Here we are, just 5 weeks away from the start of the college football season.  The first games of the season will be Thursday August 30th, but most teams kick off their season on Saturday September 1st.  For a football junkie like myself, I’m envisioning a Labor Day weekend filled with good football and plenty of cheers as my team takes the field for the first time since last year’s bowl game. 

While I will admit that I’m no fan of the BCS, I do like the fact that “every game counts.”  In college football, there is no preseason.  Teams get a few weeks to practice, but when they put on the pads Labor Day weekend, there is little margin for error.  One loss could mean the end to a national championship dream.  With that in mind, there are a couple of opening weekend matchups that really intrigue me:  On Friday August 31st, ESPN is treating us to Boise State vs. Michigan State.  Boise State gets a chance to prove they belong with the big boys as they once again open their season with the toughest game on their schedule. 

On Saturday September 1st, most everyone else starts their season.  Top games include Notre Dame vs. Navy in the Emerald Isle Classic (played in Dublin), Clemson vs. Auburn (played in the Georgia Dome) and Michigan vs. Alabama (played at Cowboys stadium).  Not a bad way to kick off the season if you ask me…