Georgia's off and running Web-posted 8/30/97   ATHENS, Ga. -- Jim Donnan knows what a difference a year can make. ``We got any air-conditioning in here?'' asked the sweating but smiling Georgia coach in the packed media room after Saturday's football game. ``I guarantee you this seat isn't near as hot as it was last year at this time.'

Edwards questionable after ankle injury Web-posted 8/30/97   ATHENS, Ga. -- Robert Edwards sure wasn't in the mood to talk. Moments after Georgia's 38-7 season-opening victory over Arkansas State, the senior tailback was leaving Sanford Stadium on crutches, his sprained left ankle in a splint.

Andy Johnston: Fumbles bring back demons of last year Web-posted 8/30/97   ATHENS, Ga. -- Barely two minutes into the game, it started over again. Patrick Pass, who gets Georgia fans more excited than a late-night jaunt to Waffle House, took a handoff from quarterback Mike Bobo and sprinted around left end for what looked like a nice gain.

Spread attack debut draws raves at Georgia Southern Web-posted 8/30/97   STATESBORO, Ga. -- Paul Johnson re-introduced the forward pass to Georgia Southern on Saturday.

Mike Berardino: The Originator won't rest until it's all perfect Web-posted 8/30/97   STATESBORO, Ga. -- Perhaps it's still a bit premature to call it Paradise Relocated, but Georgia Southern football would appear to be headed that way.

N.C. State stuns Syracuse with overtime two-pointer Web-posted 8/30/97   SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Hold that Heisman. Rein in the raves. Syracuse is, well, Syracuse. Someday the Orangemen will get it right. Saturday was not that day.

Bates will miss rest of season Web-posted 8/30/97   EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's top receiver, D'Wayne Bates, has a torn ligament in his right knee in addition to a broken bone and will miss the rest of the season, the team's trainer said.

Falcons offensively strong; defense stays questionable Web-posted 8/30/97   PONTIAC, Mich. -- If new coach Dan Reeves is right, a conservative running attack and sounder defensive scheme will make the Atlanta Falcons a better road team than they have been in a long time.

Panthers, 'Skins ready for opener Web-posted 8/30/97   CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins are about to try something different: Generating some news on the football field.

Talent abounds Web-posted 8/30/97   Our Football@ugusta coverage kicks offs with this pigskin preview of local and regional high school, college and pro teams. To properly follow the season from goal-to-goal, kickoff to bowl, you must sample our season-opening coverage!