Listen closely… Do you hear that? It’s Saturday morning, and the birds are chirping your favorite school’s fight song. No, I’m not crazy, and no, your ears aren’t still flooded with cheap beer from Friday night’s keg party. College football is BACK, BABY!!!
This season, we enter a new era in CFB playoff history as the bracket expands to 12 teams, answering the prayers of alumni and delusional boosters all over the country. Oh, you better believe it’s serious euphoria on this bright August morning as we all prepare for the smell of hotdogs, barbecue, and the sound of drunken freshmen—and whoever that guy is with the giant cowbell in the stands. Only college football can bring out the pageantry, loyalty, and downright insanity that we are about to witness in all its blissful glory. Whether it’s a clash of the top ten titans or a “hold onto your butts” underdog upset, the essence of college football is devotion. Heroes will emerge, hearts will be broken, and tears will be shed, but the grass is always greener next week. Every team is 0-0, with the chance to run the table and then pound the table for their chance to play in the tournament that will decide whose fight song will be the last to play!
Week 1 kicks off with a handful of games, starting with Florida State versus Georgia Tech. FSU was snubbed last year, and they have a new argument to make on the field this season. The Noles lost their top rusher and receiver to the NFL Draft, which opens up the window for fresh new talent to shine through. Who will be the surprise true freshman or step-up senior to fill the role of playmaker and fan favorite? If that’s not enough to pique your interest, how about the fact that this game will be kicking off from Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland!
The road to championship glory begins in Ireland on a neutral field, giving Georgia Tech a fighting chance to be the first upset of the season. We all love the underdog, and Georgia Tech is certainly expected to lose, but absolutely nothing is guaranteed in college football. Tech will take the field with a seasoned quarterback in Haynes King, who transferred from Texas A&M and has talent and pedigree. King scared Georgia to death last year, and anything is possible on the green, green grass of Dublin. No matter if you have a dog in this fight or not, we are all fans starving for the excitement and purity of college football. So grab a slightly burnt burger and an ice-cold beer, ’cause it’s time to strike up the band…
Not YOU, freshman!
Photo Credit: Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
