If you're new to Oklahoma, the main thing you should know about college football season is that it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. OK, maybe not, but try telling that to the legions of diehard football fans who eagerly await this time of year.

It all kicks off Saturday, Sept. 3, with the University of Oklahoma Sooners' first home game against Tulsa and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys taking on Louisiana-Lafayette. Other area universities boast quality football, of course, but OU and OSU – or OSU and OU, depending on your allegiance – are the big dogs.

Game days in Norman and Stillwater are a blast, from the party atmosphere of the crowds to the inevitable post-game traffic crawl back home. The season promises to be a momentous one for fans of both teams. USA Today'spreseason coaches' poll ranks Bob Stoops' Sooners No. 1, while Mike Gundy's Cowboys come in No. 8. That's the first time since USA Today took over the poll 20 years ago that both teams made the top 10.