As an incoming freshman, college can seem like a daunting task. Friends go off to different schools, you have to get used to a new schedule of classes and sometimes Ramen Noodles are your only friend.
Getting adjusted to this new environment can sometimes seem challenging, but there's always one thing that can bring together new friends when all else fails - sports.
For an incoming freshman, these are a few things that will make the transition a little bit easier. Consider these the Top 5 Sporting Events Not To Miss in 2008:
1. University of Memphis vs. University of Louisville; Football Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
10/10/08, 7 p.m.
Broadcast nationally on ESPN, this match-up between the Tigers and the Cardinals is the first game in a home-and-home series between the two teams. Since the Conference-USA split in 2005, U of M fans have wanted some kind of showdown with their long-time rivals. Louisville, a former mainstay of the conference, jumped ship from C-USA to the Big East. Until earlier this year, it wasn't certain whether the two schools would play each other ever again.
The last time The U of M and Louisville faced each other in football was Nov. 5, 2004 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in a shoot-out for the ages. Then ranked No. 14 in the country, the Cardinals escaped Memphis with a 56-49 victory.
In front of an estimated crowd of 52,384, the two teams battled back and forth until the end of the game, with the score tied 49-49. Finally, with 37 seconds left on the clock, Louisville scored on a 1-yard run to take the lead and would go on to win the game.
Now in 2008, gone is record-breaking quarterback Danny Wimprine, who threw for 361 yards and four touchdowns in that game. Gone is former Heisman hopeful DeAngelo Williams, who rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown.
Going into this season, the Tigers will have to replace starters at both quarterback and tailback. Despite these uncertainties at key positions, one sure-thing is that they will put up a fight against Louisville.
The Liberty Bowl will be filled up by Tigers fans wanting to exact revenge on their former conference rivals and as a freshman, it is one of the events that must be seen in person. Even though it'll be on ESPN, there's nothing quite like seeing such a huge game in person.
2. Memphis Madness
FedEx Forum
In October, U of M students will get the opportunity to see something nobody else in the country can - a sneak preview of their basketball teams.
Each year the Tigers unveil the men's and women's basketball teams for the next season, followed by a Blue versus Gray scrimmage between the men's team. It's always a good chance for people to come out and see what kind of team head coach John Calipari has assembled.
Fans will get the chance to see returning seniors Robert Dozier and Antonio Anderson take the floor, as well as incoming freshman sensation Tyreke Evans.
Another major part of the evening is a dunk contest between a few of the players. Even though fans can see the team play and go through the offense during the scrimmage, there's nothing quite like a slam dunk competition, especially with the type of athletes the Tigers have suiting up.
And last but not least, each year before any the festivities start, the team is available to sign autographs near the lobby of the Forum. So instead of asking Shawn Taggart to sign a t-shirt in line at the TigerDen or chasing Willie Kemp down outside the library, students can get the signatures from their favorite Tigers all in one place.
From basketballs to posters, they'll sign it all. And if the Tigers win it all this year, it'll be a nice piece of history to stick in the trophy case at home.
3. University of Memphis vs. Tulane University; Volleyball, Elma Roane Fieldhouse, 10/03/08, 7 p.m.
For students who don't want to spend another Friday night playing Xbox in the dorms, they can take a walk across campus to the Fieldhouse for a night of volleyball. Even for students who don't live on campus, it's worth the trip up to school to see this game. While some students might prefer FedEx Forum or the Liberty Bowl, there's nothing quite like catching a game at the Fieldhouse. As the only sports venue on the main campus, it gives students the chance to come together for a game without even having to drive anywhere.
The volleyball team finished last season with a 23-12 record, and they protected home court with a record of 12-4.
In a preseason poll voted by C-USA coaches, The U of M is predicted to finish seventh in the league. The Tigers lost several key players to graduation, but they return a pair of starters in sophomore Christine Bach and senior Laura Côté, who was named to the Preseason All-Conference team earlier this month.
Last season, Côté finished third in the league in assists with 12.62 per contest, a number which was also 38th in the nation. She's the leader of a relatively inexperienced cast.
The Tulane Green Wave, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. After a compiling a record of 28-6 in 2007 and returning all 13 players from last year's squad, they're slated to be a heavy favorite.
Even if The U of M is the underdog, this match-up against the conference juggernaut should bring people out in masses to cheer their Lady Tigers to victory.
4. Intramural Sports Student Recreation and Fitness Center
For the student who didn't receive a scholarship to play on the basketball team, intramural sports might be the right place to be.
It's a good chance for freshmen, transfers and all students alike to join a team and try to win something together. It gives students the opportunity to meet and build friendships with other people who are interested in the same thing.
For the fall, the Rec Center offers dodgeball and kickball tournaments, as well as leagues for flag football, indoor soccer and volleyball.
Former high school stars, former elementary school stars and people who have never even played a sport in their lives - all can come together and find some type of league to join. There are different leagues for Greek life, co-ed, religious groups and independent groups among others.
5. Men's or Women's Soccer Game, Mike Rose Soccer Complex
Even though it's a good 30 minutes away from campus, the drive out to Mike Rose Soccer Complex in Collierville is worth it to catch a game or two.
With the women playing mostly on Fridays and Sundays and the men playing on Saturdays, the weekend is full of opportunities to drive out and see them play.
The men finished last season with a record of 10-5-4 and have been ranked in the Top 25 for at least one week in each of the past four years.
They return almost all of their players to the field, including a defensive unit which allowed the fewest goals in C-USA last year.
The women's team finished last year with a record of 17-4-1 and won both the C-USA regular season and tournament championships. With a non-conference home schedule that includes Alabama, Miami, Oklahoma and Colorado, the Lady Tigers will look to continue their winning ways against some tough teams.
