Without College Football, Today Is Really Depressing

Today should feel like Christmas. Instead it feels like a wake.

The Thursday before Labor Day is traditionally the kickoff date of the college football season. It’s the day my favorite sport kicks back into high gear. I dream about this day all summer long.

Instead of 110,000 fans in Neyland Stadium, I’m thinking about the 185,000 Americans who died of COVID-19.

Instead of failed third down conversions, I’m thinking about our country’s failed response. It’s depressing.

Today is usually a day when the alarm goes off and I can’t wait to go to work, because I know there’s football waiting for me on the other end. This day has provided so many good memories over the past 20 years.

UConn traditionally starts its season with a Thursday night home game before Labor Day. Of course, in recent years it has included embarrassing defeats to FCS teams. But during the first Randy Edsall tenure, when I still lived in Connecticut, it was our first opportunity to tailgate, drink beers, and enjoy the fading summer sun.