The season is still a little ways down the path, but us planners out there do have the luxury of already knowing what is going to go down and when, thanks to schedules having been released for quite some time. That allows a fan the chance to book hotels in advance and tell a significant other that you won't be able to do chores on certain Saturdays.

Don't worry, they'll be plotting other times for you to clean that garage or hit up Bed Bath on Beyond for another nice little Saturday.

So in advance of an always-popular season when men can rightfully scream like little girls, here is a week-by-week outline of key games to check out in the state of Florida.

Saturday, Sept. 3 (FAU at Florida): This is going to be a butt whuppin' but there's nothing better to go to on this day. At least it's a matchup of two in-state teams.

Saturday, Sept. 10 (Boston College at UCF): This is the perfect chance for a transplant from up north to see BC take on a very good Knights team. UCF's metal bleacher stadium will be shacking, that's for sure.

Saturday, Sept. 17 (Oklahoma at Florida State; Tennessee at Florida; Ohio State at Miami): a win here could give the Seminoles' hopes of making the BCS title game a huge boost. also, the Vols head to the Swamp for a game that's always fun to watch. Let's not forget the depleted Buckeyes playing at Miami in a game the Hurricanes could very well win.

Saturday, Sept. 24 (Hampton at Bethune-Cookman): This is a good day to check out the Wildcats with most of the big teams in the state playing on the road.

Saturday, Oct. 1 (Alabama at Florida): Easily the best game in the state on this day. a win here would be a huge upset for Florida (yeah, even though the Gators are at home) and it certainly would help Will Muschamp's cause.

Saturday, Oct. 8 (Menio College at Webber): Here's my reasoning: There isn't much else going on in Florida; Webber is local and the Warriors come off a season when they were ranked in the NAIA Top 25. They're worth a look at some point. still, you probably won't be able to get out of domestic duties on this day, sorry.

Saturday, Oct. 15 (Western Kentucky at Florida Atlantic): Not the best of games, but this is the day FAU unveils its new on-campus stadium.

Saturday, Oct. 22 (Cincinnati at South Florida): It's time to catch some Big East action and see a USF team that, on paper, looks like a conference title contender.

Saturday, Oct. 29 (Florida vs. Georgia in Jacksonville): This doesn't need much of an advertisement. two teams that don't like each other playing at a cool venue and surrounded by a tasty party.

Saturday, Nov. 5 (North Carolina A&T at Florida A&M): I can't forget those Rattlers. Watch former Kathleen High receiver T.J. Lawrence catch a few passes for FAMU.

Saturday, Nov. 12 (Miami at Florida State): This is my favorite rivalry game in the state of Florida.

Saturday, Nov. 19 (Miami at South Florida; B-CU vs. FAMU in Orlando): USF pulled off a stunning victory at Miami last year with a backup QB leading the way. Can the Bulls make it two in a row? if you aren't into that one, the Florida Classic should be in your travel plans. FAMU and B-CU have a great rivalry tradition and the halftime show in Orlando will make you get up and dance.

Saturday, Nov. 26 (Florida State at Florida): I predicted an FSU win in this rivalry game last year. I'm going to take the Seminoles this year as well, even with the game taking place in Gainesville.

Safe travels to all, and to all a very good football season.

[ Tom Zebold can be reached at tom.zebold@theledger.com or at 863-802-7553. ]

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