Ahhhhhh... The sweet smell of football. Yes, my friends, it's that time again. In just three short days the college football season will kick off. That's right, three days. Where did the time go? (Picture my sarcastic face now.)

Seriously though, if you know me you know I love college football. It's the only time of year where you'll know where to find me every Saturday for three straight months. Call me crazy or insane or just plain obsessed, but this is by far my favorite time of year. It's the only time of year where I don't mind the extra 20 minutes it takes me to get to the office on Friday and Saturday. It's the only time of year where getting up before 9 a.m.on Saturday is not such a big deal to me. It's the only time where being on campus all day on Saturday "working" is more of a enjoyment than, well, your average work day.

Come on, what other time of the year can you actually sit in front of a television from 9 a.m.to midnight and have your pick of sports. And it doesn't really matter whether or not your team is playing, there's always a game of some interest to you on. (That is if you're a true college football fan) Now don't get me wrong, I like high school and pro football, but it's just something about college football that's dare I say it... Compelling. Maybe it's the fact that due to the polls, -and I disagree with the statement I'm about to make - every game counts. I'm just saying, if there were a play-off, wouldn't every game count? I mean what would really change? Besides the fact that you'd have a "true" champion as to a somewhat subjective one. I'm not knocking the system (well... yes I am), but what happens when you have three or, dare I say, four undefeated teams at the end of the season. Who's to say that one of those teams is more deserving than the other? A poll comprised of computer rankings that's based solely off of human interpretation of a team's dominance or lack there of? I'm just saying... I don't know if a play-off would be better, but it sure would make it seem fairer.

Sorry, soap box moment. I'm gonna move on.

Ok where was I? Oh yeah there's something compelling about college football. Maybe it's the sheer fact that on any given Saturday, anything can happen. For the most part the numbers don't lie, but two years ago remember upset Saturday? I believe it was seven Top 25 teams that loss in one day. Or who can forget little ole Appalachian St. shocking Michigan at home to open the season. Do you see what I'm saying? It's like college football is football at its purist form. I'm not saying it's 100% pure because USC wouldn't be on probation right now if it was. But as a whole, coaches recruit, athletes decide and the game is played on the field. High school zones (districts) make it easier for one team to have an advantage over the other. Not saying they do, but if a parent wants their child to play for a certain high school they can just move into that school zone. In the NFL, owners can go out and buy more talent. It doesn't always work out for them, but they have that option and right. If you look at the payroll of the last 5 Super Bowl Champs, they are some of the highest in league.

I'm just saying, college football at its core is as pure as the game can get. And that makes it compelling (to me at least) and that's why I love it. And seeing as how most major networks broadcast a game on Saturday, millions others love it too.