Urban Meyer knew exactly where to turn to help his Florida Gators deal with the challenge of repeating as Southeastern Conference and national champions.
He called on Bill Belichick, who led New England to three Super Bowl titles in four years and visited the team during the spring.
Closer to home were Gators basketball coach Billy Donovan and former star Joakim Noah, fresh from back-to-back NCAA titles. How's that for handy?
"I talk to Joakim Noah a lot about what it takes to compete again and who's going to be gunning for you," safety Tony Joiner said.
The key to a national championship repeat, Joiner said: "Don't bask in your own glory."
If the pep talks and expert seminars don't get the Gators' attention, the rugged realities of SEC football might. Among the obstacles facing Florida:
LSU's defense. The Tigers were landslide picks to win the league by SEC media. Not Florida, which lost nine defensive starters.
Alabama's new $4 million man, coach Nick Saban. He was lured from the NFL to restore that proud program.
Eastern Division rival Tennessee, with seasoned quarterback Erik Ainge and a fan base desperate for its first SEC title since 1998.
Arkansas and first-team preseason all-SEC tailbacks — yes, plural — Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
Auburn, which has quietly won 33 games the past three seasons, behind only Southern California and Texas.
With Saban's return to the league from the Miami Dolphins, the SEC boasts four head coaches with national champion rings: Saban (LSU), Meyer, South Carolina's Steve Spurrier (Florida) and Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer.
"I don't think there's any question that this is the best league in the country," Fulmer said. "There's nobody else in the country that can talk about four coaches that have won national championships."
Perhaps the most intriguing player is Gators' sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow, who gained more yards rushing (469) than passing (358) last season after a prolific prep career.
Tebow replaces BCS championship game MVP Chris Leak. He brings a rough-and-tumble running style and the mysterious "It" factor.
"He has the 'It.' Everybody wants the 'It' in that position," Meyer said. "That's a competitor, intelligent, a guy that will do anything for the team to help you win."