Five Things to Keep in Mind This College Football Season
By Space Coast Daily // July 26, 2019
Something’s Simmering Down in Florida
The Fourth of July 2019 has come and gone, and Labor Day will soon be upon us. Soon the leaves will start to fall, as a nip returns to the air. Summer can’t last forever, though, we may wish otherwise.
Fortunately, the end of warm weather brings with it a huge consolation prize, at least where college football fans are concerned. We, of course, are talking about the start of the season scheduled for August 29th when UCLA plays Cincinnati at 7 p.m. EST.
College football fans across the country are eager for the season to begin, checking the prospects of their favorite team. Everyone wants to make the right calls. But staying on top of the action means using your head as well as your heart.
With that in mind, here are five things to keep abreast of as the season progresses. We’ve also added a few bonus tips to help you get the most enjoyment out of watching. Think of this post as a pregame warm-up to the action that lies ahead.
#1: Virginia Tech Deserves Watching
Justin Fuente is sure to lick his chops at the schedule his team faces, with the Hokies not doing battle with a top-ranked team until November 2nd when scheduled to play Notre Dame.
Things look good for Virginia Tech in the latter half of the season as well. Five of their last seven games will take place in-state, giving them a powerful psychological advantage.
Of course, we don’t mean to imply that Fuente and his players lack heart. Who can forget that incredible come-from-behind victory during 2016’s Belk Bowl? Any team that can turn a 24-point deficit into a solid win is worth watching, no matter who it plays. Keep your eyes peeled for a maroon and burnt orange surge as the season rolls along.
#2: BYU is in for a Battle
They grow them big in the Rocky Mountains, especially when it comes to football players. That’s a good thing for BYU fans because the Cougars will encounter the wrath of four king-sized titans in the form of Utah, TN, USC and Washington.
To make things more challenging, those four games come in successive weeks. Head coach Kalani Sitake will need every ounce of his skill to guide his team through the rough waters ahead.
Still, it’s never wise to underestimate the blue-and-white when it comes to red-blooded determination. This team will earn its accolades for sure if it rises to the challenge ahead.
#3: Notre Dame Faces Well-Rested Opponents
There’s nothing like a bye week to make a team say, hello, to a victory. Unfortunately, for Notre Dame, they’re up against seven teams that will have this crucial edge on their side: Boston College, Duke, VA Tech, the Navy, Bowling Green, and New Mexico.
On the other hand, the Fighting Irish have a fighting leader in the form of Brian Kelly, whose experience and iron will more than make up for his lack of youth. Who needs rest and warm weather when you have sheer tenacity on your side? For Notre Dame fans, this will be a season to remember.
#4: Something’s Simmering Down in Florida
Any football fan knows that the home-court advantage can make all the difference for a team’s prospects. This fact must have Miami players smiling because nine of their scheduled games are in-state.
The Sunshine State’s mild weather could also be on the team’s side, especially when they face the heat from northerly opponents like Pittsburgh. Put away that heavy jacket and slip into a pair of shorts, Miami fans. The forecast favors the Hurricanes as they take to the field this fall.
#5: There’s a Storm Brewing Down South
What would college football be without a little old-fashioned feuding? There’s still a lot of bad blood between Clemson and the Crimson Tide over last year’s squabble in Santa Clara, which may even be a sign of a coming brawl.
Riding the waves only to crash in the end is never fun, of course. We can respect both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season, but look for the sparks to fly, should they meet each other on the playing field this time around.
How to Keep Your Crystal Ball Glowing Bright
Predicting the coming season is never an exact science, as we all know. But sports science gives us some helpful guidelines to remember as we try to look ahead. Here are three of them.
- Keep win-loss records in their proper context – The problem with using the past to predict the future is that things are rarely the way they were before. Factors like weather, injuries, strategies and good old-fashioned grit make predicting an outcome a complex task indeed. So, never assume the past will repeat itself. It’s always a new ball game.
- Don’t forget that experts are only human – This tip challenges another common assumption: That the polls are usually right. The truth is, the people polled have built-in biases. That can set you up for a fall if you base your predictions on conventional wisdom.
- Diversify your data – You’re more likely to come out on top when you get your intel from a variety of sources. Good options to consider include recognized websites, former players, season schedules, local forecasts and, of course, your instincts. As with all things in life, it’s never wise to put all your eggs in one basket.
Here’s a Sure Thing
Victories fade, records get broken and players retire or move on to other careers. One thing that remains constant, however, is the thrill of the game. In the end, that’s what college football is.
Nothing can beat the loyal support of a die-hard fan. So, stand by your favorite teams, no matter what awaits them down the road. In the days to come, you’ll look back on the season with fond memories. That’s one prediction you can take to the bank.
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