There is something about this time of the year that has so much more energy to it compared to any other time. There is that first cool, deep breath as summer winds down, students are preparing for school, the holiday season is just around the corner and most importantly, football season is finally here! You do not have to be a huge football fan to notice the change around you. Fans everywhere will start waving their flags on their vehicles, they will break out their favorite team's apparel and every weekend will appear to be some sort of national holiday. It truly is amazing how this time of the year feels. It carries with it so much enthusiasm, but at the same time, a fair amount of depression. Fans' emotions are completely based off their teams' performance that week and that is much more evident in the South compared to other places around the country.

From the road trips and tailgates, to the postgame celebrations, there is so much to look forward to when football makes its comeback. It will tear friendships apart but also bring together fans from all different backgrounds. Complete strangers will share their enthusiasm together and also be together to go through the tough moments that every team goes through. It is part of what is so great about football — it unites us all.

We live for the upsets, overtime games, storming the field and the energy surrounding a night game is like no other. Fans will finally get to immerse themselves in the tradition that their school has had for so many years. You have the alma mater, the game chants and your own personal rituals that you believe will give your team the win that week.

And what would football be without the non-stop debates over who the best team, player, offense, defense or conference is? These debates are never-ending and everyone will have their arguments loaded up and ready to fire at the first person who talks down on the team they support. Legendary coaches will face-off yet again and rivalries will renew. There's the intensity of game-winning drives, trick plays and the explosive, unreal plays that would never happen again in a million years.

And how could we ever pick our winners each week without taking into consideration the choice of the legend Lee Corso on College Gameday. When he dons the mascot head of the team he wants to win we either are more comfortable with our choice or second guess our decision.

So everyone close your eyes, take a deep breath and exhale that fall air on the horizon. It is the time of the year that we have all been waiting for. Football season is here and it won't be going anywhere anytime soon! Cherish the memories you are about to make with all those around you. There is nothing like it. Welcome to football season!