It's about to get dark

I will give some quick thoughts on Arizona State before I delve into the epic day that will be Alabama.

Overall, Georgia accomplished what it needed to in the desert. They got an impressive win, showed signs of improvement, and didn’t get too banged up. Knowshon added another highlight to his ever growing highlight reel. The game wasn’t really as close as it could have been. Pressure was finally put on the opposing quarterback. The kickoff coverage is looking better. Georgia still showed some signs of red zone troubles, but that’s something that can improve, and I believe it will once Brannan Southerland returns to the offense. He will be back on special teams for Saturday, but it looks like he won’t go full force until Tennessee. Penalties were atrocious, but not all were Georgia’s fault. The Pac-10 officiating crew had a say in many of those.

This Saturday could possibly be one of the most epic days in Georgia football history. Think about everything going on: ESPN College Gameday returns for the first time since October of 1998. According to Paul Westerdawg, this is only the ninth time in program history that two top 10 teams will battle in Sanford Stadium. ESPN will broadcast the game under the lights and primetime at 7:45, so the whole country will be watching. With the 7:45 kickoff, tailgating will be rocking in Athens. I remember the feeling in 2006 before the Tennessee game. There was certainly an electric vibe in the atmosphere. And let us not forget, Coach Richt has asked for a blackout.

I have had mixed feelings on the use of the black jerseys, but I am starting to come around. I have held fast to the notion that they aren’t very special if Georgia wears them very often, say once a year. It becomes expected, and they lose their magic. But, the initial feelings and excitement from the Auburn game last year can’t ever be duplicated. That was a special moment, but it can’t always be that way. If the players want it, then do it. I still hope it isn’t used too many times, though. The Notre Dame Green jerseys are very special, no matter when they are wore. They seem to be more of a surprise when they wear them, but even when it hasn’t been a surprise, the fans love it. Saturday’s game will be epic for several reasons, so cementing the moment with the blackout is cool. And again, the players want it.

Alabama will travel well, and their fans will be jacked up. I have been critical of the noise level in Sanford in the past, especially from the Student Section. One thing I do hope to duplicate is the noise from the Auburn game last year. What a very, very wild place. I implore everyone to get in their seats early. I want Sanford to be a zoo when Brook Whitmire announces to the masses that it’s Saturday night in Athens.

I’ll try to post some more thoughts through the week about what’s up in Athens.

5 more days…