Nearly 24 hours from now, the Florida Gators will take the field to kick off their 2014 season against the Idaho Vandals.

After an eventful offseason, the Gators set out to prove last year’s disappointing season was not truly indicative of who they are as a team. Heading into the game, a number of intriguing storylines have emerged on offense as Florida fans wait and see if 2014 will be a season to believe in.

Kurt Roper’s first game as offensive coordinator

Easily the story of this football will game will be the Florida offense, specifically what Kurt Roper’s spread offense will look like in his first game. During his time as Duke’s offensive coordinator, Roper averaged more than 70 plays per game, leading us to believe the Gators will play at a faster pace than in past seasons. The players have responded well to Roper’s hands-on coaching style in the offseason and are expected to take steps for this season.

Quarterback Jeff Driskel, who will be a perfect fit for Roper’s spread, has said Roper’s positivity is something the offense really needed. An opening match-up against Idaho provides Roper and the offense the perfect opportunity to showcase what this unit can do under his direction and determine which players they can rely on as they move into a tougher schedule later in the season.

Jeff Driskel returns from injury

Tomorrow’s season-opener marks Driskel’s first game since fracturing his leg last season against Tennessee. There’s no doubt the junior quarterback will come out eager to make a statement, especially in an offense where he’s more comfortable. Up to now, Driskel’s career numbers can be somewhat misleading. His TD-INT ratio of 14-10 isn’t very impressive, but in his only full year of starting Driskel was efficient and limited mistakes while leading the Gators to a 11-2 record back in 2012. Last season’s leg injury robbed Florida fans of seeing his progress as a passer, so it’ll be up to Driskel this season to prove to everyone he’s got what it takes to run this offense and this Idaho game will be a great first step.

Which wide receivers will emerge?

Wide receiver has arguably been Florida’s weakest position – in talent and in production – over the last few years. They’ve lacked the playmakers at wide receiver, but will it be a different story in 2014? Sophomore Demarcus Robinson disappointed fans last season with a relatively quiet season. However, it seems Robinson has matured off-the-field and he’s a popular breakout candidate. The receiving corps also features sixth-year receiver Andre Debose, Quinton Dunbar, Latroy Pittman, Ahmad Fulwood, CJ Worton and others who have the talent to be one of the deeper receiver groups in the conference. But the Gators desperately need playmakers on the outside and Driskel needs a reliable target to throw to. Perhaps this is the season the some of the Florida receivers put it all together.

What will the offensive line do?

This season the Gators feature a starting offensive line full of upperclassmen: junior DJ Humphries, redshirt junior Trip Thurman, redshirt senior Max Garcia, senior Trenton Brown and redshirt senior Chaz Green. More importantly, they are healthy. A match-up against Idaho’s big defensive tackles – Quayshawne Buckley and Alphonso Hampton – will be a great first test for the experienced, yet unproven Gators offensive line. A strong showing by the Florida “hogmollies” will be crucial for Driskel as he settles into Roper’s offense. If they fail to protect Driskel, it could be the sign of another long season offensively for Florida.