NLA: Are we there yet? Zim's last-minute Jacks, Yotes, Augie & USF views before kickoff (Finally!)

At this point, all of us college football fans feel like the whiny, impatient toddler in the back seat of a long road trip.   Are we there yet?   No. 3 South Dakota State and No. 12 South Dakota kick off their seasons with home games on Saturday, while Augustana (at Missouri Western) and USF (hosting Black Hills State) get a head start on Thursday. In between, there is a full high school slate on Friday, plus the "Tiger Bowl" between Sioux Falls Jefferson and Harrisburg on Saturday (which you can see on Midwest Sports Plus).   For over a month since Missouri Valley Football Conference Media Day, Sioux Falls Live sportswriters and the Happy Hour host have pumped out daily stories and shows about Jackrabbit and Coyote football, covering almost every imaginable angle.   On Happy Hour, we've had a Jackrabbit Day (from SDSU's official media day on Aug. 16), Coyote Day (USD did not have an official media day, but we did a USD show on Aug. 18), and an Augie & USF Day.   Last week, Sioux Falls Live sports editor Matt Zimmer teamed with the Happy Hour host for a two-volume College Football Preview Show— one for the Jacks and Yotes and one for the Vikings and Cougars.   On Monday's Happy Hour, SDSU coach Dan Jackson expressed why he is eager and optimistic — particularly about quarterback Chase Mason — for a run to national championship contention after a turbulent 9-5 campaign in his first season. That night, USD's Matt Vitzthum revealed that freshman Austin Modrzewski won the three-horse quarterback race and will start on Saturday against Central Connecticut State. The next day Vitzthum fielded several questions on Happy Hour about why the former two-time Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year beat a pair of seniors.   So, what's left to say?   Oh, plenty. That's always the case when Zimmer and the host get together over beers at Gateway Lounge in Sioux Falls. In the final preseason show, the two break down what they are most eager to see and what to expect from SDSU and USD based on their in-depth coverage of the teams throughout August camp.   There is also one last glimpse into Augustana and USF, plus three select local high school games all involving Top 5 head-to-head matchups.   But first, a toast to Dolly Parton.   Drinking beer, talking sports, and regaling over Dolly.   What a way to make a living!