College Football: The Sun Shines on Every Squirrel's Backdoor One Day

In this world of college football, the casual observer can find a number of enthusiasts who know a great deal about how their team will perform this season.

All you have to do is ask.

Following a whirlwind tour of several college towns, the information regarding what is going to happen does not seem to jive with a simple review of the team at practice.

During the first stopover in a quiet town, we find the city of Memphis is recovering from the low blow of basketball Coach John Calipari slipping off to Kentucky, by promoting the upcoming grid fortunes of coach Tommy West's Tigers.

Although one interested observer opined the Tigers "will be BCS-busters" this fall, a quick tour with the athletic department personnel reveals a more reasoned outlook.

One can only hope the force is with them.

Next stop, the bright lights of Nashville.

While Memphis Coach Tommy West used to be the head coach at Clemson, Vanderbilt head coach Bobby Johnson played for Clemson.

Patrons in the city of the Grand Old Opry seemed more interested in the fortunes of the professional football team than in the Commodores.

That did not stop one young man on Music Row from gracing everyone with his prediction for the Fall, Tennessee will win the SEC!

No doubt he had spent too much time at the varied watering hole establishments in an effort to be heard by a producer.

Speaking with some old friends in the river city's nightlife area did generate an interesting tidbit of information, the Commodores have what it takes to go to a bowl this year but, the Tennessee Volunteers will be vastly improved.

With such confidence in the men from Knoxville, was there any need to stop by the former home of the World's Fair for further information?

For better or worse, speaking with the mountain locals regarding the campaign this fall resulted in a mixed bag of views.

Many seem disappointed former Coach Phil Fulmer was "forced out" while others believe it was time for a house cleaning.

Having watched the Volunteers practice earlier this year, it seems obvious the Volunteer players are open to receiving instruction and coaching from a fresh voice.

Signs point to the Vols putting a good product on the field this season, in the house of General Neyland.

A legitimate sleeper.

In Columbia, South Carolina hopes are high for the Gamecocks this season.

Unfortunately, if what was witnessed during the drills is any indication, Steve Spurrier will suffer his first losing season in the college game.

Scooting along I-20 to Atlanta was only the beginning of an enjoyable trip through the Peach State.

Believers that Ga Tech will not wind up as ACC champions this season are few and far between in the "Capital City of the South."

A quick look at the Yellow Jackets only confirms the confidence of the fan on the street. This is a powerful team.

A journey to the outstanding city of Athens, Georgia is always a pleasure.

Having toured the home of the Bulldogs during the first weekend of the season last year, the confidence level 12 months later of the students and business owners seems reduced from overly optimistic to realistic.

Georgia looks good, really good.

Following a terrific plate of the fine Italian food, the only mission remaining was to pay an annual visit to the Watson Mill Covered Bridge near Comer before heading to the final stop on the tour.

Word to the wise, whenever the opportunity arises to drive over a wooden covered bridge—take it.

Sometimes you save the best for last, and sometimes it is just the end of the trip.

For whatever reason, a peaceful afternoon beckoned travelers to stop in Death Valley, home of the Clemson Tigers.

Here, those close to the athletic department and students agreed, this season cannot be as unsettling as last year.

Following a loss to Wake Forest last October, former coach Tommy Bowden was relieved of his duties and replaced by former Alabama football player Dabo Swinney.

Coach Swinney guided the Tigers to the Gator Bowl after taking over a 3-3 squad.

The young coach will have to settle on his quarterback, and get more disciplined play from his linemen but, the Tigers seem fit to surpass the break even point this year.

From a power package point of view, more statistical advantages go to Ga Tech and Georgia than the other schools viewed during this pigskin homage to Jack Kerouac's On The Road novel.

Although Carolina looked dreadful on one certain day, they have an excellent coach in Steve Spurrier.

Gamecock coach Steve Spurrier has demonstrated over the years he knows how to get the best effort of his players.

He will need all of his ability to produce a winning season this year in the heavily talented SEC.

Still, the idea that Memphis could surprise a strong Ole Miss eleven and head out to a successful season is not without precedent.

Coach West led the Tigers to an upset win over Eli Manning's Cotton Bowl-bound Rebels in 2003.

The positive result enabled the Tigers to go bowling as well that season.

No matter how many times a team suffers a bitter loss, hope springs eternal.

Young men are not as realistic as their coaches but, they are capable of springing back from disappointment and facing adversity with the promise of doing their best.

The sun will shine on everyone's back door at some point.