Sure you lose guys every year, but UF was hit HARD by early departures. The cupboard isn't bare, but neither is it well stocked. There is a definite drop in talent from last year's team to this year's with a marked increase in the level of the schedule they are playing - Miami, UT on the road, and improved UGA, a much improved LSU from when we played them last year albiet at the Swamp, and an improved FSU at Tally. The depth, particularly quality depth, on both lines is almost non-existant. I don't mean to knock the guys who are putting it all on the line each week and I'm a bit uncomfortable posting this, but I do take exception to the way Dooley portrays this team's talent level and his insinuation that this all falls on Zook and the current coaching staff. For the sake of argument I'll play Devil's Advocate to Dooley's column. Florida has the Heisman Trophy runner-up, Yep. It would be nice if Zook had Brock Berlin to fall back on during Rex's recent struggles, but that's not the case this year. His backup this year is a freshman with no playing experience, not RS sophomore who had played in SEC games both at home and on the road like Berlin. one of the top tailbacks in the country Top tailbacks in the nation? He was 71st in rushing last year, presently at 64th this year. with two solid backups, What two solid backups? They combined for 220 yards and 1 TD total. Willie Green rarely played and his health will always be a question. the Orange Bowl MVP nice way of saying the Maryland D doubled the two best receivers and allowed Taylor to have the game of his career to that point. UF lost more at receiver in terms of yards, catches and touchdowns at the WR spot ever when Reche and Jabar left - even more than when Hilliard and Anthony left together. The #3 guy became the #1 guy. That's a serious drop in talent and depth. and two tight ends with plenty of ability. and a penchant for dropping passes. Florida has three starting linemen back from last season. So? They lost their best lineman and even with him these guys were next to last in the SEC and 85th in the nation in rushing offense, this year they're 71st. Replacing Mike Pearson with Jonathan Colon wasn't a drop off? Florida has a defensive line that includes an All-SEC nose tackle, Yes, with 1 sack through 8 games this year. one of the top recruits of 2000 Who has been hurt and only played in 1/2 the games so far. and a player in Clint Mitchell who has returned to the team with incredible desire. Which has translated into a whopping 1.3 sacks so far this year. The three guys he lists have combined for 3.3 sacks for -15 yards. We lost both starting defensive ends - one of which was the all time sack leader in UF history. That's a measurable loss on the defensive line. Two starting linebackers returned this year for senior seasons. And they have played well but not like all stars. The two best linebackers from last year both graduated. The secondary includes an All-SEC safety, Who has also played well, but not up to All-SEC standards. a strong safety who played more than most nickel backs a year ago, Who has also played well but has yet to get a turnover. a senior cornerback returning after a year off from injury but loaded with experience If he had not been injured last year the general feeling was that Ratliff would start in front of him. With Lito leaving early he gets the start at one CB spot by default. and a burgeoning star in Keiwan Ratliff. He's got a little more burgeonning to do. He does have a pick and a sack, and his 13+ return avg for punts is good. But his decision making on many returns has been universally questioned and his KOR avg of 9.0 is embarassing. Lito or Keiwan? You decide if there's been a dropoff in talent here. See? You can play it both ways. Maybe it's not just bad coaching OR just a lack of talent that has caused UF to struggle this year. Maybe, just maybe, as in most complicated situations in life it is a combination of factors - new system, coaches learning on the run, talent decrease, harder schedule, etc. - that have caused the diminished success we've seen this year. At least that's my guess.