There's a reason college football is the greatest sport on the planet. It's the people.  

That distinction extends well beyond the players and coaches. The pageantry, led by passionate fans, are the coal that powers this mighty engine. 

That theme extends from campuses around the country to this very place on this very website. All season long, you and other B/R readers injected your own passion and insight through our weekly community stories. 

Before we move any further, I must thank you for that.

As the offseason stretched out its legs and sets in, said community pieces are taking a much-deserved break. While this is not goodbye, it is farewell for now.

Before we leave, however, we are starting the hype train for next season. While your work and answers were the driving force behind these pieces during the season, we're switching roles today.

Here is what I'm looking forward to most next season, which I am hopeful we will once again share together. See you on the other side.

Week 1 Out-of-Conference Excellence

There is nothing like a meaningful out-of-conference football game to begin the year, and the 2022 season offers a buffet of delightful options to sink into. 

Ohio State and Notre Dame will play. The better news is that this game will be played on a college campus—specifically Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Given the performances of both teams last season, this should be quite a scene.

But it is not alone. Georgia and Oregon will meet, which should have plenty of storylines of its own. Former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning, who's now the head coach of the Ducks, will play his former team in his first game with Oregon.

LSU will play Florida State in a game both head coaches absolutely need to win. While it's only Brian Kelly's first game with the Tigers, the pressure will be immense from the start. And Mike Norvell, who's now in his third year with the Seminoles, needs a massive year to avoid the dreaded hot seat. Some might argue he's already on it.

Elsewhere, Utah and Florida will meet. The Utes should enter the year with real playoff aspirations. The Gators, meanwhile, need to find something under new guidance. 

And, last but not least, Cincinnati will travel to Arkansas. The Bearcats will attempt to deliver an encore after a College Football Playoff appearance. However, doing so with a rebuilt secondary and a new quarterback will not be easy. The Hogs are poised to be even better, and we will all be better for this game taking place.