October’s optimum slate
Posted: Friday, July 11, 2008 7:17 PM
Part 2 of our dream season-long road trip, seeking the ultimate college football experience, begins with a four-day weekend in the Sunshine State.
Oct. 2 (Thursday) – Pitt at USF
Start off in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium for what is the Big East’s first big showdown matchup. The winner gets the inside track on challenging West Virginia.
Last year, three catastrophic interceptions by Pitt’s then-freshman quarterback Pat Bostick allowed USF to claim a 48-37 victory in the Bulls’ regular-season finale in the Steel City. Hopefully something like that doesn’t get in the way of watching Panther tailback LeSean McCoy, who reminds some of Tony Dorsett, go against Bull middle linebacker Tyrone McKenzie.
After the game, enjoy a late dinner at Bern’s Steak House, which boast of the largest wine list in the world. And don’t forget about the “Dessert Room” which is connected, but separate. Be sure to make reservations and thank me later.
Oct. 4 – Florida State at Miami
Then, drive on down to Miami for the main event. It’s less than 300 miles away. You’ll see some interesting sights, traveling along the Gulf of Mexico.
This series has seen better days and we already missed the old Orange Bowl, but you’re usually in for a good show when these two kick it around.
After a couple more days in Florida (perhaps South Beach), we’re off to another football-crazed state as you fly to DFW into the heart of Texas. On Oct. 10, you might want to check out a little “Friday Night Lights” action as Euless Trinity hosts Colleyville Heritage, 24 miles west of Dallas.
Oct. 11 – Texas vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas)
The Red River Shootout is always something to behold. The way the two factions are divided right down the middle along the 50-yard line is amazing. A sea of burnt orange and white instantly shifts to crimson and cream. There should be more “50/50” rivalry games like this.
With just four starters returning on defense, the Longhorns will experience some difficulty in dealing with Sooner playmakers such as quarterback Sam Bradford, tailback DeMarco Murray and wideout Juaquin Iglesias. But Colt McCoy won’t be a slumping sophomore anymore and the Longhorn offense will make a good account of itself.
And if you’ve ever wondered what your favorite snack would taste like if it were deep fried, your answer awaits you outside the Cotton Bowl where the annual State Fair of Texas will be taking place. They even deep fry Coca-Cola.
Oct. 18 – Texas Tech at Texas A&M
It wouldn’t be right to go through the whole 2008 season and not witness the top-notch tandem of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. And the same goes for the tradition-rich atmosphere of a Texas A&M home game. So, here we are in College Station, proud to be the “most educated” city in Texas.
Harrell passed for 5,705 yards and 48 touchdowns last season for the Red Raiders. Crabtree, as redshirt freshman, was his primary target, accounting for 1,962 receiving yards and 22 scores. Ironically, however, it was the Tech defense that made the difference in last year’s meeting, holding A&M to a season-low seven points.
If Mike Sherman can’t make the necessary adjustments on both sides of the football, the Aggies could lose a fourth in a row to the always interesting Mike Leach.
Oct. 25 – Alabama at Tennessee
Even though it isn’t the “Third Saturday in October,” you can’t miss seeing the Vols host the Tide. It doesn’t matter that neither of these teams will be challenge for the SEC title and perhaps won’t even go on to play in January. Experiencing this rivalry along with 102,000 others at Neyland Stadium will be something you’ll cherish. After a while, you won’t even mind the 97th playing of “Rocky Top.”
Show up early and grab a good spot on the curb for the “Vol Walk,” which features the suit-clad Volunteers on their way to work. It’s one of college football’s classiest and most fan-friendly pregame traditions.
By this time in the season it will be interesting to see if Alabama freshman wide receiver Julio Jones starts to exhibit the star quality that has been predicted for him.
That’s October’s optimum slate. We’ll follow up with November/December soon.
