And so it begins...

So now we get to write about stuff that actually happens ... sort of.

If there's anything that reflects the utter consumption and obsession with college football, it's the wall-to-wall coverage of preseason camp.

On college campuses everywhere, football teams are beginning the grinding slog through August known as "fall camp."

(Not sure how it came to be known that, given that it's hot as heck and the leaves haven't even begun to think about falling. So I've placed a personal moratorium on calling it such.)

At places such as Clemson, where football is undisputed king, fans have a monstrous appetite for every morsel of information that comes out of camp. After every practice session at which Clemson grants media access to coaches and players, there's a horde of media folk with cameras and microphones in hand, ready to breathlessly report on developments they have not seen.

The coverage of other sports is much different, of course. When was the last time you saw a media outlet anywhere trumpeting daily preseason basketball coverage? Heck, baseball coach Jack Leggett makes his entire practices open to the media. But we seldom, if ever, stay and watch.

Over the years, I've heard some other reporters complain about having to cover more than 25 football practices before anything actually happens.

I guess it does seem a little trivial in some respects. But if you love college football, this is a fun time. Because so much of college football is about enormous buildup and super-sized anticipation and all that.

Sometimes it's hard to get a true read of what's going on during spring practice, because that's the prime time for coaches to motivate Player A by suggesting Player B has a legitimate shot at overtaking Player A's starting spot.

August camp is different. There's some real urgency on the part of everyone, fueled by the knowledge that the real thing is just around the corner.

So off we go...

Here's the bright side of Clemson's massive budget cuts on the university level: At least the school hasn't eliminated toilet paper ... yet.

Mark Richt is in a surly mood as Georgia opens its practice ... or as surly as Richt can be.

Greg Wallace of the Independent-Mail says Clemson faces questions across the board.

Heather Dinich takes a look at the fresh faces at Florida State, including stud cornerback Lamarcus Joyner.

Don't forget about JUCO transfer Debrale Smiley, a battering ram of a running back that Jimbo Fisher loves.

Also at ESPN.com, guess which Clemson defeat ranks among the Top 50 most painful losses in college football history.

Hint No. 1: Matt Ryan

Hint No. 2: Aaron Kelly

Georgia Tech's title defense begins with better defense.

Hard to get much worse.

Duke will try to improve its rushing offense this season.

Hard to get much worse.

The Blue Devils were last in the conference in rushing offense, compiling just 762 yards and a measly 2.2 yards per carry. Six ACC running backs topped Duke's rushing output by themselves, including ACC rushing leader Ryan Williams of Virginia Tech who had more than twice as many yards (1,655).

And finally, a federal judge says cheerleading is not a varsity sport.

Objection, your honor.


LW