To borrow a phrase recently appropriated by a major American brewing company, here we go!

Welcome to August, when all the preseason magazines and chatter take a back seat to actual players and coaches doing actual work on the field – together. Today is report day for Mississippi State as preseason camp gets under way. First practice is Thursday at 6 p.m.

Just exactly what will the Bulldogs be doing between today and Thursday? Well, I'll ask. We'll have a chance later today to speak with some of the players.

The NCAA allows for no more than 29 practices to be held during camp. The early schedule looks like this:

• Thursday, 6 p.m.

• Friday, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. (split)

• Saturday, 8:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (split)

Practice is open to the public all three days. Also, media day is a week from today, and two-a-days begin the next day, Aug. 9.

So look for plenty of copy from yours truly. And later today be sure to look for the first installment of my 31 Reasons series, about which I told you yesterday. It'll help you count down to the Bulldogs' season opener at Memphis, which is one month from today.