A Football Fix

Football is back, y'all!!!! Okay so maybe not games and tailgating, just yet, but camps have started so football has started.  The minute football ends in January/ February I'm already counting down the days until it's back!  Signing Day, the Draft, and Media Days help with that a bit, but there's nothing like football season.  Am I right?  During the off-season, I need multiple football fixes so here's my list of Movies/TV shows that can give you that Football Fix and will definitely get you ready for the season!

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS // As if Tim Riggins isn't enough to watch the show, the fact that it centers around a town so consumed in football is reason enough for me.  If you like drama and football in any capacity, Friday Night Lights needs to be on your Netflix "Recently Watched" list, like yesterday.  Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

REMEMBER THE TITANS // cause duh

WE ARE MARSHALL //

WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL // the newest football movie that's already made its way to the top of my list!

THE BLIND SIDE //

DRAFT DAY //

In addition to watching these you can get out and go watch some football practices or play a few games for yourself and then you can start preparing for your fantasy draft!!!

You can bet that I've already watched at least half of these!  I may explode with excitement for the season soon!  Just 5 more weeks!

What do you do to get your "Football Fix"?  Is there a movie I'm missing?

Pride in the SEC

There is nothing ​that I've experienced ​in sports media that compares to the 4 day event of SEC Football Media Days.

The amount of media. The hype. The craze. The flashing lights. The screaming fans. ​It's really a skeptical like no other.

Two years ago I ​was invited to attend ​SEC​ ​M​edia ​D​ays without any affiliation to the conference. I built a relationship with someone who worked there and they offered me an opportunity to volunteer. As someone who was desperately looking to find her way into the industry I jumped at the opportunity. ​The experience immensely​ changed my career.​ And two years later I'm well on my way to the career I've always wanted.​ But that's a story for a different day.

During ​SEC​ ​M​edia ​D​ays I (among other students from schools across the conference) was invited to ​speak with ​Commissionor Greg Sankey​ in a small group setting in his​ ​presidential suite​ at the hotel. Listening to him talk was amazing. As a communications and public relations professional I love hearing people's stories. Hearing his was even better. We heard him talk about the chances he took, the opportunities he took advantage of and ​his emphasis ​in the importance of building relationships. He recommended books for us to read and thanked us for assisting in the production of the event.

As I sat there and took it all in, I realized the pride that beams from him as he talks about the conference. I recognized it because it's the same pride I knew I wanted to be a part of long before ever stepping foot on SEC territory. It's the pride that's felt for a team, a school, the conference as whole. The idea that if it can't be my team, I want it to be a team we're, in a way, associated with. He loves the SEC for the pride it brings among the fans​ and honestly, I do too​. Fans root for the ​SEC​. People chant S-E-C at games and championships for teams that aren't theirs. The SEC as a whole is a community larger than that of just one of its 14 member institutions. It's the greatest conference in college athletics. And as I paraphrase Commissioner Sankey from his opening remarks at the beginning of the week, as a conference we want to be scholars first, champions second.

In all, people want to be a part of the greatness that is the Southeastern Conference. I, for sure, am proud to be!

You Can't Take the Cheerleader Out of the Girl

I was a cheerleader from ages 6 to 18, moving from Pop Warner to competition to high school. At some points I was on more than one squad and went from one practice straight to the other. I loved every minute of it- cheering on the sidelines as close as I could be to the action of football games and the intensity of being on the competition mat.  I was on National Champion squads too.  My experience as a cheerleader was fantastic, until that one time I got my 4 front teeth knocked out while stunting during a football game my senior year of high school. But that's a story for another time.  Even then I got right back out there and couldn't wait to stunt again after my injury.  Even though my mom, coaches and doctors were nervous I'd get hit again I couldn't let that be the way my career ended.  I finished the season and cried like a baby when it was over.  Cheerleading was a huge part of my life.  I was never envious or wish I was a cheerleader in college.  But that doesn't mean I didn't watch competitions on TV or the old tapes I have or find videos online.  The truth is 7 years later I still miss it and can't seem to shake those cheerleader tendencies!

A few weeks ago as I input the final score to secure a Georgia win I simply said, W-I-N the same way I would have in my days cheering on the sidelines, but in a much softer tone!  I laughed to myself and acted like that didn't just happen as I started packing up my stuff.  I should probably mention that the sport was equestrian.  I wish I could say this was the first time something like this has happened, but as I'm sure you guessed, it's not!

During football season the older man that sat next to me, who rarely follows proper press box etiquette I might add, yelled (being a relative term) for the Dawgs to be agressive.  Naturally my cheerleader instincts kicked in and I softly chanted "Be aggressive, b-e aggressive B-E A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E"!  I then laughed to myself and the kid sitting next to me chuckled and rolled his eyes jokingly.

And recently during basketball season as I cringed watching the Lady Bulldogs fall apart, I found myself cheering "rebound that basketball, rebound that ball (clap, clap)" in my head.  Those cheers, again, were to myself, but just come naturally when watching sports.  Sometimes you need to think that your enthusiasm or encouragement will help, even if there's no way they can hear you, because well, I wasn't actually cheering out loud!

Sometimes I think about coaching - maybe a middle school or high school team or even assisting with a competition squad.  As you can see, you can take the girl out of cheerleading, but you can't take the cheerleader out of the girl!  I'll continue to have that cheery and upbeat approach as my life in sports continues to evolve!

America's Game!

Saturday may have been my favorite day that revolved around sports.  I've been to College Football Bowl games and Stanley Cup games and World Series games, but the Army/Navy Game was a whole different experience.  One I'm not able to adequately put into words.  

Every year I love watching the Army/Navy game with my dad.  He graduated from West Point and played football for the Black Knights for 2 years while he was a cadet.  I grew up singing the Army Fight Song and making trips to the beautiful Military Academy on the banks of the Hudson River.  The tradition of the Cadet Parade on Saturdays is one of my favorite in all of sports.

I flew in that morning and we headed straight to the game in Baltimore.  We got to the stadium just in time to see the March-On.  The March-On is the tradition of all midshipmen and cadets marching onto the field before going into the stands.  The precision and accuracy of the formation and timing is incredible, as you can imagine.

The pre-game festivities of the jumpers and flyovers was my favorite part.  The fact that the parachute jumpers are able to control their landing the way they do is mind boggling.  Then came the flyovers for both teams.  The Army helicopters were sooo low and quiet, I had to pick my jaw up off the ground after they flew by.  And the Navy jets were just the opposite-- high and loud.  It was just so cool to see.

The card stunt was also so much fun!  Everyone had cardboard at their seat and they instructed us when to hold it up and when to flip it over!  I never really knew exactly how those were executed, but it was definitely cool to be a part of.

Then the game started and I couldn't believe how fast it was going by.  There were very few penalties as both teams play with such discipline.  Both teams play dominantly running games, basically forcing the clock to stop for TV time outs.  Unfortunately Army couldn't hold onto their lead and lost to the Midshipmen for the 13th year in a row, meaning the cadets sang their alma mater first after the game.

I have a lot of respect for student-athletes.  Like in any situation you have some people who bring negative stereotypes to a group, but overall I respect them for their dedication to the sport and their school and education.  In fact, working with student-athletes is a passion of mine, one that I've chosen for my career!  But it's different when talking about the student-athletes at Army & Navy (and even Air Force).  Playing football is a hobby to the cadets and midshipmen.  Football comes second to serving our country and I respect them all immensely for that. And no matter the outcome of the game, they're all heroes!

The only thing that could have made the day better would have been to see the first Army victory in 13 years!  But until next time, GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY!!!! :)

A Season in the Press Box

This has been a football season to remember.  I know it’s technically not over yet, but we’ve shut the lights at Sanford Stadium for the year.  I can’t put into words how fast these last 14 weeks have flown by or what they’ve meant to me.

Since first stepping foot on the beautiful campus of the University of Georgia in Athens last September, I knew this was a place I needed to be.  Fifteen months later, I’m living in that wonderful town and just wrapped up my first season as a Bulldog.  This was also the first time I’ve spent a season watching games from the press box. 

Every Saturday that the Dawgs were home in Athens, I was in the press box at Sanford Stadium.  Being a part of the communications/stat team this season has been unreal and not a day went by that I didn’t feel grateful or have “pinch me” moments. 

Saturdays in Athens are wonderfully hectic and exciting.  Distributing information/stats and making sure the press box was set for media personnel was the first thing we’d do.  With a credential around my neck, I would spend some time on the sideline with my co-workers during warm ups.  I would make my way back up to the press box in time for the team to make their dramatic entrance and the singing of the National Anthem.

I usually felt a string of butterflies as the teams were getting ready to kick off and the crowd was wild with anticipation.  The string of butterflies was often joined by giddy excitement and just like that the Dawgs were ready to tee it up Between the Hedges. 

The atmosphere at Sanford Stadium never ceased to amaze me.  I’ve never experienced anything like it.  It’s an experience not adequately described with words but with emotions that simply over take you- the passion, intensity, camaraderie and tradition that is Georgia.  If you’re a sports fan, it’ll change your soul. 

A part from being proud to be a Georgia Bulldog, I am extremely blessed to be learning from the best of the best here at Georgia.  I’m not only immersing myself in the culture of this wonderful town, but taking full advantage of every opportunity to enrich my career.  Athens is a special place and I can’t wait to see what else it has in store for me.  

I Believe In The Underdog

I believe in the underdog.  I've always believed in the underdog, because more times than not, that's the team I've been rooting for.  One of the things I love most about College Football and sports in general is that on any given day an underdog can rise above.  Growing up a Rutgers fan I've been used to losing the rivalry games and being overwhelmed with pride and excitement when my team overcame adversity to come out on top.  It's really a great feeling, but ​this weekend I was on the other side of that spectrum as a Georgia Bulldog fan.

I took the trip to Jacksonville with tons of confidence it would be 4 in a row against the Florida Gators.  It was incredibly cold and windy- totally unexpected weather conditions. The Bulldogs scored first, as to be expected.  Then the Gators scored on a fake field goal attempt and just like that the momentum and atmosphere at Everbank Field completely changed.  I won't bore you with all the gory details- Georgia lost to Florida, 38-20.

The loss left a gut-wrenching feeling within me.  All the hype and excitement for what the rest of the season may hold was suddenly tarnished, yet again.  After losing our best player to a suspension and winning 2 games against teams that had a better chance of beating us, I couldn't believe the way this one unfolded.  And even more than that, I can't believe how quickly I got used to winning.  Or how fast I expected wins.  Like I said, that feeling's new.  And to be quite honest, I'm not sure which one I like more.

It's always fun to win, but it may be more fun to be the underdog and pull the upset.

No wait, it's definitely more fun to win, always! 

There's still plenty of time left for the College Football season to take a few more unexpected turns and I'm very excited for the ride.  It's not over yet!

Dear College Football

I can't believe you're coming back to me SO SOON.  I've really missed you.  I've seen you a little bit lately with spring practices, media days, and camp, but you know that's not the same as actually having you here in full swing.  I may actually explode with excitement before we're reunited next Thursday, like seriously, I'm so excited to see you!

I'm not the only one though.  Stadiums have been renovated, fields are manicured to perfection, mascots have gotten their preseason makeovers, uniforms have been updated, cleaned and are hanging in the locker rooms just waiting for the blood, sweat and tears you'll bring.    

I know things are going to be different since I last saw you.  You got rid of the BCS and have moved on to bigger and better things with the Playoff.  I'm totally supportive of this and know we'll all try our best to embrace your change with open arms.  Sure, I'm going to miss seeing the polls week after week, but I can still quiz my mom on which schools are in which conference.  And we both know the day she stops saying Michigan State is in every conference will be a win for everyone involved.  Fingers crossed she gets that one down quickly.  There will be some people that are nay-sayers about the Playoff system, I'm sure they just need time.  I know these changes won't affect who you truly are though- full of pride, tradition, competition, and classic rivalries.  You really are the full package and this year you're gracing us with your presence for an extra 2ish weeks, so we thank you for that!

I know there are others like me, professing their love over and over, but we all have different obsessions and experiences with you.  That's what makes you so wonderful. You're so good to so many people in so many different ways.  We root for different teams, in different conferences, all thinking that we're right, but really you're the one that's right.  You give us something to discuss, to feel passion for, to share with ones we love and to take with us wherever we go.

I can't wait to see what you have in store for us- the hearts you'll break and the memories you'll make.

You'll always be my first love.  I'm sooo excited you're coming back to me in 6 short days! :)

xoxo

Linking up with Erin and Sarah today! 

If I Had A Heisman Trophy Vote

The Heisman Trophy is the "Most Prestigious Award in College Football".  According to the Heisman Trophy website, "The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award."  

The winner is not only a fantastic football player, but also someone with great character and integrity.  It is and should always be an award given to an admirable player both on and off the field.  There is a high level of prestige and honor that comes along with the Heisman Trophy, an award to not be taken lightly by voters, candidates, winners and even fans.

The Heisman Trophy Ceremony is tomorrow, Saturday, December 14th.  This year's six Heisman Finalists are:

Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois University

Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M University

Tre Mason, Auburn University

AJ McCarron, University of Alabama

Andre Williams, Boston College

Jameis Winston, Florida State University

Jameis Winston has been a stand out candidate for the trophy from the beginning of the season.  The red-shirt freshman Quarterback has put up ridiculous numbers and beaten all of his opponents by an average 40-something points.  The odds that he won't be our Heisman Trophy winner are extremely slim.  I heard (aka, saw on Twitter) that you have to bet $150 in order to win $1.  Jameis Winston definitely deserves the Heisman Trophy for his efforts on the field, there's no doubt about it.  But what about off the field.  What about his character and integrity, things that are more important in a man than his football statistics. 

Jameis Winston was recently accused of rape.  It was pretty clear, to me and to everyone else who cares, that the Heisman Trophy voters were waiting/hoping for a decision to be made in Jameis Winston's sexual assault case before casting their ballots.  Understood.  Why would you vote for someone who's just going to get the trophy taken away soon anyway. (See also: Reggie Bush)  What a waste.  So when I tuned into the press conference held by the Florida State Attorney last Thursday (December 5th) I was thinking Jameis Winston was either going to be our Heisman Trophy Winner or he was going to jail.  Pretty opposite extremes, but it was the truth.  As I continued to watch the press conference I grew more confused and uncomfortable.  There was a lot of snark, smiles and laughter for such a serious matter.  It was like after they announced that Winston would not be charged, the rest didn't matter.  I felt the prosecutor was proud of the fact that he did not know that Heisman ballots were due in the coming days and that Winston was a potential favorite as if not to give preferential treatment to an athlete, when in fact, that's his duty.  The whole things seems a bit fishy to me.

The attorney said that there was not enough evidence to prove that he did rape the girl, meaning there is a chance that he did.  I guess the whole innocent until proven guilty thing comes into play here, but I have to question the character and integrity of a man (boy, really.  He's only 19) that is being accused of rape.  I wouldn't vote for Jameis Winston because the mission of the Heisman Trophy clearly states, "outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity".

The Heisman trophy needs to go to an admirable player both on and off the field!  That may not always be the actual case, but that's what is supposed to happen.  So what about the other finalists, or perhaps some that didn't make the cut?  My top 4 candidates for the Heisman Trophy would be: Johnny Manziel, Tre Mason, Aaron Murray and AJ McCarron.  

Johnny Manziel was the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner and a very deserving one.  He is an exciting player to watch.  Maybe the most exciting in all of college football.  I may not agree with his actions but you can't knock his playing style.  He can make an 11 yard run look like the run of the year!  Numbers wise, he had an even better 2013 season than he did in 2012, but I would not give him the trophy again this year in part due to his irresponsible actions in the off season.  

Aaron Murray is an outstanding QB dispute his team's overall record.  I think if the UGA defense was better or if they hadn't suffered so many injuries this season we'd be having a totally different conversation about the University of Georgia right now!  But the team's record doesn't make Aaron Murray any less of a quarterback.  He put up record-breaking numbers this season and still deserves recognition after his season-ending torn ACL the second to last game of the season.  I already told you he is a wonderful QB and from what I can see he is an all around wonderful guy!  Check out this string of tweets from Heisman voter, Gene Sapakoff, on why he would have voted for Aaron Murray if Jameis Winston was guilty and charged with rape.  Very Compelling.  

 

But, if I had a Heisman Trophy vote, I'd vote for AJ McCarron.  I know the stats are for the current year, but the kid is a great football player and quarterback with 2 championships, 3 losses, and only 13 interceptions.  For his career.  He handles himself well in all situations that I've seen.  He knows he is a leader and a role model and does not take that role lightly.  He is a fantastic football player and if this story doesn't prove his character and integrity, I don't know what does! 


So who deserves the most prestigious award in college football?  Who would have your vote for the Heisman Trophy?

Linking up with Sarah for Fan Friday!

National Championship Predictions

As sad as it is, this week is the last time we will have BCS standings, ever.  It's the last time College Football players, coaches, and fans will anxiously await their "fate".  Next year College Football adopts a playoff system starting with 4 teams.  Those 4 teams will play for their spot in the National Championship Game.  This weekend is the last time the National Championship contenders will be determined by "campaigning" and votes.  College Football is changing, in some ways for the better and others for the worse, but regardless of opinion, it's really the end of an era.

There are currently 5 teams in contention for the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in College Football and a shot at the National Championship Trophy.  Those teams are:

#1 FSU          

#2 Ohio State

#3 Auburn    

#4 Alabama  

#5 Missouri   

The SEC (Auburn vs. Missouri), ACC (FSU vs. Duke), and Big Ten (Ohio State vs. Michigan State) Championship Games are all this weekend which will ultimately determine the final rankings/fate of these teams heading into Bowl Season.  Alabama is the only team not playing this weekend.  If FSU and Ohio State both win, they will have undefeated records and therefore the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the rankings and bids to the National Championship Game.  Done deal.  Regardless if people think a one loss SEC team is better than an undefeated ACC or Big Ten team, an undefeated season for any BCS team is not easy and that alone deserves a shot at the title.

There's no reason to believe that Florida State will not win on Saturday.  The numbers they have been putting up game after game are just outstanding.  And especially now with charges being dropped against Jameis Winston, I can't see the Seminoles losing.

Ohio State had a sub-par performance against Michigan last week, but ultimately came out with the win.  I think the hype of rivalry week and playing in The Big House got the best of them, they'll shake it off before heading into tomorrow's Championship game against Michigan State.

But what if one of them loses?  What if they both lose?  What will happen then?  In the event that FSU or Ohio State loses, that's when the SEC has a fair case for one of theirs to head to the National Championship Game for the ump-teenth year in a row.

If Auburn wins, they will have beaten 9 bowl eligible teams this season.  Pretty impressive, but Auburn also got extremely lucky this year. (See also: Johnny Manziel getting injured against Auburn, last minute answered prayer against Georgia, and well, beating Alabama).  I have to admit though, I was rooting for Auburn in the Iron Bowl.  How could I not root for the underdog, a team that went from zero conference wins to competing for the division title?

Alabama's dramatic, late-in-the-season loss to Auburn is enough to take them out of the National Championship talk for good.  If God is an Alabama fan, Ohio State and Auburn will lose on Saturday (and if FSU loses, we'll know for sure that God wants Alabama for compete for the title for the 3rd consecutive year).  If none of that happens, I believe we've seen the end of this Alabama dynasty!

What about a case for Mizzou?  Missouri is a great all around team.  They're great at passing and running; stopping and blocking.  Numbers don't necessarily show their dominance, but that's because they've blown their opponents away.  If Mizzou wins and Ohio State loses, they'll have to make a case against Alabama.  A Mizzou vs FSU National Championship game would be a great match-up between two teams who have showed pure dominance over their opponents throughout the season. 

Regardless of who plays for the National Championship Title, no one wants to see a boring blow out like we had last year.

My prediction is Florida State vs. Ohio State!

There's a slim chance we could have Ohio State vs. Alabama.  A game that would have been played out last year, had Ohio State been eligible... the suspense and excitement of this weekend literally has me on the edge of my seat, but I doubt it will top the events of last week!!!

What do you think will happen?  Who are you rooting for?

Click here to see my prediction at the beginning of the season!

Linking up with Sarah for Fan Friday! :)

Game to Watch :: Week 14

The Iron Bowl is the most important game of rivalry week as #1 Alabama takes on #4 Auburn.

For the first time ever, the winner of the Iron Bowl will go on to the SEC Championship Game.  Then, possibly a shot at that BCS National Championship trophy and without a doubt, bragging rights throughout the state of Alabama!

Just like in most rivalry or season- making/breaking games, never take your opponent for granted.  Either team has a fair shot at being victorious, so the real question is, who's the better Alabama team?!  Who deserves the bragging rights throughout the state and possibly a shot at the National Title?!

With the way Auburn's been playing this season, I don't doubt that they can beat Alabama, but will Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide let that happen?

Kick off is 3:30 Saturday from Auburn, Alabama!  This is a game you don't want to miss!! :)

Game to Watch :: Week 13

Baylor is one of six schools that remain undefeated heading into week 13.  Baylor is currently ranked #4 and looking to continue their feat and shock the country.  With a few unexpected turn of events this season, Baylor has a shot at the National Championship and their QB, Bryce Petty is climbing the Heisman Watch List.

This week Baylor takes on #10 Oklahoma State for a BIG 12 match-up, hoping to eliminate the Cowboys' potential Big 12 Champion Title (there is no official Championship game for the Big 12).  Baylor definitely has the talent to win this game as long as they stay focused on the here and now.  They can't be thinking ahead (to say, the National Championship) before coming out with a win over Oklahoma State, a team that's sure to put them to the test.

Baylor's offense is on fire, the best in the country, and outscoring their opponents by at least 10 points per game (at least 29 points per game if you don't count their 10-point win against Kansas State)!

Both teams perform at an uptempo pace and are sure to race back and forth to the end zone.  Just like in any close match-up, a great performance by special teams will be a benefit to either team. 

I think Baylor holds onto this one in what's sure to be a great game

Baylor- 45, Oklahoma State- 38

The game is tomorrow at  8:00 PM (ET) on ABC from Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma!


What games are you excited about this week?  Only a few weeks left before the excitement of Bowl Season and the Heisman Trophy!!!  Can you believe it?

Linking up with Sarah today for Fan Friday! :)

Game to Watch :: Week 12

Michigan State and Nebraska will be battling on Saturday for a chance to travel to the Big Ten Championship.  Michigan State is currently 8-1 and ranked #16 in the current BCS standings, while Nebraska is 7-2 overall.

The Nebraska- Michigan State match-up has a history of being “anyone’s game” despite each team’s strengths and the outcome.  Michigan State has been the better team throughout the season, so containing Nebraska and getting ahead will be key for the Spartans on Saturday.

Will the Spartans get their first-ever win against the Cornhuskers?  It’s going to be close, but I think so.

Spartans 24, Huskers, 17

Check out Project College Football for my full preview of the Nebraska/Michigan State game!!!

What games are you watching this week?

Tomorrow I am heading to Rutgers as they take on Cincinnati for the last time as conference rivals.  It's also my dad's 50th Birthday!!!!! So we'll be celebrating big time, even though we already had a surprise party for him!!! :)  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Game to Watch :: Week 11

I am still in shock that Stanford upset Oregon last night, effectively ending the Ducks' BCS hopes and Mariota's campaign for Heisman.  I was really rooting for Oregon this season and have said that I didn't think "they" gave them enough credit.  I just can't believe it, but that's sports and one of the things I love most about it!

A quote from one of my favorite shows, One Tree Hill, stands out to me today..

"When I watch a game it reminds me that we all have greatness inside of us.  You know, on any given day an underdog can rise up.  It gives me hope!"

And though I might be a day late on the actual game to watch for this week, my pick is the Alabama/LSU game.

The highly anticipated battle of the SEC West is upon us as #1 Alabama takes on #10 LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday Night. 

Though LSU will not be in contention for the National Championship trophy with 2 three-point losses to both Georgia and Ole Miss, this game still weighs heavily on the players, coaches and fans from both teams.

Now, more than ever, Alabama needs to retain their perfection as a loss will more than likely cost them a bid to the National Championship Game for the third consecutive year.  I think they’ll be okay though.    BAMA by 14.

Make sure to visit Project College Football for my complete preview of this match-up!

What games are you excited for?  Did you watch last night's game?

Linking up with Sarah for Fan Friday!!

Game to Watch :: Week 10

The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State is one of the biggest in the Big Ten Conference and the teams are neck and neck in the rankings at 21 and 22 respectively. 

The Wolverine offense has been explosive, while Michigan State is currently #3 in the nation in scoring defense.  Both teams have one loss and opposite strengths, which makes this an interesting match-up and exciting rivalry game.


Check out ProjectCFB.com for the rest of my preview of the Michigan State vs. Michigan game!

Game to Watch :: Week 9

Oh mannn, this game has been getting a lot of hype this week.  Traditionally the Alabama- Tennessee rivalry is known as "The Third Saturday in October".  Historically, one program will dominate the rivalry for years and then the tables will turn for the next few years and continue the vicious cycle.  As you could predict, Alabama is on their winning streak, winning the last 6 games against Tennessee. 

Tennessee is a program that is slowly, but surely rebuilding "Brick by Brick".  They've struggled the past few years, but I honestly think that Coach Butch Jones is the perfect guy to turn things around on ole Rocky Top.  The Vols have shown their hard work and improvement over the last few weeks after being so close to upsetting, then ranked #6, Georgia and coming out on top over a ranked South Carolina team.  This is the first time the Vols have defeated top ranked opponents in years.    It's going to take time, but they're doing it, and I'm so excited to see the program transform.

Everyone knows Alabama is the Power House team.  Not only in the SEC, but throughout the country.  (I don't think Oregon gets enough credit, but that's a whole other issue entirely!)  They're back to back National Champions and undefeated, so far, this season. 

As much as I want to see continued success for Tennessee, I don't think the Vols can pull off the upset against the force-to-be-reckoned-with in Tuscaloosa.  I really hope I'm wrong though!


What games are you excited to watch this weekend!  It's sure to be a great fall, football weekend!


I'm going to have to DVR this game because I'll be at the Rutgers Homecoming game!!  Ru Rah Rah!! ;)

Linking up with Sarah for Fan Friday!

Game to Watch :: Week 8

This week the leaders in the ACC face off as #5 Florida State travels to #3 Clemson.  The teams are a great match-up on both sides of the ball, making it the game to watch this week!  Both quarterbacks have had a stellar season, thus far, but Tahj Boyd has experience over Freshman quarterback, Jameis Winston (FSU), which could ultimately be the difference in the game.  Clemson has the advantage of Death Valley, where no opposing freshman quarterback has won since 2007. 

Don't miss this game! 

I also wrote a preview of the UCLA @ Stanford game this week for Project CFB.  Check it out! :)

Which games will you be watching?  Who are you rooting for?

Game to Watch :: Week 7

I'm sure you could have guessed that my game to watch this week is Rutgers' biggest rivalry game for the season!!!  Tonight the Scarlet Knights take on the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's stadium for what is potentially the end of a rivalry.  This is the last time the teams will meet as conference rivals in the American Athletic Conference, formerly the Big East.  Next year Rutgers moves on to the Big Ten, while Louisville will become part of the ACC.

The rivalry between Rutgers and Louisville really took off after the Scarlet Knights upset the Cardinals, then ranked #4 with BCS potential, with a score of 28-25 in 2006.  This is considered the greatest win in Rutgers school history.  Since then Rutgers has only beaten Louisville twice in 2008 and 2009.  The 2012 loss to the Cardinals was a devastating one.

This year, Rutgers defense has struggled against NFL level quarterbacks like Carr (Fresno State) and Gilbert (SMU), where both teams put up 50+ points.  Teddy Bridgewater is a potential #1 draft pick as well as Heisman candidate, which spells trouble for the Scarlet Knight's defense.  In Rutgers favor, Louisville's leading receiver, DeVante Parker, may be out due to a right shoulder injury.  Though the Cardinals have a lot of depth at wide reciever, it will force them to play untested players into the line up on a short week.  This is Louisville and Teddy Bridgewater's first true test of the season and possibly without a key player.

The last six times these schools played each other the games were decided by three points or less.  Will Rutgers be able to keep the streak of a close and exciting game alive, especially with the end of the rivalry in sight?

All I'm saying is::

Side note:  Obviously I'm wearing red and black today to support RU.  It's a shame Louisville has the same colors.  I tried to take an outfit picture and it didn't work out.   It's definitely more difficult than it looks.  Props to fashion bloggers....

Go here for more posts about everything Rutgers is to me!!!  :)  

Happy Gameday, folks!!

Who are you rooting for this week?  What games are you excited about?!

Game to Watch :: Week 6

First of all, I want to announce that I am the newest Staff Writer for a College Football blog, Project CFB!!!  My first article is live today, so check it out! :)

And now for my Game to Watch.

If you clicked on the link to my article above you'll see that I wrote about the match up between Michigan and Minnesota in the battle for the "Little Brown Jug", but I think the real Game to Watch this week is going to be Ohio vs Northwestern.  Ohio is a powerhouse team, no doubt about it, but I'd like to see someone shake them up a bit.  Maybe Northwestern is that team.  And if nothing else, this video they made is AWESOME!!!!

Also, If you haven't already, check out my post from Wednesday about my College Football Experiences so far this season.  Lots of tailgating and spirit going on over there! :)

Linking up with Sarah for Fan Friday! :)

5 Weeks, 4 Stadiums, 9 Teams

It's no secret how much I love College Football.  In the first 5 weeks of the 2013 College Football Season I have gone to 5 games, in 4 different stadiums and watched 9 different teams play!  This is the type of thing that makes every girl extremely happy, right?  Well it definitely is for me!  And every experience/game was so wonderful!

Week One.  Georgia Dome.  Alabama vs Virginia Tech.

I went to the Chick-fil-A Bowl Kick-off Game and watched Alabama's sub-par performance, but ultimately beat Virginia Tech.  I worked with the Communications Department in the Press Box of the game and served as the liaison to the University of Alabama Sports Information staff.  Literally, for someone who wants to work in sports, this was amazing!!!!  Read more about it here.

Week Two. High Points Solutions Stadium.  Rutgers vs Norfolk.

I went to the Rutgers home opener against Norfolk State where the Scarlet Knights blew the Spartans away 38-0.  It was so much fun to be tailgating with my friends and family again.  My family has season tickets and always does a great tailgate.  It was definitely the start of football season, fall and everything that goes along with it.  I love being back on the Rutgers campus and wish I was still there sometimes.

Week Three.  Beaver Stadium.  Penn State vs UCF.

My sister is a freshman at Penn State and great family friends of ours go there/went there/ are die hard fans.  We planned this weekend trip to State College, PA back in February.  No joke.  We had a Mega-tailgate.  The tailgate was 10 cars wide, had about 60-75 people and started at 10 a.m. for a 6 o'clock kick-off.  WE. DON'T. MESS. AROUND.  Most importantly, it was great to see my sister and spend the weekend with life-long, childhood friends.

The picture on the left is us in 1994.  My youngest sister, the freshman in college, wasn't even born yet!!

Week Four.  High Point Solutions Stadium.  Rutgers vs Arkansas.

Like I said, my family goes to every Rutgers home game and loves a good tailgate.  This tailgate was even bigger than the one for Norfolk State.  We started early, played way too many drinking games and cheered for the Scarlet Knights as they beat Arkansas, 28-24.  I know it's only Arkansas, but it's still fun that RU beat an SEC team!!

Week Five.  Sanford Stadium.  Georgia vs LSU.

OMG!!! This was the best College Football experience I have ever had & technically my first SEC game!!!  I've been to a numberrrr of college campuses over the years and this is, by far, the most beautiful one I've ever been too.  Not only that, the town of Athens is just amazing.  I was literally in awe!  And that was just Friday.  Then Saturday came and that love and infatuation from Friday just grew.  I went to the set of ESPN College GameDay and watched the hype and production of a show I've been a fan of, live!  It was so much fun being there for that.  The atmosphere in Athens on game day was unbelievable.  There was never a dull moment during the game either.  Both UGA and LSU played great offense, but the lack of defense is what made it such a high scoring, nail-biter of a game!  The Dawgs came out on top over the Tigers, 44-41, and the stadium went nuts!!!  WHAT A GAME and great win for UGA.  Go Dawgs, Sic 'Em!

I'm working on taking one more road trip this season (maybe two) on top of going to the rest of the Rutgers home games for the season!!!  So stay tuned for that!  :)