Happy Independence Day Weekend.
As July sizzles on, many college football fans follow a summer tradition in preparation for the coming season - reading preseason college football annuals.
Sure, the internet provides instant access to information on our favorite teams. With a click, we can visit any number of private fan sites and blogs devoted to a particular squad, and commercial enterprises such as Rivals and Scout offer a clearinghouse of information for the entire NCAA. Need the latest news on injuries, grades, or (unfortunately) the police blotter? Go online.
Still, the summer preseason annuals are terrific.
These big, glossy publications (Street and Smith's, Phil Steele's, Athlon's, Lindy's, and others) are national in scope, typically provide a bit of historical context in their team previews (some provide a significant amount), and with a simple flip of the thumb you can find information on schedules, bowl dates and tie-ins, preseason prognostication, and the like.
For even the most hard-core college football web surfer, reading at least one of the major print annuals is usually still a summer tradition.
Plus, it's a whole lot easier to read Phil Steele's or Athlon's on the beach ... if it gets sandy just shake it out. Try that with an online site!
Other News and Notes
* The Campus Game will resume regular weekly posting just prior to the kickoff of the college football season. In addition to this blog, I'll once again be writing the Coach's Corner, SEC Game of the Week, and Around the SEC columns for Game Day Weekly this fall. See the bar on the right for information on bringing Game Day Weekly to your area.
* Max Howell, legendary southern radio broadcaster and former college football coach, has moved his Max'd Out radio program to Jackson, Mississippi. His show currently airs M-F from 3:00-6:00 CT on Sports Radio 970 the Fan (WJFN Jackson). The station should be streaming live starting in early August. This fall, I'll again be a regular weekly guest with Max so please listen in when you get the chance.
