And So It Begins...

Sam Burnham, Curator
​@C_SamBurnham

Most of the press is directed at next weekend but the truth is, there is college football today. Before we reached this point we have already waded through the nasty scandals at Ohio State and Maryland. The drama surrounding CTE and other brain-injury-related illness continues to cast its shadow. But now it is time to put the ball on the tee and kick it down the field. It's time to play football.

For every negative there are numerous positives. Try watching some of the videos of walk-ons receiving their scholarships. Watch the Iowa fan with their new tradition of waving to the kids in the children's hospital that overlooks the stadium. Listen to the heartfelt stories of kids who overcame poverty, tragedy, illness, and injury to reach this point and get to pay for their education by playing a game they love. 

There will always be negatives with any sport, activity, or interest. And college football may have more than its share. But it is also possible that it has more than its share of positives. It has a way of bringing people together, of forging lifelong friendships. We're reminded that Tim Tebo's parents had their first date at the Georgia-Florida game. One of the greatest players the game has seen would possibly not be with us if not for the sport. 

​So starting today, when Duquesne and Massachusetts kick things off for 2018, the goal will be to try to focus on what is happening on the field more than behind the scenes. We'll never completely avoid off-field drama but at least we now have the game to help moderate it. Our game coverage starts this week. And we couldn't be more excited.