Weather forecast and other storylines for Florida Gators’ 2014 season-opener

Let’s try this again!

Florida will try their second attempt at starting their 2014 season later this afternoon against Eastern Michigan. We discuss the most prevalent storylines for today’s Gators and Eagles showdown.

Debut of Kurt Roper’s offense

Since the Gators haven’t yet to play a game, Kurt Roper’s debut remains the biggest storyline of the game. It’s an up-tempo, spread offense that figures to be a much better fit for quarterback Jeff Driskel’s skillset. The offense has been an issue for the Gators over the last few seasons, so an explosive and much improved offensive unit will be eagerly welcomed by Florida fans. It’ll be even more crucial for the Gators to look strong and establish confidence on offense, especially with just with an SEC game staring them in the face next week.

Current weather at kickoff

For the second-straight week, the weather forecast doesn’t look promising at The Swamp around kickoff. WRUF currently puts the rain chances at 70 percent and lightning chances at 60 percent at the start of the game. Since the start time is three hours earlier than last week’s, the chances of actually playing the game are much higher, but it’s looking more like the game could get delayed for the second straight week. Something I’m sure many Florida fans don’t want to hear.

RELATED: Weather forecast doesn’t look promising for on-time start in The Swamp

Jeff Driskel’s first game back from injury

With the debut of Kurt Roper, one prevalent storyline that often gets forgotten is Driskel’s return from a season-ending leg injury in 2013. You could argue no team in the SEC, or even college football, suffered a more devastating injury last season. The offense was anemic without Driskel and the Gators averaged a measly 18.8 points per game. Driskel is finally back and ready to lead the offense. In his only full season as a starter, the Gators clinched a BCS bowl berth and finished with an 11-2 record. Could the Gators experience the same success this season with No. 6 back under center?

Freshmen defensive backs make debut

Everyone knows about guys like Vernon Hargreaves and Dante Fowler on the Gators’ defense, but today will also be the debut of four true freshmen defensive backs for the Gators – Jalen Tabor, Quincy Wilson, JC Jackson and Duke Dawson. These four players will all get playing time this afternoon. Tabor is the highest-rated recruit out of the bunch and figures to compete for a starting cornerback spot throughout the season. Quincy Wilson and JC Jackson will also get time in backup cornerback roles, while Dawson can play at both safety and corner. If these four true freshmen are as good as advertised, Florida could have one of the deepest secondaries in the SEC.

Drew Laing

Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.