After eight months of workouts, recruiting, office work, film study, spring practice, training camp and everything else in between, the 2009 season has arrived at last.

"It's finally here," a visibly energized Coach Carroll said during this morning's staff meeting.

The first game week of the fall has begun at Heritage Hall, with coaches already deep into the San Jose State game plan and players churning through morning workouts in the weight room. All the days, weeks and months of waiting and preparing are about to go on display, and the excitement in Heritage Hall is palpably building for Saturday's 12:41 p.m. kickoff at the Coliseum.

Take a deep breath and let the news sink in -- game week is here.