Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

So, I get into a discussion with some LSU followers on a message about why I decided to rank Florida ahead of LSU to start the season.

As I did in my write-up, I raved about the defense. I even said that if LSU is one of three teams to be undefeated at the end of the year, they'll be one of the two playing for all the marbles. But, I also said that Florida's best day on offense could score on LSU's best day on defense. I think that Urban Meyer's offensive system will create a lot of wrinkles in the hard-nosed SEC.

A guy like Percy Harvin, who really showcased his ability as a true freshman, will only have more opportunities to make things happen as the offense will take on a much more fluid look this year. The thought of Tim Tebow lining up with five dangerous reads with the option to take off running through a gaping hole made by practically the same offensive line as last year wasn't enough for the Tiger fans I was bantering with.

I was countered with the fact that Florida lost almost everyone on defense. That's very true, the Gators lost huge names like Jarvis Moss, Reggie Nelson and Ryan Smith. Like I was reminded, that stifiling defense did hand Meyer a national title last year. But I reminded them, as I discussed in my write-up, that JaMarcus Russell, Craig Davis, Dwayne Bowe and two senior running backs are gone.

I even went on to say that youngsters such as Brandon Spikes, Jermaine Cunningham and Markus Manson can step up as much as guys like Keiland Williams, Matt Flynn and Brandon LaFell. But maybe that's where I went wrong. Despite the fact that I was entirely diplomatic and reminded them that it was only my opinion, the entire thread on the message board was zambonied by a moderator. I couldn't believe it. I thought this was America. Whatever, here's me getting my last say.

These names are the most important Gators come September: Phil Trautwein, Jim Tartt, Drew Miller, Carlton Medder and Maurice Hunt. The first four names are the returning offensive linemen from last year. They'll be crucial in implement the firestorm of an offense that led Utah to a Fiesta Bowl win in 2005.

In addition to Harvin, Florida has two of the best "other" receivers in the country in Andre Caldwell and Cornelius Ingram. Kestahn Moore will see a lot of action, especially catching balls out of the backfield as a safety valve. Before I move on, I just want everyone to know that Harvin had 41 carries last year and was good for 10.4 yards per carry. So, just give him the ball about eight times and you'll score a touchdown, right?

But, as everyone knows, Tebow is the guy who will make this offense better than last year's and help carry that defense through the season. We know he can run - he had 89 carries last year for almost 500 yards and eight touchdowns - but can he pass? Well, I'll go out on the short limb and say yes. I'll even say he can pass well enough to earn Florida another SEC title. I can't imagine he'll be asked to do much in his first year with the offense on his shoulders. Expect a lot of swing passes, slants, drags, etc. But I'd love to see them employ the Adam Abramson offense and run posts, flags and fly patterns play after play. They have enough speed to do it.

The spread will take those insane front sevens that schools like LSU, Tennessee, Auburn and Georgia feature and force them to thin out.

But, we have to get back to this defense before anything so bear with me for a second. Coming in as true freshmen: #9 safety, #15 SLB, #5 DT, #4 safety, #4 DE, #5 DE, #1 WLB, #2 DT and #8 MLB. Meyer's guys who came in as 2006 recruits: #15 LB, #6 LB (played as true frosh - Spikes), #19 safety, #13 DE (Cunningham), #16 DT and a couple of four-star corners from both years I won't mention. You have to think that at least half of those guys will contribute on a level that Florida can use to its advantage. If that's the case, the defense will be fine.

Cunningham and Derrick Harvey will have no problem putting pressure on backfields all season long. Brandon Spikes has the talent, size and speed to handle any ball carrier in space and Tony Joiner can cheat up into the box and do a fine job of providing run support.

When you sit down on your couch this fall and you see Florida on CBS playing at 3 p.m., think of it as a fireworks show. You generally don't have to pay much to see it (think of the cable bill as the parking fee), it's loud, bright, in your face and makes everyone go "whoaaaa" (all characteristics of the spread) and when you're done you'll be ready to see it happen all over again (except you don't have to wait until the next July, just next Saturday).

Player I would shred you with on NCAA Football 2008: Percy Harvin

80s theme song: "Rock This Town" - Stray Cats (1981) … As Steve Miller said at his concert on Saturday night "We're gonna take a little trip through Swingtown." And as the Stray Cats said "Florida's offense is gonna rock this town, rock it inside out."

Save the date: Oct. 6 at LSU