Game Week!

It may be hard to believe, but football season is upon us. Or it will be in a few short days when UCO opens the 2010 campaign Saturday against Pittsburg State.

The Gorillas invade Wantland Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff Saturday and it should be an interesting battle between two long-time powers looking for an identity. Pitt State ranks first and the Bronchos third in all-time wins on the Division II level, but both are coming off losing seasons.

UCO went 4-7 last year, winning three of the last four after a 1-6 start. The Gorillas finished 5-6, losing three of their last four. It will be the third straight time the two teams have opened the season against each other, with PSU having taken the past two meetings.

The Bronchos have an incredibly young team this season, with just 21 upperclassmen on the 86-player roster. Twenty-one!! That's amazing. Even more amazing is the fact that senior center Cody Ellett is the ONLY player remaining from the 2007 team.

UCO has talent, no doubt about that. Skill-position guys like running back Josh Birmingham, wide receivers Dolphin Davis, Daniel Morrell and Matt Jackson. Defenders like linebacker Tucker Cason and lineman Herbert Byrd. These players are among the best in the Lone Star Conference and there are others who are flying under the rader right now, ready and waiting to showcase their talents.

There are many questions as well -- especially with such a young squad -- and it may take awhile to find all the answers. But all signs point toward a bright future for the Bronchos, who are eager to get started.

It should be fun Saturday night at Wantland Stadium. There will be plenty of pre-game activities around the stadium, a large group of former players will be honored at halftime and the team will be wearing retro uniforms. It's a 7 p.m. kickoff, so come out early and join in the fun.

While we're on the subject of Broncho football . . . how about the early performance of former defensive line stud Jermelle Cudjo? A four-year star who signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Rams, Cudjo has been impressive in the first two preseason games with a pair of sacks and has a great shot of making the roster.