Welcome back college football

I am sick of working in the yard.

July and August are great months in the summer for vacationing, relaxing, and sweating. But as far as sports goes, these months leave a little bit to be desired.

Major League Baseball games are still too early to really matter and if you are not into NASCAR, which I am not, there is nothing to watch and follow. That is why this may be my favorite time of year.

Hearing Keith Jackson's voice coming through the speakers of my television gets me fired up for the upcoming college football season. There seems to be no clear cut number one team in the nation, so this season will be very interesting to follow. Just watching the college game is very refreshing and fun.

Of course, the NFL may be the top sport in the USA right now, but college football is where it's at as far as I am concerned. I can watch any college game and get into it. These guys are not getting paid to bust their butts and give it their all no matter what the score is. NFL players take plays off and conserve their energy for plays that may not matter anyway.

Everyone has a team in college that they root for. They may have never gone to the college, but have a connection that makes them root for that team no matter what.

I always root for the Michigan Wolverines. I respect the fact that Ohio State Buckeye fans hate me and my team, but that is what makes the college game special.

In the professional ranks, hatred of a particular team is not something that is even there. One may dislike certain teams in their division, which may keep them from the playoffs, but pure hatred in this day and age of parity is very rare.

When I had to go to school, September was a month that I never looked forward to. But ever since I have to work year round anyway, the month of September is one of my favorite months. For the next twelve weeks or so, I can look forward to the great NCAA football games that will be played. Who will be number one? Will there be an upset this week? And, who will win the Heisman?

In the NFL, no one really cares who is the best or will be the MVP. But the hype of the Heisman Trophy has already started, and I am curious who will be voted the best college football player of the year. The media will follow the progress of the Heisman award throughout the next few months of the year. I realize that this award has no effect on what the player will do in the NFL, but it is very interesting who is voted to have his name on the trophy.

If you enjoy football at all, watch the college games and enjoy the fun of college football. Of course, not every game has a player that you will see in the NFL. But, you will never see a college player take a play off or be a slacker. Yes, these guys want to make it to the NFL, but they know that if they don't give it their all in college, they will not be drafted.

NCAA football is arguably the best sport going right now. I am willing to debate this with anyone. Football players do not go professional out of high school like basketball players do. There are no amateur leagues or Class A to AAA leagues. They have to make a name for themselves while in college. This makes the NCAA college football games the best game in town.

Enjoy the 2001 season NCAA season sports fans, I know I will.