College football is back! Can I get an amen? Something comes alive in all of us this time of the year. We all have our reasons for the season: the school spirit, the tailgating, the band, the Hail Mary’s or the underdog,

If you’re a STATE fan the latter would be your reason. Opening the 2007 college football season on a nationally televised game, the Bulldogs were the underdogs playing against the #2 team in the nation, LSU. I watched the game in the comfort of home on my couch with a roof over my head and had the option to change the channel, but I didn’t. As an underdog fan I was hopeful STATE could pull the upset of the season in the first game of the year, but sadly I was disappointed in the second half when it became obvious which team made adjustments. The Bulldogs game plan was one of survival.

Here are my game notes (from the couch). In the first half the series that could have given the Dawgs momentum came when Jimmie Holmes sacked LSU quarterback Matt Flynn on the LSU 2 for a loss of 8 yards, and then on the next drive the STATE defense stopped Charles Scott for no gain, forcing the punt. The cowbells were ringing, the energy was high, the offensive had the ball on the 45 and then…STATE Quarterback Mike Henig threw an interception. The momentum was gone, the energy sucked out of the stadium, the cowbells silent. That in a nutshell is how the rest of the game went.

I got a little excited when Coach Croom came out with the Flea Flicker! The flea flicker in the second quarter, are you serious? I love that play, it’s by far my favorite, but in the first half? That’s desperation.

And so the story goes. The desperation bulldogs lost 45-0 in a game highlighted by 6 interceptions from QB Mike Henig. I’ll give the guy some credit, he’s a tough player. Even with two broken collarbones last season he was making blocks and getting into the dog pile. I don’t think it’s smart, but I do think it requires heart.

It’s obvious the STATE Bulldogs are going to have to rely heavily on their defense, and the fans are going to have to rely on their faith to get them through the season. I know it’s tough to watch your team lose, but when it’s the first game of the college football season and the nation is watching, you should stick around until at least the two-minute mark. Instead the commentators do what they’re paid to do and commented on the lack of people in the stands. It was half empty with 14 minutes left in the 4th quarter! Let’s show some dedication STATE fans, your team needs it! I mean it’s not that bad, you could be a Murray State fan, their team lost to Louisville, 73 – 10! Or you could be Zach Smith – ouch. Hope you’re world is getting right again Zach.

Reporting from the couch, Christi Steckel. Back to you.

Let’s hear your thoughts on the game!!!!