I love fall. I love the smell of wet leaves and the crunch that dry ones make when I walk on them. I love the crisp, cool air both early morning and late at night. But most of all, I love that fall means the return of football.
The best part of football season is high school games under the lights on Friday nights and college football all day on Saturdays; and from noon to bedtime on Sundays, the professional players shine.
And if you're a college football fan like I am, Duluth is definitely the place to be. The University of Minnesota Duluth football team has been a force to be reckoned with in recent years, and this season has proved to be no different, as the Bulldogs have once again started off their season extremely strong. The Bulldogs are currently 4-0 and outscored their opponents 195-94 the first four games of the young season.
UMD's strong start has kept them holding steady in the national polls as well. Last week, UMD ranked second for the fifth straight week in the American Football Coaches Association Division II poll. They have been second to Pittsburg State University since the preseason poll.
Besides being ranked nationally, individual players have received accolades as well. Quarterback Chase Vogler was already named as a National Player of the Week this season, and this past weekend Aaron Roth was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.
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When it comes to family entertainment, there's not much in the Northland that can beat a UMD football game for the entire family. It's a great alternative to sitting inside on these beautiful fall days in the Northland, and it's a more inexpensive form of entertainment for families.
A few Saturdays ago, I took in my first game of the season and the stadium was packed with alumni, community members and students alike. Even though the weather was chilly, it didn't stop the crowd from heating up James S. Malosky Stadium. The crowd was vocal and pushed its team toward victory. The sounds of tackles and referee whistles were accompanied by the roar of the crowd when Bulldog Vogler completed pass after pass.
And it's a chance to see some athletes who may have a chance at a professional contract some day. Past players such as running back Isaac Odim and placekicker David Nadeau have both had tryouts for professional teams.
The Bulldogs play at St. Cloud State this Saturday, Sept. 29, and return home Saturday, Oct. 6, to host Minnesota State Moorhead. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
