeShawn Wynn (49ers)

NOTES
- Tebow started his third consecutive game for Denver but posted his worst QB rating even though he scored three touchdowns.
- After being held without a reception in eight of Cincinnati’s first 13 games (due to his spot on the depth chart), Caldwell has posted 89, 87 and 94 yards, respectively, in the last three games.
- Dunlap has registered at least a partial sack in seven of his last eight games. He has now earned 9.5 over the course of his rookie season.
- Latsko was signed as a free agent this week and registered his first – and only – playing time of the season.
- In one play during the Denver-San Diego game, Tebow completed a pass to Gaffney who was tackled by Siler. Siler also got some good shots on Tebow during the contest.
- Injuries: Pouncey suffered a neck stinger during the Steelers game, and Thomas left the Broncos game with a right groin injury and did not return.
- Wynn was released by the 49ers and signed by the Saints on Monday.

OGGOA RELATED: Week 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

Tags: Alex Brown, Andre Caldwell, Brandon Siler, Carlos Dunlap, Channing Crowder, Derrick Harvey, Fred Taylor, Gator Chomp, Gerard Warren, Jabar Gaffney, Jarvis Moss, Jeremy Mincey, Joe Haden, Keiwan Ratliff, Lito Sheppard, Louis Murphy, Mike Peterson, NFL, Percy Harvin, Reggie Nelson, Rex Grossman, Riley Cooper, Tim Tebow