Sean Tailgating Through the South
Tall Pines and Rebel Yells in the Heart of SEC Country
We began our college football adventure in the deep south, flying into Oklahoma where the prairies stretch as far as the eye can see. Tall waving grass and vibrant wildflowers dotted the roadsides as we made our way east towards the heart of SEC territory. In Alabama, crimson tide rolled over all who dared challenge them in Tuscaloosa that Saturday. Bama fans’ passion for their beloved Crimson Tide knew no bounds as chants of “RAMMER JAMMER YELLOW HAMMER” and “Sweet Home Alabama” reverberated off the stadium walls long into the victorious afternoon. Continuing our journey, the next stop was between the hedges in Athens, Georgia. Dawg Nation was out in full force, bringing a revival-like fervor to Sanford Stadium. Third downs saw the debut of a new rallying cry, “THIRD DOWN FOR WHAT,” that rocked the stands like church revival. By game’s end, what was once a prayer had become a joyous celebration as Georgia pulled off the upset over a top 10 opponent. The party continued deep into the night as chants of “GO DAWGS” echoed through the pines.
Swamp Water and Palm Trees: Football in the Sunshine State
No trip through the SEC would be complete without a stop in The Swamp. Stepping into Gainesville on gameday was like walking into a sauna - the sweltering humidity hung thick in the air. But the Gators’ fans enthusiasm was not dampened in the slightest by the Florida heat. War chants and gator chomps rung out from all corners of the stadium as Florida battled their rivals from the Palmetto State. Though the game went down to the wire, spirits remained high as fans cooled off with swamp water and smiles post game. Our voyage then took us to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Under the palm trees in Tampa, USF fans were out in droves, bringing hometown pride to rayjay Stadium. Though the Bulls came up short, their fans’ dedication was unwavering. After the game, we toasted to a hard fought matchup over cuban sandwiches as the sun dipped low on the water. The southern hospitality and love of football had surely sunk into our bones during our weekend tour of the SEC.
West Coast Offenses
Fighting for Glory in Los Angeles
Leaving the South behind, our journey continued out West to the City of Angels. At the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, we watched the USC Trojans do battle. Within those venerable walls, generations of Trojan greats had cemented their place in history. Today it was this current team’s turn to add to the program’s legacy, and the fans were right there with them stride for stride. 87,000 strong willed their team to victory with shouts of “FIGHT ON” that seemingly shook the palm tree tops. When the final whistle blew, Troy had achieved glory once more.
Oregon’s High Flying Attack
No trip to the West Coast would be complete without a stop in Eugene to witness the Oregon Ducks’ unique brand of speedy offensive football. Stepping into the raucous confines of Autzen Stadium was akin to being sucked into a neon vortex. The energy was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the debut of the Ducks’ new uniforms. When the unveiling came, sparks seemed to fly off the luminescent colors as Oregon raced up and down the field. The Ducks’ blur of an offense was truly a spectacle to behold, helping them soar to victory as darkness fell over the Metropolis of Duckdom.
Rivalry Classics in the Midwest
Maize and Blue Reign Supreme in Ann Arbor
From the West, our football odyssey took us inland to the Great Lakes region. Our first stop was in the historic horseshoe shaped stadium situated in the heart of Ann Arbor. Over 100,000 fervent fans packed Michigan Stadium, proudly waving banners of maize and blue. Wolverine pride echoed through the Big House rafters like a rolling thunder throughout an enthralling rivalry matchup. As the sun dipped low on the horizon, Michigan emerged victorious, sending the joyous masses into a frenzy of elation. “HAIL TO THE VICTORS” resounded long into the bright lights of the night.
Battles for Bragging Rights in The ‘Shoe
Our next game day atmosphere took us just down the road to Columbus. Stepping into Ohio Stadium, the deafening roar of “O-H-I-O” vibrated the walls of the iconic horse shoe shaped structure. Over 100,000 rabid Buckeye fans had gathered, united in their crimson and gray garb. Their fervent support propelled Ohio State through a back-and-forth battle for the ages. With everything on the line and seconds remaining, the home team pulled off a miracle, sending the masses into pandemonium. Scarlet and gray confetti rained down as chants of “O-H-I-O” echoed across campus well into the night.
Clashes of Tradition in the Midwest
Golden Domes and Touchdown Jesuses
Leaving the mobs of red and gray behind us, we made our way to the famed fields of Notre Dame. Stepping into Notre Dame Stadium was like entering a cathedral, with echoes of a thousand epic triumphs swirling around the towering golden dome. Underneath watched the famed Touchdown Jesus, as captains met at midfield for the coin toss. What followed was a hard fought battle that could have gone either way. Though the visitors emerged on top, both sides played with the spirit and grit that had defined this historic rivalry for over a century.
Lunch Pails and Upsets in East Lansing
Our final Midwest stop was a Thursday night affair between bitter in-state rivals. Upon arriving in East Lansing, the energy was palpable as green and white clad fans swarmed the streets. When kickoff came at Spartan Stadium, a deafening roar erupted that put the visiting fans on high alert. Led by their “No Fly Zone” defense, Michigan State battled in typical lunch pail fashion. After an epic goal line stand in the final seconds, bedlam ensued as Dantonio’s squad pulled off the upset. Painted fans swung their lunch pails high amidst “GO GREEN” chants echoing through the night.
Big 12 Battles
Boomsticks and Magic in Norman
Leaving the Upper Midwest behind, our journey steered us to the wide-open plains. Our first stop was in Norman, Oklahoma, where over 80,000 Sooner faithful had gathered. Upon entry, the sights and sounds immediately transported us to another world. Throughout the stadium, cries of “BOOMER SOONER” and “OU” rang out as crimson and cream dominated the landscape. Led by Heisman hopeful Kyler Murray, Oklahoma pulled off victory after victory of Sooner magic. When the clock struck zero, pandemonium ensued as fans reveled in conference supremacy.
Midnight Yells and Glory in Aggieland
Our final game day was spent deep in the heart of Texas A&M territory. Upon arriving in College Station, the buzz was palpable as cadets patrolled the strip. At Kyle Field, over 100,000 galvanized Aggies had assembled, united in maroon from head to toe. When midnight struck and the Aggie War Hymn rang out, chills ran down our spines at the passion displayed. On the field, Texas A&M left it all on Jimbo’s new turf, fighting their way to a hard-fought triumph. Long after on the midnight yell practice grounds, echoes of “Gig ‘em Aggies” could still be heard across the prairie.
Wrapping Up a Season of Memories
As our football voyage across the nation came to a close, worn down voices and tired feet were small prices to pay. Over two months and countless campuses later, the experience had been nothing short of transcendent. Impressions of roaring stadiums, diehard fans and classic rivalries would remain etched in our minds and hearts for lifetimes. While every fanbase has their ups and their downs, the shared love of the game and the camaraderie it fosters connects us all. Where to next was anybody’s guess, but one thing was for certain - college football had this nomadic fan hooked for life. Now the offseason awaits, with anticipation for what magic the next season may hold. Until then, on to the next rivalry!
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