SEC media days: Why Martez Ivey says this is the year Florida Gators’ offense clicks again

ATLANTA — Florida Gators offensive lineman Martez Ivey knew the question was coming Tuesday during SEC media days.

Is this the year the offense gets cranked up?

"This is the only time I'm going to answer this question again," Ivey said. "This year, with (coach Dan) Mullen and his staff, it's different…It's a different atmosphere around the program."

It better be, as I wrote in today's Tampa Bay Times. But what about the offense, specifically? It ranked No. 100 nationally in yards per play last year. That's actually an improvement of five spots from the 2016.

Ivey said the different atmosphere has meant more energy. Mullen's spread offense with run-pass options helps, too.

"It's not about me, me, me, me," Ivey said. "You've got all of these reads and options and stuff. It doesn't matter who gets the ball, as long as we're getting these yards."

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Ivey sees that with little things, like the way receivers are blocking on the edge. That's not a desirable assignment for a receiver, but it can be the difference between a five-yard gain and a 50-yard gain. More importantly, it's a sign of the teamwork and work ethic UF needs to find to become a top offensive program again.

So is that happening this season? Is this the year the Gators' offense starts lighting up scoreboards again?

"This is the year," Ivey said.