The most wonderful time of the year

For those of you struggling through a Braves-induced coma, it's time to wake up. I know, watching the Braves continue to go through the motions as they hobble towards the finish line is disheartening, but fear not. Tonight, at long and glorious last, the 2008 college football season will begin when NC State visits Darth Visor and the Poultry in Columbia.

While the game itself is about as exciting as a lecture on tax forms, it's still football on TV. South Carolina looks to finally become relevant in the SEC East, while NC State hopes to become relevant for a reason other than Chuck Amato looking like some sort of crazed personal trainer. The Cocks' defense is stout, led by defensive end Eric Norwood and linebackers Jasper Brinkley and Rodney Paulk. Whether or not they have someone who can get the ball to talented wideout Kenny McKinley is another story. Quarterback Chris Smelley's play often matched his surname last year, while freshman Stephen Garcia has spend more time going through court papers in the off season than the playbook. Either way, an early loss would be devastating to the Gamecocks. NC State, on the other hand, is one of those teams that just doesn't matter to me. They aren't even a factor in the ACC, which means they are slightly less important than the Athens-area high school teams I will be covering Friday night. Take Spurrier and Co. by 10 in this one.

Speaking of Gamecocks, let's not forget that Paul Johnson and the greatest offense ever devised by humans makes its long anticipated debut on The Flats as the Jacksonville St. version of the Gamecocks take on the Jackets tonight as well. Besides the unveiling of the Jackets' fashionable new mustard-yellow uniforms, the Ramblin' Wreck will also roll out the triple option for the first time. Josh Nesbitt can be electrifying if he can hang on to the ball, which was a difficult proposition for him last season. With running backs Jon Dwyer and Roddy Jones, Johnson's offense is sure to lead Tech to 500 yards a game and a BCS Title this year. Or that's what you would think if you have been drinking the Johnson koolaid all summer like most of the Tech faithful. Don't overlook Jax. St., led by LSU castoff Ryan Perilloux. Perilloux famously proclaimed that he would win four Heisman Trophies upon his arrival in Baton Rouge as a freshman. So far, our tally has him at zero. Regardless, he's talented enough to give the Jackets trouble, but look for Johnson's juggernaut of an offense to go 1-0 to start the year.

PS....Did I mention that Paul Johnson's offense could score touchdowns if the defense had 22 players? It's that unstoppable. I mean, it worked at Navy!