…merely football players.

With an eye towards the end of the season, let’s look at the 2008 season as if it were a play of five acts:

Part One: Preseason preparation (Hawaii/Miami)

Following the gameplan is key: If the defense can make a few stops, the offense will almost take care of itself. Hawaii won’t be a strong offensively as last year; Colt Brennan isn’t under center, and Greg McMackin was a defensive coordinator. Expect a result similar to last year’s Sugar Bowl, and maybe a little more.

The Canes are rebuilding, but still remain dangerous. Because the offense is more of a pro-style scheme, if the run defense can shut down the tailbacks, particularly Javarris James, the secondary’s task is easier. Like Hawaii, Miami will have a new QB taking the snaps.

Part Two: The Challenge Begins (Tennessee/Mississippi/Arkansas)

The toughest challenge in this set is UT. The Gators travel to Knoxville to face UT, the most talented SEC team in the trio.

Because the game is on the road, and Florida’s strength lies on offense, getting off to a fast start could be the key to the game. The more Florida quiets the Vols crowd, the more vulnerable the Vols will be. Otherwise, the defense needs to present Johnny Crompton with as many practical problems as possible; it’s his first SEC game as starting quarterback.

Part Three: The Height of the Action (LSU/Kentucky/Georgia)

This set can make or break UF’s SEC, and thus national, title hopes.

The Tigers are still dangerous, despite losing JaMarcus Russell, LaRon Landry, Glenn Dorsey, Dwyane Bowe, Craig Davis, Early Doucet, Jacob Hester, Ali Highsmith, Craig Steltz, Chase Pittman, Chevis Jackson, Matt Flynn, and Keith Zinger to the NFL over the last two drafts; oh, and don’t forget about Ryan Perilloux, either.

Because it’ll be the second road game for the starting quarterback, creating a hostile environment helps out. And if the Gators can figure out how to use the Tigers’ inexperience against them, it makes their jobs that much easier.

As for Georgia, the key to winning the game (and, thus, the SEC East title), is forcing Matt Stafford to make committal decisions before he wants to - he threw 19 touchdowns to 10 interceptions last season. Also, because he is a passing QB, the secondary needs to bring its A-game for this one.

Playing with a sense of urgency won’t hurt, either.

Part Four: The End Is Within Sight (Vanderbilt/South Carolina/Citadel/FSU)

There shouldn’t be too many problems, but don’t ignore the Gamecocks or Seminoles.

This is the time for our cornerbacks to shine. Remember, the OBC can change quarterbacks as often as he changes golf clubs on Pebble Beach. If the secondary holds up against the Fun-n-Gun, the game is manageable.

With the Noles, there needs to be a focus on outplaying the opponent at every position. Chances are, they won’t have a lot to lose at this point in the season.

The key lies in playing “selectively aggressive” In poker, it refers to choosing hands wisely and playing them well. In football, it entails taking risks and playing conservatively at the right times.

Part Five: The Time is now (SEC title game?/bowl game?)

If the Gators make it to the SEC championship game, it will be the biggest challenge ahead for most of them. There could be more than a few nervous types taking the field.

If they maintain the right amount of competitive tension, they’ll do fine. In fact, it might help the entire team play more focused than usual.

And if the Gators were to somehow reach the BCS title game, it’s going to be in Miami. They’ve played and lost bowl games in Florida before (Capital One Bowl), and that could work in their favor.