I really think this sets up well for UF. Just looking at some stats from last season and the two teams. This really matches up strength vs. strength.
UF:
15th Total Offense
51st Total Defense / 5.48 yds - play
Utah:
40th Total Offense
27th Total Defense / 5.24 yds - play
Utah on Offense returns several starters (QB) from a Rose Bowl team that went 10-4. Last season they finished ranked 40th in total offense. I feel this is strength on strength. Although the difference in rank, I look at yds. per play. UF not far off with several intangibles......SEC Comp, schedule, personnel, and most of all Grantham. Taking into account Utah the ranking and the competition, I feel this sets up very well for UF. New scheme, no dypshyt Grantham to deal with. I think that UF will keep Utah in check. I know everyone touts that they played Ohio State (Ranked #1 Offensively) and almost won in the Rose Bowl. But just for clarity.....Ohio State was ranked 60th in Total Defense last year. Just ponder on that for a moment.
Defensively for the Utes, this is a big concern as they lose many from a unit that was ranked 27th, but stack that up against who they played. I already mentioned the Bucknuts. I think offensively for UF this is the best part of the matchup. UF wound up despite all the Drama finished 15th and averaging 6.60 yards per play. Utah IMO will have a hard time getting adjusted to what UF is going to do and most of all deal with AR. If UF can amass that kind of production last year with all the drama, undisciplined play, and most of all Dypshyt Dan.....there is no reason that they cannot be more successful as a unit this year. If AR and the Offense live up to what we feel they can do, look out.
Just with the timing of this game, at the Swamp, and all the intangibles sets up so well for UF. Play good defense, Get the offense cranked up with AR, and just cut some of the stupid penalties.....UF should be able to handle business and pull off a win. And honestly I have felt UF would win this game for a while now. Not so much as an expectation, but looking how it stacks up. Three more boring Saturdays until the Swamp.