Game to Watch :: Week 5

This week the game to watch is the highly anticipated match-up between #9 Georgia vs #6 LSU.  LSU QB Zack Mettenberger used to be at Gerogia in 2010 before being kicked off the team (he was arrested and received 5 misdemeanors for underage drinking, fake id, etc).  He and current Georgia QB Aaron Murray were battling for playing time!  That "drama" aside, both UGA and LSU have exciting offenses and powerful defenses, which ensures its going to be a game you don't want to miss!!

LSU is currently 4-0 and looking for a trip to the Georgia Dome in December for the SEC Championship  Game.  Mettenberger has been flawless so far in 2013 with a highly successful running game.  The offense has clicked and the defense is strong.  They're the whole package!

Georgia needs to stop Mettenburger in order to be successful in this game.  They need to prove that their win against South Carolina was not just a fluke and that they have what it takes to be the best in the SEC East.

If LSU wins, their chances of being the team at the Georgia Dome in December goes up.  Is there a championship title in their future?

Oh and I'll be at the game!!!!!! :) I am so excited for my first game "Between the Hedges"!!

Which games are you looking forward to this weekend?

Game to Watch :: Week 4

The lack of good games to choose from this week was actually scary.  It's so weird that no games were of high interest/regard to me that I was about to not pick a game to watch.  I'd rather hear what games you're interested in this week.

There are some good rivalry match-ups this week in the SEC, including #19 Florida vs Tennessee &  Auburn vs #6 LSU.  I've mentioned my love for Tennessee before, so I'll be rooting for them!

Tennessee and Florida are long-time rivals and since Tenneessee has been struggling for the past few years, hopefully we see a change occur soon.  The Vols are coming off a loss to Oregon and looking to gain some momentum!  "Brick by Brick" they're transforming their program and hopefully they give the Gators a run for their money this week!  

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I'll be going to the Rutgers vs Arkansas game tomorrow.  As usual, we have a huge tailgate planned with lots of food and booze, the essentials.  It's also a "Black Out" game- everyone is so drunk they black out! wears black!

What are your plans for watching football this weekend?  Who will you be rooting for?

Game to Watch :: Week 3

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Since I linked up with Helene yesterday, my Game to Watch was postponed until today!!

The game to watch this week is definitely Texas A&M vs Alabama.  The Crimson Tide are going to be looking for revenge against the Aggies in what's sure to be a great rematch!

In November 2012, the Alabama vs. Texas A&M game was the one that truly put Johnny Manziel in high contention for the Heisman Trophy as the Aggies handed the reigning National Champions their first and only loss of the season.  This Saturday #1 Alabama will seek revenge against #6 Texas A&M, just three weeks into the season and this time in College Station.  Alabama is coming off a bye week and sub par performance, yet win, against Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.  So far, Texas A&M has two blow-out wins against two unranked teams and played one of the four halves without Johnny Football.  

But what will it take for Texas A&M to upset Alabama once again?

 This year Alabama is much more aware of what Texas A&M can do.  Last year was the first time the schools played each other since 1988.  Alabama was not familiar with the Aggies.  Texas A&M played in the BIG 12 and 2012 was their inaugural season in the SEC.  Alabama was coming off a big win against LSU, and may have been over confident leading into a game against Texas A&M, then ranked 15. 

This week the Crimson Tide will be looking for revenge.  Nick Saban’s record coming off a bye week/ more than one week to prepare for any given team is 7-3 since 2008.  Not as impressive as one may have thought.  Nick Saban said in an October 2010 interview, “it's not an advantage or disadvantage to have a bye week. It probably depends a lot on the circumstances."  This being said, Nick Saban has been labeled the “Master of Rematch Games” by DallasNews.com.  Since becoming an SEC coach in 2000, Nick Saban is 15-2 in rematch games the year after his team lost.  The revenge is what the Aggies should be worried about, not the bye week. 

So what will it take for the Aggies to beat the Crimson Tide?

First, Alabama has a young offensive line, with 3 starters going to the NFL.  They are vulnerable to blitz and pressure, specifically up the middle of the O-line.  It would benefit Texas A&M to blitz and change defensive sets to confuse the blocking strategies for a young Alabama offense.

 

Second, Texas A&M needs to take away Alabama’s traditionally successful running game.  They need to force AJ McCarron and Alabama to become one-dimensional and throw the ball!  Texas A&M can't allow 65+ yard touchdowns like they did against Sam Houston State this past weekend.  

Third, offensively Texas A&M needs to spread the Alabama defense out and force one on one matches.  They need to let Johnny throw into one-on-one coverage or let him use his legs to gain yardage when the Alabama coverage takes away the pass.  Manziel is a mobile quarterback, which has served as a threat to the Alabama defense in the past.  

 Johnny needs to produce numbers like he did last year in the game that ultimately gave him the title, "Johnny Football".  Texas A&M started off the game with 20 points in the first quarter.  Johnny threw for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns as well as running for 92 more yards.  That needs to happen again.  

Lastly, Texas A&M needs to remain a team!  It’s not all about one guy on or off the field.  They need to make sure they work together against a powerhouse team like Alabama.  This is their first true test of the season and they can’t fall apart. 

This Texas A&M vs. Alabama rematch is sure to be a wonderful game and live up to the hype.  Though this game is much earlier in the season, it's going to tell a lot about what's to come.  The winner of this game has a huge chance of making it not only to the SEC Championship Game, but also to the BCS National Championship!

Who do you think will win the rematch?  How are they going to do it?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I'm off to Penn State for the weekend!  This will be my first official game at Beaver Stadium.  I went to Blue/White weekend (the spring game) as a junior in high school when my mom was shamelessly trying to persuade me to go there.  Her dream has come true as my youngest sister is currently a freshman at Penn State.  Here's something I never thought I'd say... WE ARE...  no, I just can't!

 

Linking up with Erin & Erin for Football Friday as well as Sarah for Fan Friday!

Songs That Define Me

It's no surprise that I love music.  I have always loved music and there's rarely a time when I don't have it on in the background!  Throughout my life I have become completely obsessed with songs, playing them over and over until I move on.  I'm a firm believer that songs can bring back memories, define a place and time and remind you of certain times in your life!

Though melodies are extremely important and the foundation for a great song, I'm also a sucker for a great lyric that I can relate to.

80's Music
My dad raised me on this music and I still love it.
Bruce Springsteen.
Born to Run, Thunder Road, Jersey Girl
I saw him in concert last year.  OMG best night, ever!

Billy Joel, Meatloaf, John Melloncamp, etc.
Piano Man, Paradise By The Dashboard Light, Jack & Diane


Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, 98 Degrees, Hanson, NKOTB
Childhood.
Oldies, but still goodies
As Long As You Love Me, Bye Bye Bye, The Hardest Thing, Mmmbop, Summertime > All Classics.


I Hope You Dance, LeeAnn Rimes
This was my grandmother's favorite song.  Every time I hear it, I think of her.


Born to Fly, Sara Evans
This is one of my all time favorite songs.  It describes me perfectly.  I don't wait around for things to happen, I try my hardest to make them happen.  And I want independence & adventure more than anything!

How do you wait for heaven? 
And who has that much time?  
And how do you keep your feet on the ground 
when you know that you were born, 
you were born to flyyyyy!!!!
... Oh, you know I love my folks, 
but I keep staring down the road, 
just looking for my one chance to run! 
I will soar away like the blackbird, 
I will blow in the wind like the sea.  
I will plant my heart in the garden of my dreams 
and I will grow up where I want, wild & free.


Settlin', Sugarland
I ain't settlin' for anything less than everything!
Enough said.


Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Cyndi Lauper
Besides the fact that this was my ring tone/ alarm for yearrrrrsss, it's so true.
Girls just wanna have fa-un!


Free Fallin' - Tom Petty/ John Mayer
She's a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America too
She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis
Loves Horses and her boyfriend too
... and all the good girls are home with broken hearts


Love Your Love The Most, Eric Church 
Though I don't have anyone who's love I love the most, I do love....

I love sleeping in on Saturdays and I love College Football games
I love not acting my age and good Barbeque....
Hell yes, I love my dog and Jack D. in my coke...


Goodbye Earl, The Dixie Chicks
My cousins and I used to sing this at Karaoke every year on vacation.  It always brings back some great memories.


There are still tons of songs that are left out of this list.  There's a plethora of songs that remind me of high school, college and every summer in between- every road trip, dance party, and boy.  I can associate a song with all of it and I love having those added aspects to my memories!

Honestly, I would have thought that more/different country songs would have made it to this list, but somehow they didn't and I like it that way.  Country and 80's music are seriously my favorite and what I listen to most.  I'd listen to 80's over Rap any day of the week.

Never Forget

I can't believe it's been 12 years since the attacks of the World Trade Center!

I started writing this post and then wasn't going to publish it until I got this text message from my sister...

I vividly remember being in my 6th grade English class, watching the 2nd tower get hit and not understanding the severity of what had happened. My classroom had a retractable wall and the teachers opened it up so we could all be together and watch the news. The teachers were so worried and no one knew exactly what was going on or the severity of what happened. I remember being totally confused.

Lots of parents panicked and picked kids up from school. Then a little while later my mom came to school to pick me up and I had no idea why.

I knew my uncles worked on Wall Street in NYC but that's it. I didn't know how close it was or any of those details. My uncles survived. Thank Goodness. But I'll never forget waiting for them to get home. Though I still didn't totally understand, it felt like the longest wait ever.

Immediately after the attacks my uncles found each other and tried to figure out how to get out of the city. They wound up walking across the bridge (not sure which one, George Washington, maybe) into New Jersey where my grandpa was waiting to pick them up.  I remember my one uncle who's usually cracking jokes and being funny was quiet and reserved not only that day, but for a few weeks.  He had a one year old and another on the way and the idea of what could have been and what happened shook him up, as it did so many others in that situation.

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Though this day brings back horrible memories for everyone, it also allows us to appreciate the things we do have in this wonderful life!  It's a reminder to be grateful and live each day to the fullest.  You absolutely never know what tomorrow will bring.  Our entire culture, country, and world changed on September 11, 2001.  It's a day that will never be forgotten!

Where were you when the world stopped turning, that September day?

Life of a Culture Junkie

I'm not sure if I made this term up or if it's been used before, but I consider myself a "Culture Junkie"!  The term describes my love and need to explore, learn and discover all kinds of cultures.  I'm not quite sure when this started, but know it has evolved over the years as I've gotten older and traveled to more places.  I love experiencing new things and going to different places.  I love seeing how other people live and what makes a city, state, or country unique. 

I haven't always been this way.  I grew up in a predominately white area and truth be told, I didn't think anything of it until I went to Rutgers- "The University of Diversity".  I had never been around so many different types of people before.  And yes, you could say that it was because it was college- there are more people from all over and what not, but it really made me realize that there are so many ways of life out there.  I wanted to learn about & experience them. 

I'm a nosey person.  I like to know things that are going on, even if it is completely useless information to me, for some reason I like to know.  I also have a bad and embarrassing habit of starring or a term that's a little more acceptable- people watching.  People fascinate me.  I love to watch people who are amazing, inspiring, role models and I also like to watch train wrecks.  In my opinion, you can learn from anyone- whether it's what to do or what not to do, you're learning a lesson.

Plane tickets have become my favorite thing to buy.  I want to see the world.  I want to travel.  I seriously believe that "Travel is only thing you buy that makes you richer!"  That quote is perfect.  

Not only do I want to travel to other countries, I want to travel the country that I live in.  I know that the United States has so much to offer.  So many different cities and regions are known for different things.

I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list! 

When I was living in London, I was shocked by what the people I met and interacted with there knew about my own country that I didn't.  Granted, they were very interested in our politics, which I have very little interest in, but they also knew/had experienced many places that are "close" to me.

I find myself longing for travel, for adventure, to just go!  I have a gypsy soul! & I love it!

Growing up I was taught that it's okay, in fact encouraged, to have roots and wings.  To explore, learn, grow, and find who you are through all experiences, but never forget where you came from, who supports you, and to love with all you have.

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about mission trips.  I want to go on one.  I want to travel to less fortunate countries, offering services, worship and friendship as a way to grow and enrich the lives of others and myself.  I've looked into a few, but would certainly accept any suggestion/ DOs & DONTs from someone who's been on one!

Really, "Culture Junkie" is similar to "Wanderlust".  It's wanting to continue experiencing and learning from the many cultures of the world.  I hope that I get to travel for the rest of my life.

What about you?  Does your heart long for travel like mine does?  Do you constantly want to go?

A Survival Guide to Game Day ON THE BANKS

Last week Taylor posted a guide to Game Day in Nebraska, which I thought was a great idea.  So today, with Rutgers first home game of the season tomorrow, I'm giving you a guide to Game Day On The Banks!

Rutgers University is located on both sides of the Raritan River in New Brunswick & Piscataway, New Jersey.  It's the Birthplace of College Football and holds tons of tradition.  So, let's get started:

Obviously a parking pass in a primary lot (White, Scarlet, Blue & Yellow) is the way to go.  This is where tailgating is ideal and they're the closest to the stadium, making for a quick, drunken stumble into the game!

If you don't have a parking pass for one of the lots surrounding the stadium (or friends that do) THEN HOW THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO TAILGATE? you have a few general parking lot options, all require taking a bus to the general vicinity of the stadium.  If you park anywhere on College Ave I suggest walking through Buccleuch Park and across the bridge.  It's a bit of a hike, but if you're with your friends and bring road sodes, it's actually fun!  We used to do this all the time!  It definitely beats the bus, cause that usually takes forever and gets stuck in traffic.

The Scarlet Walk is the tradition of watching the players arrive and walk by The Statue.  This happens 2 hours prior to kickoff with the band, cheerleaders and fans surrounding the walk way and getting the energy flowing for kick off!  It's fun and tradition!  If you're lucky, we'll let you join our big group that meets at "The Tree" for a shot of Tequila Rose and a toast!  We don't mess around!

And wouldn't you know it, I couldn't find a decent picture in the archives to post here!

My family has season tickets, goes to every game and takes tailgating very seriously.  We've been known to tailgate anything, including graduation.  Sometimes we plan themes or activities, like huge Flip Cup Tournaments, Chili Cook-offs, etc (complete with trophies, duh)!  Throughout college my friends and I would go to the Frat tailgates and such, but would always wind up at my family tailgate, because they were fun and had great food.  We'll be in the Yellow Lot if you want to stop by! :)

What is tailgating without booze?  All forms of drinking games and chugging is encouraged!  So is getting overly excited for your team!!

This part I'm writing with a heavy heart, but in previous years it wouldn't be a surprise if then Athletic Director, Tim Pernetti, stopped by a tailgate for some food and to say Hi.  He even judged our Chili Cook-off one year!  You never know who's going to show up to a tailgate, including past players, like Ryan Hart (RU QB circa 2002-2005, aka the longest crush I've ever had!) or Brian Leonard (current TB Buccaneer).

Tim Pernetti (I cut out my aunt and her friends)   |   Ryan Hart   |  Brian Leonard

At Rutgers (and I assume everywhere besides the south) you dress for comfort and in team colors-- t-shirts, jeans, and sweatshirts are more than acceptable.  If you wear a dress, people will look at you like you're nuts!  You're here to drink and watch football, it's not a fashion show!  (No disrespect to schools that dress up on game day, but you have to follow "tradition" & we just don't do that!)

I admit, this probably wasn't one of our better day! ;)

When the team comes out of the tunnel they head to the corner of the field to CHOP the wood!!!  The mantra is "Keep Chopping".  To keep chopping week by week to reach their goals!  

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Don't be alarmed by the sound of a cannon going off. It goes off every time Rutgers scores.  Make sure you stand up and chant the fight song after the score too! 

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If something goes wrong for Rutgers, beware of the guy yelling, "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT THERE?!" in section 102.  He does it no matter how significant or insignificant the play/call might have been.  He means well.

Don't try to bring in your tailgating beverages in a red solo cup (your flask should already be secure somewhere on your person!). Throw out your cup at the dumpsters before you turn down Knights Way.  Unless you're my Grandpa.  I have no idea how he gets passed the line of cops, but he's allowed to do whatever he wants! And I can promise you it's not beer or water in that cup. Think golden brown.

Seriously though, HE'S THE MAN!!!!

Students: you probably have more meals swipes than you're ever going to use at Brower. You are allowed to swipe 2x at the stadium per game. Do yourself a favor. Get the cheese fries. And make sure you get a hot chocolate in the souvenior cup in the colder months.  The hot chocolate is delish!  You should also get some kind of chaser in the big jug cause let's be honest, if you're not sneaking in a flask or some nips, you're doing it wrong!  I suggest getting the big jug on days when you're still a functioning drunk at the games. Speaking from experience, the disappointment you'll feel the next day if you leave those souvenir cups in the stands is excruciating!

Students are the ones who should start the RRRRR UUUUU chant.  Sometimes people get a little impatient, but still the RRRRR needs to come from the student section or else it sounds weird and starts coming from all directions.

When Rutgers gets a first down, Chime in the Chant.. "And that is a RUTGERS, FIRST DOWN!!! Da na na na na na na na na na na GO KNIGHT!"

When the opponent is on third down, you'll hear the bells.  Get your 3 fingers out, strum that guitar and make the fan wheel with your arm.  

This kid steals the show dancing to "Don't Stop Believing" during the 3rd Quarter.... chances are, you're not getting on the Jumbo Tron during his time, so wait til the next one!

If for some reason you choose not to attend the game, Queens and Stuff Yer Face are the best options for game day bars!  Stuff Yer Face has great "Boli's", Fish Bowls and nice outdoor seating!  These places are usually where you'll see the crowd post game too!

I'll see you tomorrow On the Banks!  Meet me in the Yellow Lot!  :)

I'm linking up with Sarah today for Fan Friday!

Game to Watch :: Week 2

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As much as I wanted to pick Georgia vs South Carolina as my Game To Watch, I couldn't pick the Georgia game for the second week in a row.  I picked Notre Dame at Michigan as my Game To Watch for this week.  But let me tell you, that UGA/USC game is gonna be a great one too!

Notre Dame and Michigan are both power house teams and programs in College Football.  Notre Dame is coming back from an outstanding 2012 season and sub par National Championship performance.  And although they've lost some key defensive players they remain a force to be reckoned with.

Michigan is lacking depth in the running back department with starter Fitzgerald Toussaint loosing his back-up, Drake Johnson to a torn ACL, leaving true-freshman & 5-star recruit, Derrick Green as primary back-up.  Will he be able to handle Notre Dame's defense?  Will the Michigan O-line be able to open running lanes for the RBs, especially when center, Jack Miller, looked like he didn't know what he was doing last week against Central Michigan?  Michigan's offense is new-er, three new starters to be exact and they'll be going up against big-time defensive players with NFL written all over them.

I'm saying Notre Dame over Michigan.  I don't think Michigan has what it takes to out play Notre Dame's defense.

What games will you be watching this weekend?  
I'm going to the first Rutgers home game of the season... more on that tomorrow! :)

Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Experience

This weekend marked the start of the 2013 College Football season and as you know, I could not be more excited!!!

This weekend I had the opportunity to work in the Press Box of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game!!!  I met the people of the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the SEC Media Days and they invited me to attend their game in Atlanta.  It was such a wonderful day and I am so grateful for this experience.   

 I arrived at the Georgia Dome at 10:30 a.m. ready to work all sorts of game day operations from set-up, to social media, Press Box operations, etc.

The morning consisted of getting the press box ready.  We put out programs, name cards, information packets, media guides, etc for everyone "press" related.

Things settled down for us, and people started arriving- the media & fans.  The Georgia Dome became packed with people in both Crimson and Orange.  Then the teams made their entrances while Chick-fil-A cows parachuted from the "sky" and the game got underway.

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The game started out with Virginia Tech going 0-3 and Alabama answered with a kickoff return for a touchdown by Christion Jones.  What a start!  Virginia Tech struggled to make it down the field barely passing the 40 yard line.  Alabama scored again, Virginia Tech answered with a touchdown of their own and the Dome was the quietest it was all day.  BAMA fans were shocked the game wouldn't be a shut out.  

Alabama's offense looked less than National Championship material, but had great assistance from Christion Jones on special teams as he scored another touchdown on a Kickoff return.   At halftime Crimson Tide led the Hokies, 28-10. 

The second half was a bit of a snooze fest with Alabama and Virginia Tech punting back and forth.  Though Alabama came out with a win (35-10) and ultimately got to wear the Old Leather Helmet (a Chick-fil-A Bowl Tradition) their quest for a three-peat needs some convincing.  For their sake, let's hope this bye week is used to clean up the basics before they face Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M.  We all know Alabama is going to be looking for some revenge and after the way Johnny's been acting lately, he deserves it!

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 While watching the game I also served as a liaison to the University of Alabama Sports Information Staff.  I made sure that they had anything they needed.  When they wanted to distribute stats, I made sure everyone in the press box received them.  When they had a question, if I didn't know the answer, I found someone who did.  I loved doing this because I could still watch the game and formed relationships while doing it!  :)

After the game I got quotes from the players to be used for media purposes!  It was such a fun day and a wonderful event to be a part of!  I can't wait for the next one! :)