Florida Gators: It's Time for Urban Meyer To Show Magic without Tim Tebow

Listen, I know the records. I know about the national championships.  I know about the recruiting. I also know one more thing:

2010 is an important season for Urban Meyer. 

From a health standpoint, it goes without saying, that Meyer's first and really only priority must be to rejuvenate his health while managing his life away from football for awhile.

But, as the days pass, the weather will warm, and the realization that Superman is not coming back is going to hit.  I'm pretty sure it already has.  Custodians found his cape in a locker room in a back training room at the combine.

How will Urban handle the additional stress that is coming as a result of Tebow not being there?  When you are the head man at a place like UF, the air is thin at the top.

The answer we all want as Gator enthusiasts is that Urban is a professional and he will not miss a beat.  Bring in John Brantley, modify the spread a little, coach 'em up and battle for the SEC once again.  This is how we all hope it unfolds.

The thing we have to realize is that for as long as Meyer has been at UF, Tebow has not only lifted the spirits of thousands, but has helped make Meyer and his staff look invincible most of the time.  Heck, he even has a plaque screwed into the bricks at The Swamp.

Tebow was more like a son to Meyer than a QB.  More like a confidant, than that of an collegiate athlete.  He was more like the pressure valve that could be opened up when the dial reached red and let out some steam. Remember, pressure busts pipes and Tebow has busted his share.

Tebow has played a large part in Helping Urban Meyer reach this level at UF.

When Meyer arrived in Gainesville, there were those who said who would win with Ron Zook's kids.  There was some truth to that since many of those players helped the gators to win the 2006 national championship.  The likes of Chris Leak, Andre Caldwell, Reggie Nelson etc.

Now this time around, enter John Brantley.  With a largely different skill set, and a drop back passer by nature, Brantley is the polar opposite of Tebow.  By his own admission on an interview with Gatorcountry.com , Brantley was asked if he would take off running on a 3 and 1.  His response:

"If I have to I will, but that's not really my style."

Will the stress, scrutiny, and expectations of the Gator Nation be so high that Urban will feel the need to have Brantley scheme differently once the passes start to fall incomplete?

From talking with many Gator fans about Brantley, there is a very confident vibe brewing in Gainesville.  We all knew Brantley would be the heir. We all had a feeling that Brantley could and hopefully will be successful this year. Its not like he's brand new either as he as been around the program for awhile. 

However, it's now the John Brantley show, live and uninterrupted from the toughest conference on earth.

We all hope that Urban Myer will nurture him as he did Tebow. Here's to hoping Meyer gets himself where he needs to be mentally and physically.

And remember, John Brantley is not the second Tim Tebow, but the first John Brantley.