The onset of every college football season is preceded by an overflow of baseless polls, cautious and extreme predictions, and flailing jibber-jabber on social media. Who really knows that Arizona is an 11-point favorite? Before the cleats hit the field for the first time, even the best of pundits have a cloudy crystal ball. As it turned out, Honolulu provided the stage for an incredible opening day to the 150th season of college football.
Continue reading “Game 285: Arizona @ Hawai’i”USC – THE LOS ANGELES MEMORIAL COLISEUM
USC really drives the tradition of west coast football. With their first squad fielded in 1888, Southern Cal is a team that sets a standard for others not only near the Pacific, but nationally. USC is one of those places that define tradition. An illustrious history includes coaching legends, Heisman Trophy winners, national championships, and classic rivalries (Notre Dame and UCLA most notably).
Game 239: #3 Utah @ USC
In the past four weeks, the embattled USC program has suffered three crushing defeats and the dismissal of their head coach. So, why were they favored over #3 and undefeated Utah?
Talent.
Tradition.
The LA Coliseum.
USC always can boast these assets.
UCLA – THE ROSE BOWL
The Rose Bowl is known as the “granddaddy of them all” because of its prestige, rich history, and striking beauty. Set amongst the San Gabriel Mountains and placed in the ritzy neighborhoods of the Arroyo Seco, the setting is timeless and leaves a lasting impression. Arguably college football’s most picturesque view occurs as the sunset illuminates the mountains adjacent to the Rose Bowl, while outlining this colorfully grand arena. It’s one of perfection’s rare visits.
Game 237: #20 California @ UCLA
A Rose Bowl black out set the stage for the Bruins, who were in must-win mode. A season filled with playoff aspirations has taken a few punches to the jaw. A win over the ranked Cal Bears would bring a little more postseason attention in UCLA’s direction.
ARIZONA – ARIZONA STADIUM
Looking down from high atop Sentinel Peak (“A” Mountain), widespread afternoon views of Tucson lie below. Looking up at this peak from campus, the rock-formation “A” is a beacon of pride for Wildcat fans. Even though night games are a common trend at Arizona, gameday action builds a grand crescendo all day long.
Game 232: Northern Arizona @ #20 Arizona
77 points – record. 499 rushing yards – record. 792 total yards – record. Thank you for visiting, Northern Arizona. Mind turning out the lights when you leave?
Arizona used their FCS neighbors to the north to dust off their record book and replace a few old numbers. The Wildcats came out struggling a bit, but then chopped down the Lumberjacks with a forest full of offense.
ARIZONA STATE – SUN DEVIL STADIUM
While some alumni may not be proud of Arizona State’s consistently high party school ratings, the expectations for fun do translate very well on football game days. Tempe is a vibrant campus town that benefits from its big city neighbor, but radiates a character of its own. Eccentrically urban, Tempe is the ideal home for Arizona State.
Game 231: New Mexico @ Arizona State
Perfect timing – Arizona State really needed New Mexico. The Sun Devils have had a sluggish start to their season, and for the past few years, finding the Lobos on your schedule usually signals an opportunity to find success and improve morale.
Game 229: #21 Stanford @ Northwestern
Stanford – the in vogue pick. I admit that I became swept into the hype by putting them in high regard for a playoff position. Instead, a muggy day at Ryan Field became a potential Northwestern revival.