ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit was asked Wednesday by a Florida fan on Twitter how he thought Gators coach Jim McElwain was doing in his first season, to which he responded: "Him or [Michigan coach] [Jim] Harbaugh should win Coach of the Year Award."

These would be fine choices for coach of the year! All together, Michigan and Florida have already won five more games than they did a year ago, and both teams have an argument for inclusion in the College Football Playoff should they win out. It's strange to think about, given where they were a year ago. But it's a testament to the incredible jobs Jims McElwain and Harbaugh have done revitalizing these sleeping giants.

To settle Herbie's conundrum, here's what Barton Simmons, 247Sports Director of Scouting, thinks.

"Jim McElwain is the coach of the year in my book. Both Harbaugh and McElwain took over underachieving programs with talented rosters and immediately had them playing like playoff contenders. The difference with McElwain is that he had to piece together a makeshift offensive line, he had to deal with the suspension of his starting quarterback and he had to grind out a lot of really close wins. Florida never needed a recruiter in Gainesville. They needed a coach. McElwain has turned out to be one of the best in the country at that."

According to the 247Sports Team Talent Composite, Michigan (No. 9) has a slightly better roster than Florida (No. 12) in 2015, based on recruiting profile.

The Gators (9-1) clinched the SEC East two weeks ago, just one year after Will Muschamp's club sputtered to a 7-4 record overall and 4-4 mark in conference play. Harbaugh has the Wolverines at 8-2 with games left against Penn State and Ohio State; Michigan can win out and still clinch the Big Ten East crown, so long as Ohio State beats Michigan State this week. UM's losses include the season opener at a solid Utah team and then against Michigan State at the hands of a last-second special teams blunder.