Tonight, college football starts its 2009 season. I am so excited I can barely contain myself. My house is filled to the brim with soda, beer, and snacks. I am so ready.
But before we get too deep into football, let’s touch on UK basketball. First, it looks like John Calipari has given Obama a signed UK #44 jersery. Personally, I think this is really awesome. No, I don’t think the President will wear it and no I don’t think that this is some weird political message. Here’s what it is – the PRESIDENT of our country has a UK jersey. That is a nice deal. And, if what people say is true, and UNC is using pictures of Obama with the team in the recruitment, then, well, then I’m stoked that UK has something similar to throw out there, too.
Oh, and if you’re still there, go ahead and read Matt Jones’s impressions from his time watching the team practice. It gave me chills, straight up. My only criticism – why did he have to write it now when college basketball is still so far away?!
Right, well on to football.
First, some levity. I’m in my early-mid twenties and now’s the time when my friends are beginning to hear the seductive song of cupid, wafting down upon them, driving them into the sticky, cloying arms of commitment. After hearing so much wedding talk, I’m glad to read that Clay Travis has some real perspective on the issue. If it comes to choosing between celebrating the fact that my friend found love and watching UK play…welll, it’s a tough call.
Second, the games start tonight. Are you ready? Here’s what’s on the docket:
1. South Carolina @ NC State – I think Steve Spurrier can pull this one off. It’d be great for the Cocks and the SEC if they can start off with a win.
2. Troy @ Bowling Green – Have to say Troy on this one since they have to potential to be one of the most promising non-BCS programs.
3. Villanova @ Temple – This could be a good game – Temple is middle of the pack in the MAC, while Villanova stays strong in the CAA. I’ll put my money on ‘nova, but nothing will surprise me here.
4. Coastal Carolina @ Kent State – Kent State’s the better program, and I see them coming up on top.
5. North Texas @ Ball State – Ball State led the MAC last year and I don’t see them falling to a team that scraped the bottom of the Sun Belt.
6. North Dakota @ Iowa State – North Dakota, especially since Iowa State has to adjust to a new coach.
7. Eastern Kentucky @ Indiana – Indiana, even coming off a poor year, should be able to handle EKU, a dominant force in the Ohio Valley Conference, but weak overall.
8. Utah State @ Utah – Utah. Even though Utah State will be fired up, Utah is bringing in team members and a coach who went undefeated last season.
9. Oregon @ Boise State – This is the game to watch. Folks, if you only watch one game tonight, make it this one. Both teams are ranked (16 and 14 respectively). I’m going with Boise State on this one. Both programs are strong, but Boise has more on the line and an overall better team.
Woo-hoo! Just 2.5 more hours until it begins.
Wildcat Notion 