The wait is over for the Gators and their fans

<p>Tim Tebow.</p><p> OK, now that we've gotten that out of the way, it's time to move on, time to let the past go and let a new era begin in Florida football history.</p><p> Some in Gator Nation may not be ready for it yet, but the Florida players and coaches certainly are. Any lingering thoughts about what used to be around here have been swept away in all the excitement of a new beginning that features all kinds of fresh new faces.</p><p> "I'm probably going to see a bunch of wide eyes (on the field Saturday)," UF coach Urban Meyer said. "There's a bunch of new players that are going to play. I see a very energetic, enthusiastic group of guys that are ready. It's payday for them. I like where the energy is at. I can see it in their eyes."</p><p> Newness has a way of generating energy. And there are a lot of new things about Florida football.</p><p> New quarterback (John Brantley). New coaches, four in all, including a new defensive coordinator (Teryl Austin). New starters and new contributors in many key positions.</p><p> There is a sense of excitement (and of the unknown) over how all this is going to come together.</p><p> "Obviously, we know it's something to be excited about," offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said. "These are talented guys we've seen in practice. You're always waiting to see what you're going to get when you get in the stadium, the arena.</p><p> "We obviously know we have talent there. It's not about whether they're talented. It's about how they perform in those situations. We're all anxious to see some of these young guys and showcase their talent and their ability. You'll see that (Saturday)."</p><p> One of the newbies isn't a young guy. Brantley is a fourth-year junior from Ocala who has waited three years for this opportunity to take over the Florida offense. The coaches pretty much know what they're getting with him — a polished passer who has grown into a leader and taken command of the offense.</p><p> "He's grown up," Meyer said. "He's the leader of this team."</p><p> Brantley is eager to play, eager to start helping create a new identity for UF football.</p><p> "Like what Coach Meyer told me, and a lot of the coaches, just be myself," he said. "I don't have to be anyone I'm not. That's what I'm going to do. I'm just going to try and go out there and play my own game."</p><p> With Brantley in the shotgun (and, yes, under center at times), the offense is going to look a little different.</p><p> "It's going to be a little more traditional, a little bit like when Chris Leak was our quarterback (in 2006)," Meyer said. "We have a lot of confidence in our tailbacks, which is new around here. We have a very stout offensive line. I anticipate you'll see some under-center stuff.</p><p> "If we feel like we're rooting them out of there and they're playing a three-down (front) against us, you'll probably see more under-center stuff. If you see them all packed in there, you'll see more shotgun. It all depends on how the game goes."</p><p> The Florida defense also will look a little different with Charlie Strong and many of last year's stars gone.</p><p> With his NFL background, Austin will add a little something new.</p><p> "I don't think it's going to be that different," Meyer said of the defense. "I think there are some wrinkles that have (Austin's) name all over it.</p><p> "But you don't win games because of scheme. He's not a guru or one of those guys who's going to run things completely different. The best coaches I've been around are the guys that motivate well, that make sure their players are ready for competitive excellence when they practice, and that's what I'm anxious to see.</p><p> "His name is going to be on that defense as far as effort and running to the football. That's how you measure a defense."</p><p> Austin and Addazio will both debut numerous new starters and contributors Saturday.</p><p> The last time the Gators had a makeover this extensive was in 2007. That team lost four games.</p><p> Meyer said he feels better about this makeover.</p><p> "I think we have better answers than we did in 2007," Meyer said. "There are a lot of questions, but we're returning a lot of guys we're (eager) to see play as opposed to in 2007.</p><p> "We knew what we were dealing with (in 2007) and we weren't that excited about it. We're real excited about this group."</p><p> Time to move on.</p>