June 21stofficially kicks off summer and, unapologetically, my mind goes right to the end of the season, which will kick off five months of college football! I can already hear Corso’s ‘Gameday’ antics and the roar of rambunctious marching bands pepping up the country. Is it too early to get excited about a few opening matchups? I didn’t think so!
The SEC’s Tennessee Volunteers will take on the Mountaineers of West Virginia in quite an opening test for first-year coach, Jeremy Pruitt, who came from none other than rival Alabama. Recently offering solace on an injury-ridden streak, defensive-minded Pruitt told reporters, “We have a small football team. Which is probably why we’ve had injuries.” The Vols coach aims to tune into his recruiting efforts on top of off-season conditioning in order to curb this epidemic going into the fall. West Virginia should prove to be a tough test as their high-octane offense (come on: Grier to Sills!) looks to power past a newly guided Tennessee team. The game will be played in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, September 1.
Labor Day 2018 will include an ACC showdown for the ages between Virginia Tech and Florida State. After a season worth forgetting in 2017 for the Seminoles, and a new head coach on the field in Willie Taggart, the Hokies look to continue building back to a national powerhouse reminiscent of the early 2000’s where, across the nation, households asked, “What IS a Hokie, exactly?” What matters is people were talking about VT and the fan base is extremely optimistic in coach Justin Fuentes who took over for legendary Frank Beamer in 2016. Fuentes finished 10-4 and 9-4, respectively, in 2016 and 2017.
Lastly, who doesn’t get excited to see how the tide rolls each and every year? Regardless of conference, location, or even your interest level in football, Nick Saban has a polarizing way of reigning us in every year to witness more greatness. Alabama, a yearly threat stationed in the SEC and returning champs, will challenge a Lamar-less Lousiville and see what Petrino’s squad can put together after losing their Heisman-winning, unbelievable quarterback, Lamar Jackson, to the NFL. It has been reported that redshirt sophomore Jawon Pass will be under center for the Cardinals. Pass did throw up some incredible stats in a handful of games, touting a strong arm with enviable accuracy. This matchup kicks off Saturday, September 1 from Orlando, Florida.
These opening games are just a taste of an anticipated 2018-2019 season and include several other alluring matchups. I really don’t believe it’s ever the wrong time to start planning out your tailgates and pulling out your coveted gear from your alma maters. Certainly, it’s not too early to get excited to see our favorite teams back out on the gridiron in a few short months!
