Any coaching transition at a program as important as Florida is interesting. But the end of the Will Muschamp era presented such a dichotomy between offense and defense, and that’s what makes this season particularly intriguing.

RELATED: Best-case scenario — McElwain flourishes despite depth issues

Can Jim McElwain, an offensive-minded coach tasked with reviving the team’s lethargic passing game, win low-scoring grinders with a collection of physical, hard-hitting, ball-hawking defenders?

And even if McElwain gets the offense humming in the next two or three years, will the defensive side of the ball erode without Muschamp there to recruit and coach talent?

The answers to those questions and more will determine if and when McElwain’s Gators can catch up to Georgia (and likely Tennessee) in the East soon.

WHAT THE MAGAZINES ARE SAYING

ESPN: “The more offensive-minded (Jim) McElwain has a tall task taking over a Florida team with a list of questions on that side of the ball, including sort of a big one: finding a suitable quarterback.”

Lindy’s Sports: “The Gators are still looking for an offensive turnaround … and the arrival of new coach Jim McElwain isn’t going to magically make that happen. Florida still needs more players to surround a young quarterback, and everything could get bottled up until an inexperienced line matures.”

Athlon Sports: “(Will) Muschamp’s failure to identify an offensive coordinator or quarterback doomed him … (McElwain) immediately set out to upgrade Florida’s offensive talent and address lagging facilities. Faced with a massive rebuild, McElwain will need time to field an SEC East contender at a school where championships were once the standard.”

The Sporting News: “… Just about any change would pay offensive dividends and excite the faithful. Unfortunately there are too many issues at O-line, running back and linebacker to allow Florida to challenge for the division title. A bowl, any bowl, is a worthy goal.”

Phil Steele: “(Florida) has been nasty on defense and with 7 starters back … they will be tough again. (The Gators) have new schemes on both offense (again) and defense plus only 3 SEC home games. While this looks like a rebuilding year, the Gators have talent and could be a surprise player in the East.”

BEST PLAYERS

  • RB Kelvin Taylor
  • WR Demarcus Robinson
  • DE Alex McCalister
  • DL Jonathan Bullard
  • LB Antonio Morrison
  • CB Vernon Hargreaves III

WHAT WE LEARNED

  • Florida’s defense allowed just 4.6 yards per play last season, best in the SEC, according to ESPN. But Florida’s offense averaged just 4.85 yards per play against SEC opponents last season, 13th in the conference, according to Athlon Sports.
  • This year, the team plans to rotate at least eight players along the defensive line and blitz frequently. That could mean a breakout year for sack threat Alex McCalister.
  • Former Alabama and Michigan offensive coordinator will call the plays for the Gators this season, though head coach Jim McElwain will provide heavy input.
  • Demarcus Robinson (kickoffs) and Vernon Hargreaves III (punts) should replace long-time return specialist Andre Debose. But there are concerns at placekicker, as Austin Hardin made just 11-of-22 field goals in ’13 and ’14.
  • Five-star offensive lineman Martez Ivey should play and start immediately, but at right tackle. David Sharpe, a sophomore, projects as the team’s left tackle.

BIGGEST AGREEMENT

It’s written and talked about everywhere, so obvious that I’m surprised athletic director Jeremy Foley hasn’t made some sort of grand priority list with it in clear block letters at the top: McElwain’s No. 1 priority is to fix the offense.

That’s not going to be a one-year project. Far beyond naming a quarterback for ’15 is developing a starter for the next several seasons, part of the reason I suspect Will Grier is the guy. The offensive line should be very good in two years, with such young players taking their lumps now.

The biggest concern is accruing skill players. The Gators never have had trouble finding capable running backs, but it’s time the team gets intimidating again at receiver. Demarcus Robinson and senior tight end Jake McGee are bridge players at this point, and McElwain will need to locate and develop several other young pass-catchers ASAP.

BIGGEST DISAGREEMENTS

I see no overarching disagreement, so I’m nitpicking with a few specific assertions.

  • Phil Steele postulated that Florida has the talent to compete in the SEC East this year.

My take: the Gators do have some high-end talent, but also holes at some important spots. Don’t expect Florida to challenge Georgia in the East standings this year.

  • The Sporting News named Treon Harris the team’s 2015 difference-maker.

My take: Will Grier should start at quarterback for Florida, so I’m not sure how Harris can be the the most important difference-maker.

  • Athlon Sports backed the assertion that starting the more athletic Harris (which it didn’t predict) could help mitigate concerns on the offensive line.

My take: the lack of a downfield passing game is going to make life even tougher on the offensive line, as defensive coordinators will jam as many bodies into the box as possible if their only concerns are Robinson, Taylor and Harris. I think Grier may actually help the line more by making the offense more dynamic.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Biggest Remaining Question: Who will start at QB, Will Grier or Treon Harris?
Consensus Projection: 4th place, SEC East
Impact Newcomers: OT Martez Ivey, RB Jordan Scarlett