Greetings, Lion fans, Game Week is finally here. Labor Day weekend always seems to mark the end of summer, and the beginning of another football season. While the summer heat shows no signs of abating anytime soon, the 2023 season begins in earnest this Thursday at the friendly confines of The Hawk. Here, we take a somewhat closer look at the matchup between the Aggies of UC-Davis and the Blue Gang of the Lions. So let’s dive right in and take a look.

What began under the late Bobby Fox in the early 70’s continues today. A defense in which the sum is greater than the individual parts. The names are well known to those in both college and professional circles. Names like Ross. Copeland. Deason. Power, Adibi, Williams. Players like White. Martin. Bagsby. Turner. Mathis. Beamon. Kirk. Bertrand. Buster. Ray. It is far more than just a catchy nickname for a unit. It is what Brian and I here at The Wire have come to call a mentality. A way and a standard of doing things. As showy as the offense was in 2017, it was the defense that carried the Lions to a national championship. The next year, it kept them afloat and in games until the offense found its footing. In 2019, it fueled an unexpected run to the national quarterfinals and was a hair’s breadth from a return trip to the national championship game. In 2022, it was the best in the Southland Conference, and if they had been eligible due to the NCAA transition rule, would have been Top 10 OVERALL IN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF DIVISION 1 FCS. To say they’re good is an understatement.

WHAT TO EXPECT: UC Davis is very athletic on the offensive side of the ball, and head coach Dan Hawkins has more tricks up his sleeve than world famous magician David Blaine. Hawkins’ Aggies begin the season ranked #16 (NCAA) and #17 (Coaches’ Poll) in the nation in FCS rankings. They went right down to the wire in the 2022 season finale with Sacramento State, whom the Lions face in Week 2. Sacramento State participated in one of the wildest college football games ever, a 66-63 quarterfinal loss to Lion rival Incarnate Word. Kyle Williams and his staff will certainly be tested.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: The biggest concern will be the heat, by far. Keeping fresh and rested players in the rotation will be of utmost importance to the Lions. According to sources, the run defense has been outstanding in fall camp so far. UC Davis is deep and talented, and while the weather will certainly not be what they’re used to, the Lions will be facing the same challenges Thursday. How the Lions meet these challenges will certainly be key.

THE LIONS WIN THIS MATCHUP IF: The Blue Gang is good enough to keep the Lions in this one. If the offense shows some progress, and is able to move the ball, the Lions have every chance to win this one.

There’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Clint Dolezel. This Thursday, we get to see just what’s been cooking in the Lion kitchen this spring and summer. So far, it looks promising.

The season begins anew this week, Lion fans, and it looks to be a fun ride. Buckle Up.

We’ll see you Thursday.