Cheer, cheer

Summer is making its last attempts at 90, darkness is arriving noticeably earlier, everybody is thinking 'this is the year': it must be time for football season. Finally weekend television can guarantee something other than infomercials.

The Band of the Fighting Irish plays Bond Hall

While college football doesn't have the same soul-shaking hold on me that it used to, I'm still already itching to drive over to South Bend and join the masses for a Game Day. There's no denying that campus almost buzzes during home games. So many people cram onto the quads to see the band march out, take a moment at the Grotto, or just to grab a steak sandwich. And of course gathering around the trunk of somebody's car and heating up brats with cheese & chili & frosty [usually ICE-BREWED FOR MORE REFRESHMENT!] [a.k.a. cheap] beverages is another important ritual.

Memories: Samardzija vs. Purdue in 2005

In my active history as a fan, Irish coaches have gotten off to a fast start their rookie years. Ty was 8-0 out of the gate, and Charlie finished the regular season 9-2 [which included the crazy-intense 'Bush-push' game vs. USC]. How'll BK do? Please, God, have a defensive presence for once. The old 'throw-it-over-their-crappy-cornerbacks' play has been way too predictable [and successful]. He's already interacting with the media far more than his predecessor, so the sportswriters have been kind so far. Saturday's game against Pur-don't will thankfully put an end to a lot of the speculation and finally give us something substantial to look at.

Currently I only have guaranteed tickets for the 10/9/10 Pittsburgh game... So I'll get to see some more Wannstache, which every Bears fan loves to do. Speaking of da Bears: Ugh. Although they always have a way of staying alive for the playoffs far longer than they deserve. If someone permanently crushes Favre though, that may save the season for me.

Halftime at Notre Dame Stadium