The start of football season is a very, very special time for some people.

"It's kind of like having a baby," said Phil Jeffries, a fan of the East Carolina University team.

"It's kind of like a wedding in a weird way, where there is the anticipation building up into it. Once it hits, it's like a surreal moment," said Patrick Lexa, who watched the game between East Carolina University and Appalachian State at Woody's at City Market in Raleigh Saturday. "There's not really enough words in the English dictionary to really describe it."

ECU beat Appalachian State 29-24.

Lexa, who didn't favor any team Saturday, said he just wanted to see action.

"You watch guys sweat blood, sweat tears out there," he said. "You want it to come down to the last minute."

ECU got an early lead Saturday. So the game was not as exciting as it could have been, he said.

But, "football is football," he said. "Fall is here. Cool weather. You know, just wonderful times to be had. And of course, football."