Considering I usually spend my Saturday’s on the sideline shooting Carson-Newman University football, the fact that they played their opener on Thursday offers a chance at a couple of college football live blogs. It’s an opportunity I’ll happily take, starting with the No. 11 Michigan Wolverines taking on the No. 17 Florida Gators at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
As always, scroll on down for the live blog. Keep reading for the press release from Michigan.
ARLINGTON, Texas — There was a buzz outside AT&T Stadium on the eve of one of the most anticipated opening games in college football.
Michigan fans and Florida fans, who on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 2) will be chanting for the opposite outcome, lined up to enter the home of the Dallas Cowboys, nicknamed “Jerry’s World” for the team owner who likes to set the bar high in terms of keeping up with the Jones.
The tours of this football palace were in demand because so many fans just couldn’t wait to see the place — just as they can’t wait for the season to start.
In the parking lot on the side of the stadium closest to Globe Life Park — the home of the Texas Rangers that’s just a couple of Joey Gallo moon shot homers down the way — was the set for SEC Nation and the afternoon talk show of ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, known for his admiration of all things maize and blue … wink-wink.
Former Wolverine lineman Les Miles, now a teammate of Finebaum’s, was on hand to break down Thursday night’s (Aug. 31) Ohio State win over Indiana.
Miles also spoke of the excitement that will occur and the chills that will go down the spines of players, coaches and fans alike the next day at Jerry’s World.
“If there is an opportunity to be a head coach again — that is what I want to do,” said Miles, who won a national championship with LSU but was let go there after a 2-2 start last season.
Miles gritted his teeth when saying that, much like his mentor, Bo Schembechler, did when speaking about something he was passionate about.
There’s nothing quite like the kickoff in the game that kicks off a season.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh had a word that he best felt described college football openers.
“Unique would be the word I would use in place of magic because it is,” Harbaugh said. “There’s no other sport that I can think of that doesn’t have a preseason, an exhibition season or spring training in college or professional sports other than college football.
“It’s unique, and it’s what it’s always been, is and for the foreseeable future, and is going to be. That being understood, you better be ready to play your first game.”
The Wolverines are ranked No. 11 and the Gators No. 17 in a game that’s going to jump-start somebody’s season.
“It’s my job to worry about every little thing right now,” Harbaugh said. “I always felt it better to worry before the game than during the game. So, we continued to try to think of everything we can and get our players prepared for the first game.”
The game is on your local ABC affiliate at 3:30 p.m. Watch it with me.
