Christmas morning

The alarm clock goes off. You stumble out of bed after a late night of partying, the smell of the cheap pizza still on your clothes. You quickly put on your team apparel and head off to the stadium.

On your walk over, you are surrounded by a symphony of chants, sizzling meat on the grill and the band striking up your favorite fight song.

The beauty of college football in all its fine glory.

It's like Christmas morning every Saturday for the true diehards. For those who don't see the excitement in watching a television screen for hours on end, give it a try. Excitement is always a possibility because on any given day, anything can happen. Take, for example, Appalachian State versus Michigan last year.

Appalachian State should have been blown out or simply destroyed. Michigan was bigger, better, had more depth and was returning top seniors like quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart and left tackle Jake Long, all of whom were NFL-caliber players. When the last whistle blew, Goliath lost and David won.

Not only are the games thrilling every week but also the rivalries that develop only enhance the college game day experience. My parents, graduates from Ohio State, instilled in me that a Saturday ritual was watching the men of scarlet and gray fight on the battlefield.

To make matters worse, two of my uncles, two cousins and my father's best friend were all Michigan alumni. Because of this, the family dynamic that occurred all year long was one that cannot be described. The small jabs and weekly e-mail exchanges regarding tweaks in the uniform made each victory mean that much more. Talking trash is half the fun of college football.

My biggest memory from this family feud was back when I was a young lad. The year was 1995 and I bore witness to the rivalry first hand in the Big House on the Michigan's campus.

I was at the same hallowed ground where Woody Hayes and Bo Schmebechler battled during the 10-Year War. The Buckeyes were undefeated with aspirations of a national championship, and I was lucky enough to sit in the student section with my family, cheering on the Buckeyes.

As I sat on my father's shoulders, I watched Wolverine tailback Tshimanga Biakabutuka rip through the OSU defense for 313 rushing yards. Michigan won that day 31-23. While the loss hurt me, it was avenged as I watched the Buckeyes bring home a National Championship in 2002. It was the single greatest sports moment of my life.

The simplest things in life give the most pleasure. If you are bored on a Saturday, flip through the channels and take in the college football experience. While your homework might be delayed, the religious experience of college football is one that can't be missed.