College football season

Today is the start of the Big Ten college football season. As I heard all the hype the last two weeks, I thought that I couldn't bring myself to be interested in college football now. It was such a big deal to Ed, especially Ohio State football, and we literally planned our weekends around the televised games. We made a point of seeing every Ohio State and Penn State game on TV that we could, and since we moved to Columbus, we managed to see both teams in action in person a couple of times each season, both here in Columbus and in State College. Back in Iowa, our Penn State group was like family to us, and I've thought that if I had that closeness, then I could watch and enjoy a game. But I don't have that here.

I didn't really realize how much I was dreading the college football season until it hit me while at my support group Wednesday evening. There's no way to avoid Buckeye fanaticism around here, and I have lost my buffer. Any time I was in Penn State garb, Ed would be wearing Ohio State stuff--except when even he was showing his Penn State pride. I can't bring myself to decorate the living room windows with decals the way I used to, one window Ohio State and the other Penn State. The first year we moved here, that and the Go Bucks sign in the yard caught neighbors' attention as they walked by and usually they would comment. I wonder if anyone will notice the lack of school decor this season.

Neither the Penn State nor Ohio State games are on cable TV here, and I have no desire to go to the bar where the local Penn State alums are supposed to gather to watch via satellite. The place will undoubtedly be filled with Buckeyes because their game is at the same time as Penn State's and will be on most of the TVs at the bar. I guess I will force myself to watch at least some of the games that are on TV and see how it goes. Here's an odd thought: if someone cries over football, it's usually after a big loss, not before a game has started. Guess I'm an exception.