Coach Urban Meyer does not like to hear the word repeat when people talk about this season's Florida team since it hardly resembles personnel-wise the one that beat Ohio State by 27 points to win the national championship.
There will be nine new starters on Florida's defense and a new starting quarterback so it's fortunate the Gators get Western Kentucky Saturday afternoon in the season opener. It should be a nice warm-up for the rest of the year. Here are five keys to victory:
Don't think too much on offense
Florida's offense should be able to move the ball with ease, especially with all of its playmakers. If sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow settles in and finds open receivers, the Gators will score points. There will be open receivers.
Western Kentucky has probably tried to prepare for Andre Caldwell, Percy Harvin, Jarred Fayson and the list goes on. The Hilltoppers defense will be in for a long day if Florida's offense stays patient and works the game plan. Expect Tebow and the Gators to be fine. A bunch of points should be scored.
Get quality cornerback play
Western Kentucky won't just roll over and die. Its offense returns wide receivers Curtis Hamilton, Jake Gaebler and Jessie Quinn, who combined for 117 catches in 2006. Hamilton finished with 52 receptions for 841 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gaebler caught 36 passes. Quarterback David Wolke, a Notre Dame transfer, will start at quarterback.
Sophomore Markihe Anderson (knee) won't play, which means sophomore Wondy Pierre-Louis and freshman Joe Haden are the likely starters at cornerback. It will be a good early test for the inexperienced corners.
Western Kentucky is not an SEC-caliber passing team. But they have some weapons. Going against Caldwell, Harvin and the rest of Florida's receivers in practice should have prepared the young cornerbacks.
Attack early
The best way to demoralize a team thinking major upset is to put points on the board early. Meyer said if Florida wins the coin toss it will accept the ball first because of the new rule on special teams where kickoffs are from the 30-yard line. Get two touchdowns early and stifle all of Western Kentucky's hopes.
If after one quarter it is close, there still is no reason for concern. If it is halftime and the game close, there's still a lot of football to be played. If after three quarters Western Kentucky is alive, things might get interesting. Don't worry, though. It probably won't happen.
Be stable on special teams
It will be interesting to see how teams react to the new kickoff rule. Florida should take advantage of it early with the athletes in its return game. Fayson and Kestahn Moore are expected to return kicks. Sophomore Brandon James is serving a one-game suspension.
Later in the season, when games are close, special teams will play a much more important role. Saturday should not be a major deal. Seeing consistency in the return game, on kickoffs and if Florida kicks any field goals would be a positive sign. Watching freshman punter Chas Henry will be of note.
Defense: Focus on improvements
The season opener will give Florida's defense a chance to play under game conditions. Months of practices are finally finished and the group will get to see different looks, a different offense and play in a game that counts. Hopefully for the Gators, they can learn some lessons from Western Kentucky's offense.
The secondary should be challenged at least for a little while. Nine new starters will have to learn on the run this season plus the backups so playing Western Kentucky in week 1 is not a bad deal. Giving up a good amount of yards or a couple touchdowns might make it interesting as Florida heads into Troy. Probably won't happen though.