With college football season swiftly approaching – only 35 days left now – conferences around the country are putting on their media days, which has become an event in itself. On Wednesday, all 14 Conference USA head football coaches, along with two players from each school, came together at the DFW Marriott in Irving, TX to hold their annual media day.
The day started with a few words from Commissioner Britton Banowsky followed by a statement from College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock. Afterwards players from the West division sat at their designated tables waiting to be addressed by the media. It was not the media frenzy I’m used to seeing when I cover live events. The environment was informal and relaxed. If you had a question for a certain player or a coach you simply walked up to them, asked the question, and moved on. Or you could sit at their round table and listen to them speak to other members of the media.
Although Rice won the C-USA championship last season, this year’s media day seemed to be owned by the University of North Texas. The Mean Green were picked to win the West division after a historical season where they finished 9-4 and beat UNLV in the Heart of Dallas Bowl – just their third postseason win in history. They are the media proclaimed team to beat this season. They will certainly be tested as their first game of the season is against Charlies Strong’s in-state powerhouse Texas Longhorn. Louisiana Tech will also open their season against a Big 12 team as they will be travelling to Norman to battle the Oklahoma Sooners.
Media days are an exciting time for all involved. They are another way to get you hype about what is to come this football season. With the playoff system being integrated into college football most of us don’t know what to expect or how this will play out. Either way we are excited to have football filled Saturdays again.