Trying not to read too much into a given statistic is hard for a sports fan.

But Georgia is undefeated this season in night games- 4-0 -presenting the question: What is it about the darkness that brings out the best in the Bulldogs?

“I haven’t thought about it and I’m not going to think about it because I’m not going to jinx it,” cornerback Brandon Boykin said jokingly.

Fair enough, but there are advantages to playing later in the day.

Georgia players get to sleep in, usually until 10 a.m. A comfortable breakfast and team meeting occurs and then players are free to return to their hotel rooms and sleep, watch television or do anything to rest for the game.

Compare that to an alarm clock blasting off at 7 a.m.

“I think it gives you a chance to get a good sleep and really just relax on the way to the game,” said quarterback Joe Cox. “It’s tough having early games because you wake up at seven, you eat and then it seems like you’re on the way and you’re ready to go. You don’t really have a chance to think about anything or calm down. You just don’t have a chance. I think everybody enjoys night games for the chance to think about what we have to do and get relaxed about it.”

But there’s more to the equation, some players say. Playing in the cool, crisp evening air reminds many of gratifying times on high school fields, where almost all games carry deep into the night.

“When you get to high school,” says tight end Aron White, “It’s the ‘Friday Night Lights.’ Week-in and week-out that’s the way we play. Playing under the lights is something that’s special. That’s something that a lot of guys who made a name for themselves did to get here was because they were really good in high school. Their name and popularity started under those lights. Everybody wants to be out there, with the lights shining down. That’s where everybody wants to be.”

And with fans contending for tailgate spots early in the morning, and hours of tailgating building anticipation, the atmosphere comes alive as the sun beings to disappear.

“It’s the excitement that comes along with the time,” White said. “Everybody has been out, tailgating all day and preparing. People come a little more ready to cheer. That doesn’t help us more than it doesn’t any other team, but we respond well to it.”

Yes, Kentucky will have the same luxuries this weekend – a favorable wake-up call, enhanced emotions with the lights on and a lively atmosphere.

But Georgia is undefeated at night, and they plan to say that way.

“I know this game will be live, and exciting,” Boykin said. “All kinds of people have been hitting me up for tickets, so I know the excitement is there. We’ve got the momentum and the crowd.”