Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
I have a suggestion. What say we take the classic Christmas song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” released by legendary pop singer Andy Williams in 1963 and apply that to the kickoff of the college football season every year.
Okay, maybe that is a little much. But in a country where football reigns supreme, college football brings a warm and fuzzy feeling to your insides when it commences at the end of August. From the rivalries and pregame rituals to the beautifully crafted stadiums and ever-passionate fans, there is just nothing quite like college football.
What would we do without Steve Spurrier‘s visor, or Boise State‘s Smurf Turf? How could we possibly go on if we didn’t have Oregon‘s uniforms to gaze in awe at, or get to wake up on Saturday’s and watch Lee Corso dawn a mascot head on ESPN’s College Gameday?
These are just a few of the many things that make the game so great, and why we all die a little on the inside when it’s all over in January for the next seven months. Thursday, the season finally started and we were reminded why we feel like kids on Christmas when it all returns.
Just when Vanderbilt looked to have Ole Miss in the bag, the Rebels’ Jeff Scott sprinted for a 75-yard touchdown in the dwindling minutes of the fourth quarter to steal a win in Nashville. The Connecticut Huskies lost to FCS member Towson 33-18 at home in the season’s first big upset.
There will be no shortage of story lines to follow this season. Like if the Alabama Crimson Tide can do the unthinkable and win their third-straight national title, a feat that has never been accomplished in the 144-year history of the college game. Or, if Johnny Manziel, a.k.a Johnny Football, can become only the second player to win the Heisman twice.
Whatever spin you put on it, 2013 has the makings of another spectacular year. The offenses are more high-powered than ever and defenses are becoming bigger, faster and stronger each season. For the next four months, our blood pressure will rise through the roof and our sanity will hinge on whether our team wins or losses that week.
Yes, once again everything is right in the world.
Bryan Heater is an AAC basketball and football columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Friend him on Facebook or add him to your Google network.
