Football season is here—Check out the local top spots to eat, cheer and high-five your way through the games.
By Scott Miller
Did you see that heartbreaking loss the Tennessee Volunteers suffered in week 3? The game was all but in the bag. The only thing that stood between the Vols and a generational victory against SEC rival Georgia was a very, very makeable 43 yard field goal. The Tennessee fans stood together waiting to hear, “It’s good!!!” Instead they heard “wide right.” Oh no! He missed! The emotions on both sides were as high as the sky. On the Tennessee sidelines heads dropped. On the Georgia sidelines, exuberation ran rampant. I’m not even a Tennessee fan. I root for Penn State and I root for Auburn. But I felt that loss—it hurt. I felt for that sophomore kicker, for his teammates, for the entire state of Tennessee. But, my friends, that is part of the game, part of the lure. Games like that are why we watch college football. It’s exhilarating.
So who’s next? Who will feel the joy? Who will feel the pain? Hopefully, once the emotions settle, both sides will realize it’s just a game. But, between the lines it’s everything, from the opening kickoff to the final whistle—these kids give it all they have. That’s what makes football America’s sport. Well, the season is underway, the games have begun. So, keep the faith if your team let one slip away and don’t get too overconfident if your team squeaked one out. There’s a lot more football yet to be played.
And here along the Emerald Coast, we are truly blessed. Some of the best sports bars and restaurants anywhere are ready to welcome us in, serve up great food and cold drinks, and make every game feel like a championship. Here are a few of my favorites. So, grab your crew, claim your spot and get in on the action—I’ll see you there!
