The Georgia Bulldogs have an antsy off week in which players will bask in their victory over Clemson while coaches perform their own version of the ice bucket challenge, dumping gallons of cold water on the first ember of joy or contentment.
As for their fans, with their blood still up, they are free to unleash their imaginations, let their hope run riot.
Sure, you can play the eternal pessimist. Expect the worst: Injuries, fluke plays, arrests, the SEC West, locusts. Guard yourself against the pain of season’s past: 2008 comes to mind, which began as preseason No. 1 and ended at the Capital One Bowl.
Certainly, that’s the prudent way to go.
Or you can board an absolutely irrational, unrealistic and completely premature flight of fancy. Why not? The opportunity comes along so rarely.
Toward that end, mark your calendar: The College Football Playoff National Championship Game is Jan. 12, at Jerry World, also known as AT&T Stadium outside of Dallas.
There is a marvelous new trophy at stake, college football having traded in the BCS crystal football for a sleek gold, bronze and stainless steel number. It stands more than two-feet high and rests on a bronze base larger than that. Weighs 35 pounds. It should be a stunning centerpiece in the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall.
Looks like airfare from Atlanta to Dallas is not going to be cheap. This far out, already Delta is showing fares of more than $600.
For those who go and can’t get or afford tickets, who just want to be part of the scene, it seems there will be suitable entertainment. A Playoff Fan Central will be open Jan. 9-11 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, as well as an indoor experience and multiday music event at the stadium.
Going on the AT&T Stadium web site Tuesday morning, though, it appeared there still were good tickets for sale. How confident do you feel? Confident enough to buy one in the 200 level, corner endzone, for $1,365? You can move down one level for $1,456.
But how often does Georgia win a national championship? Once every 34 years or so.
So consider the club seating on Jan. 12, where for $4,914 you can enjoy the premium menu, open bar, college legends appearances and a college football playoff lanyard with ticket sleeve.
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