It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Right now the Irish are undefeated and that’s a great feeling.  At the beginning of each season hope springs eternal.  The expectations and possibilities make us feel like a seven year-old on Christmas Eve.  The recruiting, the spring practice, the Blue and Gold game and fall camp all look great, the confidence and the hype give us  all a reason to believe, then kickoff comes.  On Saturday, we’ll come crashing back to earth when the yellow flags hit the ground because of mental mistakes, or when injuries occur because athletes weren’t as well conditioned as we thought.  But for now the sky is the limit.

Could this year be different?  Could we stay in this dream state?  We say to ourselves “this year feels different.”  Of course, the fact that we say that ever year makes it feel the same.  I’ve been thinking how I’ve felt in years past before the first game, and it kind of feels like a first date.  You’ve gone on them before but since it’s with someone different it’s not exactly the same.

Should we be confident?  Yes.  Should we be nervous?  Yes.  None of that matters come Saturday.  The coaches have prepared the players as best they can, the athletes have studied the play book and the gold has been sprayed onto the helmets.  Many of us will sit in our luck chair or wear our favorite hat. I will be at Shamrock Jacks, but no matter how much we wish for it, the team has to get it done on the field.

If we win?  Of and running with continued momentum from the end of last season.  We continue to build confidence.  Critics will say one win does not make a season, and they would be right.  Skeptics would say South Florida is not as good as advertised.  Fans will get to rave and dream for another week about how great we can be.

If we lose?  Fans can point to last year’s 1 – 3 start and look to the following week.  Fans can blame players, referees, coaches, the weather and on and on.  The Irish faithful can call it a day, pack it in and say “wait until next year.”

3:30 Saturday will be here soon enough, just as Christmas morning will be here eventually.  Let’s wake up, run down the stairs and see what’s under the tree.