If you can't tell from some of my pics, I LOVE SPORTS! My hubby & I will watch just about anything. He's a big X-Games guy (used to be a skateboarder, now is more of a snowboarder - well, he's getting old) and I'm more of your traditional football, basketball, baseball kind of gal. The only thing that I just can't get into is golf which is sad because Clemson actually has a really great golf program (hello national title 2003), but its more of a fun sport to play, not watch. So since it's about to be my most favorite, but also my busiest time of year, I'd like to give an overview of what I love so much about this season.
Tailgating: if you've ever been to a southern state during football season, the one thing we know how to do is tailgate.
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well..... not like that....
I'm on the left in the overalls... yes... I'm wearing overalls
i don't even know any of these people... but we were tailgating
There's lots of food
friends:
and did I mention food:
Gameday Atmosphere: Clemson has a GREAT game day atmosphere. We've covered the tailgating, but just to emphasize how much we love tailgating, both NC State and Texas A&M have written about how welcoming the people were at clemson and how they all got invites to join tailgates and eat some food. There is also a lot of drinking, but since I don't drink, I don't cover that as much.
Tiger Walk: This is something that has been implemented recently by our head coach, Dabo Swinney. The players all dress up in suits, and walk through the parking lot to the locker rooms before a game. Tons and tons of fans gather around to greet and support our players pre game.
that's Dabo
Approximately 80,000 fans: even though we are an average football team (believe me, it's tough), we still manage to bring in a good crowd and we always wear orange.
student section and I had so much fun here when I was in college. We really get into it. I miss it!
p.s. we're loud and we have broken some records. I almost threw up at this game
Our famous entrance: Clemson is known throughout the sports world for having a unique entrance. The players ride in a bus around the stadium to the top of the hill. Then Dabo along with the seniors stand at the top of the hill while our fight song plays.
night games are the best
The Actual Game: the thing about football that I love is that there are so many moving parts. You've got offense, which has your offensive backs, offensive line, and receivers. You've also got defense which has your line, your secondary and your linebackers. Then you've got special teams which consists of your kickers, your returners, snappers, etc etc. And you've got to be on top of every link in order to be successful. I am reading a book right now:
I already know a lot of the basic stuff like positions, offense/defense, etc. What I really want to learn are the offensive/defensive plays. What's the difference between a 4/3 and a 3/4 (which I do know, but just giving examples), a nickel package, a wishbone offense, a slot receiver, a bandit (that's what we call our strong safety/linebacker combo person -
I think), etc, It's very complicated. One blog that I absolutely love is
Shakin The Southland. They are very real about our team which can be a little negative since we've struggled in the past years, but they will break down each game, play by play and give videos of what's going on. They address concerns of the team,
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