Georgia Football has potential, promise and a little bit of hope

“Out here in the fields…”

So go the opening words of Baba O’Riley, the song that has played at the beginning of every Georgia football home game for as long as I know. Whether it ever fit or not, the song has now solidified its place as UGA’s opening song. The second the intro starts up, every fan knows they’re only a few quick moments away from kickoff.

And this year, the excitement around that upcoming day seems even more palpable, building and swelling like that repeated phrase of notes at the beginning of the song. Just waiting for the beat to kick in and the ball to kick off.

For some reason, this off-season seems even longer than last year, which is strange because we were all desperately looking forward to football last year after a tumultuous spring and summer. Maybe it’s because we weren’t even sure we’d have football last year.

Maybe it was the missing out of conference matchups. Maybe it was missing out of conference matchups or the constant upheaval of never knowing who was going to play or when. Maybe it was fewer fans in the stands. Maybe it was the lack of a senior-night game (and yes, we’re all still sore about that). Or maybe it was just a combination of all of it.

Whatever the reason, last year was different. Enjoyable, with plenty of unforgettable moments like Stetson Bennett’s Mailman Magic, Richard LeCounte’s last play in a UGA uniform, starting and ending the year with a safety, those new uniforms, JT Daniels lighting it up against South Carolina, and JackPod’s winning field goal in the Peach Bowl.

And yet, it still didn’t feel quite right. But this year feels different. This year feels full of promise and potential. Most of the stadiums will be packed with fans, including the one in Charlotte this weekend. Out of conference matchups are back, meaning old rivalries are renewed. We start the year off with a top 5 showdown with Clemson at a neutral site and we end playing Georgia Tech in Atlanta ‚— just as it should be.

And then there’s the potential for this season. Georgia fans are often mocked for their incessant refrain of “This is our year.” And whether it’s true or not, that refrain is back in full force this year after rebuilding last season. The potential with so many returning starters, the QB1 position being decided early on, and the sheer amount of talent that Kirby has been compiling on both sides of the ball has UGA fans equally anxious and excited, attempting to hide the hope bubbling inside as so many key pieces fall into place.

The potential is there, but nothing is promised. But one thing is certain— regardless of expectations or outcome, we can’t wait for the lights to come on as the Dawgs take the field, ready to do battle with whoever happens to be on the other side.

Out here in the field of football, we’re hoping to cheer on our team and hopefully hear the Chapel Bell rung sooner, rather than later, with many more victory peals to come.