The last time we saw the Urban Meyer’s Gators take the field, nearly a month had gone by since the gut wrenching loss to Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game. The collective wind was knocked almost completely out of Gator Nation’s lungs.  However, Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow and company rode off into the sunset by putting it to the Cincinnati Bearcats. At that moment, the Tim Tebow era ended…

… On the verge of beginning life after Tebow, John Brantley is clogging around fall practice in those huge shoes. All of Gator Nation is holding their breath, hoping young Jonny Brantley can grow into those shoes.

For the first time, fall practices will be closed to the public as well as the media. Sadly, we’ll all have to wait another few weeks to see our new Gators take the field. At this point in the year, the mystery is almost too much to handle, but will make opening day that much more special.

After losing so many great players to the NFL over the offseason, Urban Meyer has spoke of the “newness” and “freshness” in the air, surrounding this team. Newness and freshness may be an understatement with all the turnover we have witnessed in the past eight months.

There are many questions being posed for this season.

How well will John Brantley perform outside of Tim Tebow’s shadow?

With a cannon arm and an NFL type of pocket presence, expect Brantley to be a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

How much support will Brantley receive from the receiver group?

Andre Debose hopes to have an impact after an injury-shortened 2009. Deonte Thompson comes into camp as the most productive returning receiver from 2009. Maybe the most intriguing receiving prospect is converted running back Chris Rainey. Rainey looks to have a Percy Harvin-type of impact this season; getting the ball in space any way he can.

Can the running back group avoid a letdown?

The lone group not picked apart by the NFL, the running back group should pick up where they left off. Jeff Demps should be improved and handle a lion’s share of the touches out of the backfield. If Emanuel Moody can stay healthy, he can take some of Demps’ carries, but any more that 50 touches should be considered a bonus.

Can the offensive line replace Maurkice Pouncey?

Replacing Pouncey is the only real question mark in this unit. Expect someone to emerge in the coming weeks to play next to the Pouncey left behind. Barring injury, this unit will be solid.

Among many question marks on defense, can new defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin pick up where Charlie Strong left off?

Even though this unit lost superstars at all three levels, there is immense talent all over the defense. If Teryl Austin can point the young guys in the right direction and the leftover veterans can provide solid play and leadership, this unit should compete with most teams. Look for the defense to improve over the course of the season and don’t be surprised by a rocky start to the season.

Come September 4^th, The Swamp will be ready to swallow up opponents. Miami of Ohio will be the first to enter.