IMHO there are a few areas you can start watching from the first game that will be a good indicator of the long term performance of this team:

• Special team lineups. Meyer and SOS put starters here, had competition to play on special teams, emphasized them and got HUGE plays from them.
• OL getting to the 2nd level. UF has the size, the beef, and the experience. Just no performance. If the OL makes the block right in front of them consistently, we should have a decent offense. But if they block that man and then go find a LB or DB to put on the ground, that is what real good OL's do.
• WR's and backs blocking with a vengeance. Been pretty lackadaisical last few years.
• QB's making quick decisions. Enough said.
• WR's getting open. God I miss this most of all, been a long time....