By Rusty Thompson

Without a doubt, Saturday started a brand new season. I don't say that because it's the first tailgate party since the Orange and Blue game. I don't even say that because today officially did kick off the 2008 season. I say that because this football team's defense looks to have taken a 180-degree turn around in regards to Defensive line aggressiveness and pass defense. It just looks like a different team's defense on the field compared to last year. I recognize a lot of the same names, but they seem to have grown dramatically in the 8 months since the Wolverines walked up and down the field on them in the Capital One Bowl.

The Gators' defense used a strong rush and smothering secondary to close out the game with 6 total turnovers. Two of those turnovers were returned for touchdowns, too. Major Wright returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Then, Ahmad Black took one to the house for a dazzling 80-yard touchdown return. At one point during the game, the defense had actually outscored the star-studded offense led by Tim Tebow. I don't believe anyone would've guessed that could've happened heading into this game without their star MLB, Brandon Spikes.

While tailgating before the game, I mentioned to friends that whether we would win championships this year or not would depend on how improved our defense was. Saturday, the Gators' defense answered those questions about their improvement with a 5-star performance against an overmatched Hawaii team.

Next week, the Hurricanes blow into town with a lot of motivation to prove themselves as BCS contenders again. It will be time for the defense to prove what they can do against a talented team that holds plenty of hate for the orange and blue. If their performance resembles this weeks against Hawaii, the Gators will be in great shape to move to 2-0 on the season.

Rusty Thompson is one of the founders of GatorTailgating.com. You can reach him at rusty@gatortailgating.com