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UF had some amazing accomplishments under Steve Spurrier. They were one of just two schools to have 9 wins or more for 12 straight years and UF appeared in 7 of the first 10 SEC Title games. They ranked in the Top 15 for 12 straight years and just missed out on playing for the National Title in 2001, finishing #3 and won the National Title in 1996. The Gators' last losing season was in 1979 and last non-bowl year was 1990. Ron Zook was never a fan favorite until his final few games as it's very tough to replace a legend like Spurrier. His first team went 5-0 in the SEC East and while UF did win some of the big games, they also lost 5 games each season. The 2004 squad had just 9 starters back and were 4-4 in SEC play but actually outgained SEC foes by 63.2 ypg. They suffered a tough loss to Tenn when the ref wrongfully stopped the clock allowing the Vols a 50 yard FG with :06 left. They beat Fla St on the road for the first time since 1986 (Spurrier was 0-5-1 in Tallahassee). The Gators had just 5 home losses under Spurrier but lost six times in The Swamp in just 3 years under Zook. Zook was a tremendous recruiter and left Meyer with a loaded team and 15 starters returned last year. Meyer recorded a 6-0 record at home and swept Fla St, Tenn and UGA for just the 4th time in school history. He also became the first coach in school history to beat 4 ranked foes in his first year at UF. After beating Tenn, they were 4-0 and got their first Top 5 ranking since Spurrier left but were throttled by #15 Alabama, 31-3. They defeated #4 UGA but the Bulldogs were without QB Shockley, due to injury. Unfortunately Meyer also lost to Steve Spurrier at S Carolina which was SC's first win over UF since 1939. UF had the advantage of FSU looking ahead to the ACC Title game in their 34-7 rout in which 4 TO's equalled 24 pts and also had a blocked FG for a TD as FSU had a 334-284 yd edge. Thanks to a wrong call on a recovered onside kick, they were able to get past Iowa in the bowl finishing 9-3 and were #12 in the AP poll. It was their 16th straight season ranked in the Coaches Final Top 25 Poll (2nd longest nationally). Their 15 straight bowl games are the 3rd longest. The Gators did benefit from +18 in turnovers (see pg 312). The Gators had 7 starters back on offense last year but saw the ppg drop from 31.8 to 28.6. While almost all of the skill players are back, they do have to replace their top WR as well as four starting OL's. However, this is the first time that Leak and the offense have had the same OC for 2 years in a row and the offensive numbers should improve. The Gators had 8 starters back on D last year and allowed 18.8 pgg, their best in four years. They have six starters back this year and provided the young secondary comes together quickly, could be just as strong. UF will be celebrating 100 years of Gator Football in '06. My main set of power ratings calls UF the most talented team in the SEC but they do have to play Tenn, Aub, UGA and FSU on the road. Even with that schedule, this team is clearly capable of topping their 9 wins of last season and could reach the SEC Title game.