College football around corner

I'm gearing up for college football (see the game face in the column photo... and note the new hat), and in case you missed out last season, I bleed Tennessee orange. Don't ask me why, because the only answer I have is that my dad got me hooked on SEC football a long time ago and the Volunteers were instantly my team. It doesn't run in the family. He's a long-time 'Bama fan' as he calls himself, but for me, Fulmer (it's a love-hate relationship for most Vols' fans) and the gang did the trick.

After visiting Tennessee throughout my childhood and having both of my grandfathers born in the Volunteer state, I'm kind of partial to it. I even spent some time in college there, which also set my love for the school even higher, as well as the color, which I've never been too fond of. If it's just tweaked even a bit, orange is terrible. Give it the old Tennessee tint job though, and it's all good for me.

Remember Peyton Manning's days at UT Knoxville? Wow, he was just incredible... and he still is in the NFL.

Recently, the Vols haven't had as much success like the good old days, but I'm feeling it this year. I just can't wait for college football, period.

So, after my rather lengthy and meaningless intro, here's a few games I'm looking forward to...

Game No. 1 - Tennessee at UCLA on Sept. 1. Pasadena in early September... this one should be a good opener.

Game No. 2 - Sept. 20 - Florida at Tennessee. This game is always a barn-burner and Tim Tebow is going to be successful yet again this season for the Gators, so, we'll have to wait and see how this unfolds.

Game No. 3 - This one is probably the most anticipated game for all Vols' fans to date... Oct. 11 at Georgia. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 1 in the preseason polls for the first time in school history and each year this little rivalry builds more and more. I had the pleasure of traveling through Knoxville last season right around noon right before the Tennessee/Georgia game. You could feel the excitement, that was later followed by the sweet taste of victory, 35-14, at Neyland Stadium in favor of the Vols. This time Tennessee will share the love in your place.

Other games worth noting are when Alabama comes to town Oct. 25 and then the SEC Championship game, in which the Vols will be present once again.

This is just a little early trash-talking directed at rookie sportswriter Matt Bain (Ole Miss fan). It should be an interesting season and I look forward to keeping you updated all the way until bowl season.

In other news... and this is always one of the highlights of my job by the way...

Izzy is out for the season. (I hear the cowbells ringing and can sense that you're playing air guitars and jumping for joy) So, it's time for the Cardinals to start winning again, on a steady pace. Too bad the Cubbies have run away with the division already and the Brew-crew is holding strong to their small lead in the Wild Card. This season may not turn out as planned for any of us. Only time will tell.

Until then, dust off the old college football jersey and get out the grills. It's time for some barbecues and Saturday football. When the food is ready, drop me a line. Steaks -- medium-well, hot dogs/brats -- fully cooked but not burned and I like Cheetos (they're orange.) See you next week.