Fifteen Thoughts on a Tuesday because I was lollygagging on Sunday...

We're close, folks. Can you feel it? I can almost smell the bourbon wafting through the humidity. The days are getting shorter, and that familiar, hopeful-tinged-with apprehension feeling in the pit of your stomach is beginning to tickle just a little bit more as each day, each hour ticks by. The first week of August is nearly in the books and this month will fly by. In fact, we'll be recapping the Tech game before you know it. As we accelerate towards the start of the new season, just a few thoughts. Nothing groundbreaking or earth shattering...but a few random observations from a fan who just happens to blog about such things from time to time.

As recommended by hailtogeorgia, If you haven't viewed the Todd Grantham interview after Monday's practice, you should. I'm sure that Grantham has never lacked for self-confidence, but he exudes it in this clip. You don't think he knows something, do you?

I cannot remember when we had as much defensive talent across the board as we have coming into this season, with the real chance to build depth as the season progresses because of the number of young guys who might have to play early or who can just flat play now.

The feeling in South Florida (where I live) regarding The U is that when the hammer comes down, it's going to be epic. I believe the Penn State disaster has diverted all of the resources of the NCAA. The talk down here is that the on-going probe (which is actually a good way to describe Mark Emmert) will pick back up soon.

This is from my personal collection: "photo-shopping stuff while bored". An idle mind is the Devil's playground...

In yet another Dean Legge interview, Jarvis Jones expresses his wish to play on special teams. Hell no or hell yes? Considering how horrible we've been for the last few years, I don't hate this idea. Maybe it won't matter, at least on kickoffs.

Don't understand why we're providing daily injury updates from camp. Seems like this would aid our opponents. Kinda' odd. (I'm channeling my inner Buck Belue ;-)

Did any of you old-timer's ever rock a perm back in the day? The reason why I bring this up is because I'm feeling like we're gonna party like it's 1980.

It's 1980. I had a perm.

The more I think about it, the more I want us to don the Red Pants at least once this season for a road game. It's not a gimmick. It's tradition.

I feel strangely confident about two freshmen kickers this season. By all accounts, Collin Barber is getting some pretty good hang time on his punts.

I mentioned our depth on defense (suspensions notwithstanding). I would be remiss in not mentioning how deep we are at receiver as well. Again, the scuttlebutt coming out of camp on this group has been very, very positive. That statement, in and of itself, is kind of lame. But we have, like, 15 really, really good receivers.

I'm going to Missouri. I haven't seen a true Georgia road game since I saw Georgia lose in Tuscaloosa in 1991. (Tech games don't count because that's really a neutral site now, isn't it?) Anyway, little sister lives about 2 hours from Columbia, the parents are joining us and if things work out, we're renting an RV for the short drive and tailgate. I.Cannot.Wait. Represent!

I am really, really trying not to get too psyched up for this season. I was, let's say, optimistic a year ago, but was reluctant to make a prediction at Dawgsports. I still feel the same way this season because we've been an underachieving lot, for the most part, since 2008. But the closer we get to kickoff, the harder it is to refrain from FREE BEER FOR EVERYONE! COACH HAS A GOATEE AND WE'VE GOT LINEBACKERS EVERYWHERE making a rash statement.

Rodney Garner seems to be riding Ray Drew a little bit. To me, that means Ray is his special project; a mission. Ray Drew is gonna be a monster for us sooner than later. Stay away from those mopeds, big fella.

On Sunday, I heard an excellent interview on Sirius-XM as Houston Nutt and Jack Arute were in town to profile Georgia. Abry Jones (Nutt kept calling him Aubrey) was incredible. I wish I could provide a link (I don't even know if it's available on-line) for a replay, but this kid is just awesome. Arute and Nutt seemed genuinely impressed with the team as a whole. Here's a brief clip with Aaron Murray.

I keep forgetting that Ellis Johnson is no longer at South Carolina. This is no small thing, y'all.

Lastly, I sincerely hope that Kolton Houston has some legal recourse in his efforts to obtain eligibility this year. Much has been said, and we're left feeling as hopeless as we were when A.J. Green was forced to sit out the first 4 games of the '10 season. Is there a lawyer in the house?

See you soon!

Go Dawgs!