The number of returning starters is a big indicator of success (or failure) according to Phil Steele, who is the best at what he does by far.
Michigan had a lot of blowout wins last year, so that younger talent got a lot of playing time - not starts, but enough playing time to not be "green".
UF, on the other hand, did not have a ton of blowouts....but we did have a TON of injuries, especially on Defense. I'm fairly certain that every single D starter we'll have this year started at least 1 game last year (unless a redshirt freshman wins a starting job, which is doubtful).
So, when we look at the number of "returning starters" our D is in decent shape. Look at the LB corps, all of those guys started games. Clark & Bryan combined for 8 starts last year. Dawson & Gardner have started games (and both of our Safties have as well). Sherit has 8+ starts and Zuniga/Davis have made a start or two each. We're not in bad shape.
This game should be close, and I'm guessing very ugly. Our O is going to have to move the ball and put up some points. Hopefully our D can get a few turnovers, but that's not guaranteed. I think Michigan is better coached than we are, top to bottom. But we should have an edge here w/ experience.