re: Difference between last year and this year.

This team seems like they can actually hit the ball. Last year, they flat out couldn't. Many folks are still thinking this year's team is struggling at the plate, but they're not. The stats show otherwise.

Pitching is also lights out. That combination makes a much better team. Let's face it. Last year's team played good teams close, but they beat all the weaker teams and lost to all the stronger ones (other than CSF). Last year's team was a consistent middle to bottom SEC team in a year when the SEC was strong. This year's team is just playing better.