UF is the measuring stick

[fernandomike]

We all know that Florida had a difficult schedule and could easily have lost one or two more games, but they survived. That is not to take anything away from them, it is actually to their credit. The line between a glorious season like the Gators had and a good season like some of the rest of us had is thin. What is the difference between them and your team? We lead them by 10 in Knoxville going into the final quarter, but lost. I think that it was a matter of attitude and quality depth. They had more horses and simply refused to lose. For the Vols to get back to the top, we need to improve our defense and run game. In previous years, we stuffed the run completely, but now you can pencil in the opposing back for 100+ yards. This can be partially addressed through recruiting, but instilling a positive, never-say-die, attitude must be done with better motivation from our coaches.
We need to follow UF's model on that. Meyer came to Florida and immediately began talking about how the Gators were not tough enough. Now, they're successful because they are not only fast, but they're physical. Both running and passing were difficult against that defense and the talent, depth, and toughness in the front seven was the reason. I'd like to see that aggressiveness and toughness copied by my Vols, if not we will be relegated to looking up at the gators and others for a long time to come. So, how do you get where UF is right now?

[blues_cap]

i think the first step is accepting the fact that many teams arent tough. that is where meyer excelled. he came in right away and didnt shy away from the fact that florida wasnt a tough team. talented, yes..tough, no. most coaches will defend their players and lie and say they are tough when they arent. meyer said it in the media as motivation, told the players they werent tough and never shied away from his comments until he felt they were tough enough. you could definitely see a difference late in games this year...siler's sack vs tenn(or int grounding), moss' blocked field goal, leaks td pass vs tenn and drive in the 4th vs fsu. these plays wouldnt of been made a year ago. like you said, the line for 13-1 and 10-3 is very thin and florida was tough enough to win those games.

[GatorNation]

Honestly, I think more credit is due Meyer.

He won a national championship (in year two) without a running game, passing behind a rebuilt offensive line, and no FG kicker...not to mention the issues involved when you kick your #1 DL off the team.....and all wrapped up in an offense that wasn't supposed to work in the SEC.

That is amazing coaching, imo.

[GeauxTo]

Test day for the Gators and for Meyer will be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

[AUFootball24]

Test day for the Gators and for Meyer will be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

and vis versa.

[hmsdawgs]

Experience at the QB position, which we gained this year. Stacking up the OL depth...which hopefully we did through recruiting this year. Establish the run to open up our play action pass which our O is built on. Hopefully we only go with two backs this year. Now that Ware is gone, I dont see us using 3 backs.

Defense, continue to bring pressure and not sit back in a soft zone coverage...which we started to do against UF.

I think we can bring in a good team at the beginning of next year and be a great team by the end. I am expecting to be a front runner in the east and a legitimate threat for the SEC Championship.