Ahhh…college football, the roar of the crowds, the bands playing fight songs, hot dogs cooking on grills, students getting trashed and painting themselves, and of course, lopsided first week games against FCS opponents. It’s back, the excellent college football season replete with rivalries, craziness, and of course, the constant threat that any loss crushes national championship ambitions.
I personally love college football. It’s unpredictable, there are tons of schools to cheer for, and it’s usually much more exciting than pro football because of the high-running scores. The first week has brought a plethora of excitement and news: for instance, Michigan discovered their starting quarterback in Denard Robinson who ran everywhere on the field, locks flying, as the Wolverines trumped a strong UConn squad 30-10 in front of a record-setting 113,000 people. Oregon proved their high-tempo offense will continue rolling this year, with a 72-0 thrashing of FBS opponent New Mexico (yes, that’s the same level of play as Oregon). Utah snuck by Pitt in overtime, Notre Dame actually won, and my favorite team, Boston College, easily beat FCS opponent Weber State.Â
The big game, though, comes on Monday night, with Boise State taking on Virginia Tech at FedEx Field in suburban DC. The crowd, which will be heavily pro-Virginia Tech, will be rooting for the Hokies to upset the Broncos, who are ranked third in the country (the Hokies are ranked 10th). If they do pull off the upset, it will dash the hopes of the Broncos, who are hoping to become the first non-BCS conference team to reach the national title game.Â
All the excitement of college football season beginning makes me wonder – does the beginning of the season signify a jump in sales of NCAA Football 11? Why is it that EA Sports releases the title weeks ahead of the actual season’s beginning? I always eagerly look forward to the release of NCAA Football 11, but I truly begin playing it once the season is in swing. Why? I suppose because I’m constantly reminded of the fun and excitement of college football.
I suppose I get into the mood, see the bands, the crowds, the school spirit, and I simply get pumped. How could I not become excited after seeing 113,000 pack into the Big House at Michigan, or 107,000 at Beaver Stadium at Penn State? When Joe Paterno is prowling the sidelines again and USC is finally serving a much-deserved suspension from bowl play? While I’ve played quite a few hours worth of NCAA Football over the past few weeks since it arrived, I guarantee my play will increase over the coming weeks.Â
What do you guys find? Do you tackle the gridiron more regularly once the season has begun? What was your game of the week? Mine was Boston College’s game, and not just because I love BC. It was the return of Mark Herzlich from a rare form of bone cancer. Herzlich, once the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and beastly linebacker (see video above), missed last season due to the cancer and his return yesterday was emotional for the BC fans and team. Here’s wishing him the best, and here’s hoping for a great season.
