Coaching changes? No difference. IMO the reason Florida won last year was not about coaching, it was about talent and athleticism. Florida was just a lot better.
Now, as this season wore on, UT improved markedly in a lot of ways. Florida, to me, really didn't get any better and that was particularly noticeable on defense. Had our game been played later in the year, I still think UF would have won, but I'm pretty sure it would have been a lot closer.
The difference going into '08, as of right now, is that Florida returns 16 starters and hopefully will see some major improvement on defense. With the exception really of the Auburn game, we had no problems scoring last year and I doubt we will have problems scoring in '08. With UT bringing in a new QB, I feel like Florida has the upper hand.
I just don't think coaching is going to be the issue this time around. Now, I will say that I fully expect to see UT run the ball like crazy in next year's game. Play ball control and time of possession and keep your young QB from being put into the position of making any mistakes. That could keep the game close if UF can't stop some scoring drives.
Given what the Gators did against Michigan -- or more accurately didn't do -- I'd say that's a sound strategy. Flroida could not stop them on any drive.
Run the ball and keep Tebow and Harvin off the field. Even Fulmer will figure that one out.
