One writerās look at whatās hot this semester

Itās about that time of the summer when the thoughts begin drifting to the upcoming fall and the events therein. No, Iām not talking about late nights studying, going to house parties, spending Wednesday nights at Dirtbagās or sitting in two-hour-long journalism classes.

Of course, I am talking about sports. Would you really expect anything else?

Being that this will be my last year as a student, I am going to be greedy. I have advocated for the past few years the value of sports to the right and left of the limelight, and since this is my last time through, I need all I can get before I move on to the great ÷ or not so great ÷ beyond.

With this in mind, here are some of the top things to look forward to this coming fall.

Aug 24. ö Arizona State vs. Nebraska (Football)

Need something to give you a smile, or maybe help with that hangover? This one should do the trick. The Sun Devils ÷ lured by a bonus check to play against a high profile team ÷ are taking on Nebraska, in Lincoln. Similar to Arizonaās 41-7 defeat at the hands of Penn State in 1999, this game might not even last into the second quarter, which means you can always head back to bed after Nebraska starts to ćhuskä or whatever clichŽ or mascot-related description Nebraska uses to describe a blowout.

ARIZONA SUMMER WILDCAT/file photo UA middle blocker Stefani Saragosa winds up for a kill against Michigan Sept. 7 in McKale Center. The senior will be a key member for the No. 8 Wildcats in 2002.

Sept. 7 ö Arizona vs. Nebraska (Volleyball)

Donāt get me wrong ÷ I hate Nebraska with a passion. Just wanted to clear that up in case anyone questions my motives for having Nebraska on my calendar twice. Unfortunately, there are some good athletes amidst the corn fields, and their volleyball team ÷ a 2001 Final Four participant, like the Wildcats ÷ will be heading to Tucson for a match that promises to be exciting, to say the least.

Sept. 21 ö Arizona at Wisconsin (Football)

Great, another Big Ten opponent. First Penn State, then Ohio State, now Wisconsin. This one hopefully will go in our favor despite being on the road. Some rising stars on offense and defense mean things could go a little differently than the aforementioned games against the Nittany Lions and the Buckeyes, and this game might very well be a turning point in the program. Or maybe Iām overly optimistic. We will see, but you can bet Iāll be in front of a television screen that day.

JON HELGASON/Arizona Summer Wildcat Center Mickey Meehan helps goalie Bryan Aronchick defend the Icecats goal against Weber State University last season. The annual showdowns between UA and ASU in hockey might be the best rivalry between the two schools.

Oct. 25/26 ö Arizona vs. Arizona State (Ice Hockey)

If you want to see the current status of the UA-ASU rivalry, head down to the Tucson Convention Center and watch a sport that ASU actually has a chance beating us at. These games are nasty, physical and filled with trash talking. Needless to say those of age are allowed to drink adult beverages while consuming Icecat action. You might not want to miss this one. You will either be there or hear about it later, guaranteed.

Nov. 15 ö Arizona vs. Western Kentucky (Menās basketball)

Led by Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson, the menās basketball team will kick off a promising season at home against Western Kentucky. Though it is not Kansas coming, it will be an early test for Arizona, much like Gonzaga two seasons ago. Donāt expect a blowout here.

Dec. 15 ö Arizona vs. Texas (Menās basketball)

Circle your calendars, and if you are in town, you should be at this one. Led by sophomore T.J. Ford ÷ the leading assist man in the nation last season ÷ the Longhorns have a very solid squad capable of doing some damage.