Florida expecting new offense to pile up points

"If you look at our history,'' said Meyer, "the first year has been OK. The second year is really good.

"We need to bypass that first year.''

Time will tell, but for the first time since Steve Spurrier coached his last game in 2001, Florida football has an edge. Credit the arrival of Meyer after an undefeated season at Utah in which he developed quarterback Alex Smith into the NFL's No. 1 draft pick.

"You've got a chance to win again,'' said safety Jarvis Herring. "There's a big difference in the atmosphere.''

On the field, there's a big difference in the offense. Meyer's system is quite an adjustment from the one Ron Zook left behind. But it's hardly a gulf that can't be bridged by Florida's talent and experience.

"It's a great offense,'' said Georgia coach Mark Richt. "They do a super job of spreading the field and still running the ball extremely well from the (shot)gun.

"It's going to be a challenge for our league.''

First it's going to be a challenge for Florida's players. But with veterans Chris Leak at quarterback and Mike Degory at center, Meyer likes his starting point.

"(Leak) has been operating a good majority out of the shotgun,'' said Meyer, "so I think you start with the basics that you can take a snap and operate the fundamentals of the offense.''

Leak, a junior, has two years as a starter. Meyer is frequently asked to compare him to Utah's Smith.

Smith not only threw 32 touchdown passes last year, but also ran for 10 and gained 631 yards rushing. Leak led the SEC last year with 266 passing yards per game, but has never been asked to run.

Meyer's offense has been said to contain elements of everything from the single wing to the veer option. However, he will tailor it to his personnel.

"Will we have a different look than we had at Utah?'' said Meyer. "Absolutely. Will there be similarities? Absolutely.

"Systems don't work. Urban Meyer doesn't have an offense. This is Chris Leak's offense.

"It's a players' system. If you are a talented guy, I have to get you the ball. That's what I do well.''

Meyer likes the weapons he inherits at Florida. Receivers Dallas Baker and Andre Caldwell can get open.

"We have four receivers I feel comfortable with,'' Meyer said. "Offensively, I think we're fast.

"I like fast players. I always look at the top 10 teams in the country and every year they are the faster teams. I'm impressed with that.''

Running backs also have been central to Meyer's offensive success and the comfort zone isn't in place yet at Florida. DeShawn Wynn and Skyler Thornton need to have career seasons to make the system effective. Redshirt freshman Markus Manson will also get a chance to contribute.

"Running back is not a strength,'' said Meyer. "It's got a chance to be.''

The offensive line, led by preseason All-SEC center Degory, should be capable of holding up its part of the bargain.

"Every offensive player likes to score,'' said Degory, "even the big boys up front.

"Having a coach like this makes our job a little easier. It's exciting to be on his team.''

For the Florida defense, the transition is less dramatic. Meyer kept last year's coordinator, Charlie Strong, but brought in Greg Mattison from Notre Dame to be co-defensive coordinator.

"That works out well,'' said Herring. "There is more than one person to answer what questions we may have.''

Mike Strange may be reached at 865-342-6276.