That time again – the preseason, where hope reigns eternal. It’s also that time of year to get overly ambitious and dream about all the great football games I might be able to make it to.

If only…

Last year the plan was similarly far-fetched and it collapsed after about two weeks. My goal was to attend, in person, as many high school football games as humanly possible, supplemented by a good dose of college and pro games.

Not to say it wasn’t fun or fulfilling while it lasted but it wasn’t feasible. So why not try it again? We’ll see how many of these I can make it to, but here is, all mapped out and ready to go, a 14-week college football extravaganza, taking me through Ann Arbor, Bowling Green, East Lansing, Toledo, Ypsilanti, Kalamazoo, Madison, South Bend, Detroit and Columbus.

Hotbeds, indeed. We’ll see.

Saturday, August 30 – Utah at Michigan

Because of Rich Rodriguez, Mike Barwis and the novel idea of letting athletes make plays, Michigan will surprise some people this year. We’ll see if that holds during the first week.

Saturday, September 6 – Minnesota at Bowling Green

Big Ten pays a rare MAC visit in a rematch of last year’s OT thriller, incredibly won by the Falcons. Minnesota opens with back-to-back MAC foes but hopefully not back-to-back MAC setbacks.

Saturday, September 13 – Florida Atlantic at Michigan State

If nothing else, Mark Dantonio is making serious in-state inroads. MSU doesn’t appear to be a pushover anymore and we can check in on their progress and watch the Spartans dismantle an overmatched Sun Belt foe.

Saturday, September 20 – Fresno State at Toledo

Fresno State’s Pat Hill looks like a walrus, and the Glass Bowl is a throughly enjoyable venue to watch a WAC-MAC showdown.

Saturday, September 27 – Northern Illinois at Eastern Michigan

Continuing the four MAC stadiums in five weeks odyssey with a real snoozer. However, the highlight is my first trip to Rynerason Stadium for an Eastern Michigan game.

Saturday, October 4 – Ohio at Western Michigan

A hike to the left coast; another first time stadium. Western could be one of the country’s most suprising team and should hit their stride by October.

Saturday, October 11 – Penn State at Wisconsin

Ooohh, ahhh: Big time venture to big-time Big Ten Country.

Saturday, October 18 – Western Michigan at Central Michigan

Rivalry week, take one. Michigan State/Michigan gets the headlines, but Central/Western weekend might be the most intense at the tailgate.

Saturday, October 25 – Michigan State at Michigan

Take two. Spartans will do all the talking …

Saturday, November 1 – Pittsburgh at Notre Dame

Plus: One of college football’s cathedrals is a must for this excursion. Minus: It’s Notre Dame. Next year: I’m knocking off my buddy Jeff and making a pilgrimage to SEC country.

Saturday, November 8 – Grand Valley State at Wayne State (D-II)

The Lakers, perennial D-II power against a Wayne State team that projects to be mediocre (and have one of D-II’s best pro prospects).

Saturday, November 15 – Adrian College at Olivet College (D-III)

Toss in one for the little guys at the lower levels.

Saturday, November 22 – Michigan at Ohio State

Friday, November 28 – Central Michigan at Eastern Michigan

Saturday, November 29 – D-II Playoffs

Playoff football – the way it should be.

Friday, December 5 – MAC Championship Game

Only postseason game in town.

December 26 – Motor City Bowl

Extending the journey.

January 1 – Bowl Game

Now we’re getting ambitious.