For many Americans, September also brings excitement each Saturday as colleges across the nation begin their football seasons. For approximately 90 days starting in September, college football fans will live for the game as they watch faithfully each week. They will travel to games, spending ridiculous amounts on tickets, food, apparel, reading materials, and fan paraphernalia. During the off week of their favorite team, they are likely to experience their lowest emotional point of the season. If their team loses, they will definitely experience depression.

For the fan of college football who is a Christian, Ed McMinn has provided a much needed tool for this season. According to McMinn, his book, God Bless the Crimson Tide, is "an exciting collection of stories from the many sports played at the University of Alabama" and "is perfect for the Crimson Tide fan who is also a fan of God."

In God Bless the Crimson Tide, McMinn gives 90 daily anecdotes, each with a spiritual application. He intrigues the reader, especially the Alabama sports fan, with stories from the pages of Crimson Tide history. Most stories are about coaches and players, some are about recent events, and others detail historical moments from as far back as the late 1800's. Each devotion is supported by a scripture and concluded with a sports-related quote.

Sports and history buffs will delight in the stories about W. G. Little, the student who started the Alabama football program; Wallace Wade, who has been called the "Godfather" of Alabama football; John Mitchell, Alabama's first black football player; and the legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant. Not focusing solely on Alabama's football program, McMinn includes stories that relate to nearly every sports program at the University of Alabama, to include Golf, Cross Country, Racquetball, Tennis, Gymnastics, and Cheerleading.

These inspirational devotions are easy reads that provide practical spiritual truths. I recommend reading the entire book first, followed by a daily reading of each devotion. This will allow time to both enjoy the stories and reflect on each intended spiritual application.

Not just for the Alabama fan, God Bless the Crimson Tide will appeal to every Christian who is a fan of college sports.

Ed McMinn is the pastor of Grace Church in Perry, Georgia. He also authored God Bless the Vols, a 90 day devotional for University of Tennessee fans. Both books are newly released.