Red River Rivalry

I know we focus on SEC and ACC football, but this week we are serving up a special feature on Big 12 football at its finest.  The Red River Rivalry is played between Texas and Oklahoma.  These schools may not be completely "southern," but they take their football just as serious as any school in the SEC/ACC.  This game is played at a neutral in Dallas, TX during the Texas State Fair.  Football and fair food?  I'm sold!  Check out Taylor Tailgates full coverage of tailgating at the Texas State Fair during the TX/OU game. {Beware lots of pictures of mouthing fair goodies}

We have two lovely ladies guest blogging about all things Texas and Oklahoma.  Ashley {Texas Prep} attended the University of Texas and a die hard Longhorn.  My sorority sister, Jes K., attends the University of Oklahoma School of Law.  She is a passionate Sooner, but her heart belongs to the Gamecocks.  Take it away ladies...

University of Texas

Town: Austin, TX

Head Coach: Mack Brown

Stadium: Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial

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Mascot: Longhorn {steer}, Bevo

Colors: Burnt Orange and White

Biggest Rivals: Oklahoma Sooners, Texas A&M Aggies, and Texas Tech Red Raiders

Famous Alumni: Matthew McConaughey, First Lady Laura Bush, Jenna Bush, Lady Bird Johnson, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Farrah Fawcett, Janis Joplin, Mary Lou Retton, Roger Clemens

Traditions: Eyes of Texas, Texas Fight, Hook'em Horns, Big Bert, Bevo, Smokey the Cannon, "Godzillatron," lighting of the tower, torchlight parade

Places to be Seen: The "Drag," 40 Acres, University Co-Op, Cain & Abels

Best Food Near Campus: Willie's Bar-B-Que

Every year come October marks the most anticipated game of the regular season; the Red River Shootout between perennial powerhouses Texas and Oklahoma.  I make the annual trip to Dallas for the Texas State Fair and the Cotton Bowl game.  What makes this game the best rivalry in all of college football, if not all of sports, is the winning tradition both schools share.  Nearly every year, the showdown between Texas and Oklahoma determines the winner of the Big 12 South and usually predetermines the winner of the conference as a whole.  Not to mention, both football teams are competing for a national championship year in and year out.  The state fair is the most wonderful place to be in October; the atmosphere is incredible at the Cotton Bowl with the stadium split perfectly 50:50 in crimson and burnt orange.  The endless amount of fried food, corn dogs, and beer at the State Fair is a can't miss event before or after the game.  TX-OU is definitely a must for anyone's college football bucket list.

Hook'em
xoxo

All pictures were courtesy of Ashley


University of Oklahoma

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Town: Norman, OK

Head Coach: Bob Stoops

Stadium: Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (aka Memorial Stadium)

Mascot: Sooner Schooner, Boomer & Sooner

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Colors: Crimson & Cream

Biggest Rival: Texas {Red River Rivalry} & Oklahoma State {Bedlam}

Famous Alumni: Sam Bradford, Adrian Peterson, Blake Griffin, Wayman Tisdale, Lee Roy Selmon, Olivia Munn, Jake Hagger {aka WWE superstar Jack Swagger} & several more

Traditions: The Sooner Schooner, Heisman Park, Campus Corner, the RUF/NEKs, the Texas Bet, "Beat the H*ll out of Texas" written in and around campus, firing of the shotguns, and lots more

Jes in Heisman Park

Where to Watch the Game When You Don't Have a Ticket
Tickets can be hard to come by; the stadium has sold out every home game since 1999.  If you happen to be one without a ticket, you can go up to a tailgate {it's certain they'll have a TV broadcasting the game} or to any of the bars/restaurants in the town of Norman.

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Where to Celebrate
Anywhere on the historic Campus Corner: Seven47, Louie's, Fuzzy's, Logan's, O'Connells, anywhere.  the open container laws are relaxed on gameday, and you can buy beer on the street.

Tailgate Spots
Tailgating is anywhere you can find a spot to put your tent, fire up the grill and plug in the big screen.  Most of the tailgating for undergrad is on Lindsey & Jenkins - the prime spot since the stadium is just across the street.

However
For the Red River Rivalry, things are a little different.  Due to the rivalry between OU and Texas, the annual game is played in a neutral spot each year in a halfway point in Dallas, TX.  The Texas State Fair is always during this time - fried butter anyone?  The state fairgrounds surround the Cotton Bowl - the site of one of the best games of the year.  And, it's this week's Gameday site!

Boomer Sooner!
"We're going to beat the hell out of you, and you, and you, and you, and you!"
Tuck Fexas

All photos courtesy of Jes


BIG thanks, ladies!
This game is definitely on my college football bucket list, as well as, The World's Largest Cocktail Party and to visit all of the SEC stadiums.

Happy Gameday, belles!

xoxo,
Ashton

Movers & Shakers

If you have watched any sports related show since August or listened to people chat at a tailgate this season, I guarantee you have heard the words "conference realignment."  Those two words have become like nails on a chalkboard to me.  I am one of those traditional people that wants everything to stay the same.  College football should not be about TV packages, media markets, and money to be made.

Let the boys play!

It all started last year with Colorado and Utah made the move to the PAC-12 and Nebraska heading to the Big Ten.  With Colorado and Nebraska both leaving the Big 12, it has effectively become the "Big Ten" and makes the old Big Ten the new "Big 12."  Is everyone thoroughly confused?  Thought so.

What was the point of all this moving around?  These conferences wanted to reach the "magic" number of twelve schools to implement a conference championship game.  Just like the ACC and the SEC have a championship game {and the Big 12 had} the first weekend of December, the Pac-12 and Big Ten will have a championship game this year.  These championship games serve as springboards into the coveted BCS bowl games.  In the case of the SEC, it is the de facto national championship game. {another post for another day}

But wait!  Why are we still shifting around?  Twelve member conferences were perfect.  Apparently, not.

As of two weeks ago, Pittsburgh and Syracuse are joining the ACC therefore leaving the Big East with only seven football schools.  The ACC remains an even conference {seven teams per conference division}.  Made official today, Texas A&M is the 13th member of the SEC.

WELCOME ONE AND ALL!!

All this leaves lots of questions to be answered.  Who is going to be the 14th team to the SEC?  Are the Big East and Big 12 going to crumble and force schools scramble for a conference?  Will the SEC and ACC stop at 14?  Who knows and it just makes my head hurt.

Lastly, does anyone know what the states of Oklahoma and South Carolina have in common?  Both of their major state universities are ranked in the Top 15 and 4-0 on the season.

xoxo,

Ashton

Thursday Night Showdown

How serious do we take our football in the South?

Oh you know, cancel classes the day of the game kinda serious.

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Remember when we posted the differences between Northern and Southern football?  One of the lines says something to the effect that teachers will cancel class the day after a Thursday night game in the South due to the fact that many students would be hungover and not show up anyway.  Yet, in the North, students would not go to the game on Thursday, because they had class on Friday.  After a full day of tailgating, I wonder how many teachers went ahead and canceled class for Friday and if they didn't I wonder who is going to be in attendance.

Not going to lie when I was in college, I would check the football schedule for the following fall when I registered for classes in the spring.  If there was a Thursday game on the schedule, I would not register for any classes on T/Th that did not get out before 1:00.  Yeah, maybe, there was some great classes I didn't get to take. #sorryfortailgating #priorities

Tonight, Mississippi State and LSU face off in Starkville, MS.  Mississippi State is known for shaking cowbells in the stadium and the deafening sound they cause.  They have been restricted by the NCAA to only certain times of the game.  I believe tonight those Bulldogs are not going to care and will take the penalty from the NCAA.

Nevertheless, LSU will be bringing a rowdy bunch up from Baton Rouge.  I don't know how this game is going to go, but I am predicting an LSU victory.  They are just nasty on defensive.  Les Miles is the Mad Hatter and just makes things happen.  He also eats grass.  Weird.

xoxo,

Ashton

Week 2

This week presents several intra-conference match-ups that will impact division championships.

Game 1

South Carolina v. Georgia

With Georgia losing in Week 1, this game Between the Hedges is going to be a gridiron classic.  Essentially, Georgia will be playing for coach Mark Richt's job.  The loser of this game will all be taken out of the SEC East race.  This border rivalry has been decided by a touchdown or less throughout the past decade.  The spread for this game is 3 points.  It is shaping to be much of the same.  I am going to be on pins and needles throughout this game.

Game 2

Mississippi State v. Auburn

Auburn had a tough game last week against Utah.  The defending national champs are definitely rebuilding after losing Cam Newton.  Not only will this be a test for Auburn but Mississippi State as well.  They have been predicted to be the dark-horse out of West.  In the same vain as Game 1, the loser of the this game will be eliminated from the SEC West race.

Game 3

North Carolina State v. Wake Forest

This game is the first in-state rivalry of the season.  Both teams are in the Atlantic division.  This game will be a clear indication of whether either team will be making the trip to Charlotte in December.  

Week 1

The college football season officially gets under way tonight at 6:00pm with Murray State v. Louisville.  Two SEC teams, Kentucky and Mississippi State, take to the field.

Most of the remaining teams across the SEC and ACC will kickoff on Saturday.  Miami and Maryland square off in a rare Monday night game for the first inter-conference tilt.  Usually, Mondays are reserved for the big boys of the NFL, but their season does not start until September 8th.

Each week, we will highlight "the" games of the week.  They might have conference title implications or national title implications, or they might just be plain 'ole southern rivalries.

Game 1

(4) LSU v. (3) Oregon

This game has major national title implications. The victor of this game will solidify themselves as a legitimate candidate to play in the BCS Championship game in New Orleans on January 9th.  The loser, well, would have to run the table in their respective conferences to make it to the game.  Oregon is coming in with a chip on their shoulders after having lost to Auburn in the National Championship game last year.  They want to prove something against the mighty SEC.  LSU, in recent weeks, has dealt with off field problems with their quarterback, Jordan Jefferson, and receiver, Russell Shepard, who have been suspended indefinitely due to their involvement in a bar fight.  Despite the uncertainty on offense, I believe Les Miles and the LSU Tigers will come out on top.

Game 2
(19) Georgia v. (5) Boise State
Georgia and Boise State match up in the Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game.  It will hardly be a neutral site with Athens only roughly 70 miles from Atlanta.  Georgia has two games back-to-back against Top 15 opponents.  The outcome of these two games will gauge the rest of the season for the Dawgs and the future of head coach Mark Richt.  Boise State will try to remain a contender against the BCS conferences in hopes to get to the coveted BCS championship game.  I believe this game is a toss up.  I, not being the biggest UGA fan, would like to see Boise State win.  However, I don't want Georgia to be coming off a loss when my Gamecocks head to Athens in Week 2.  Nevertheless, I have to cheer on the SEC when they are playing.  So here it is on...rare occasion folks....
Goooo Georgia Bulldogs! Sic 'em!


xoxo,
Ashton

SEC Weekly Feature - Columbia, SC - Forever to Thee

University of South Carolina

Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium

Colors: Garnet & Black

Nickname/Mascot: Gamecocks, Cocky, & Sir Big Spur

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Head Coach: Steve Spurrier, aka Head Ball Coach

Biggest Rival: Clemson University

Notable Alumni: George Rogers, Sterline Sharpe, Hootie & the Blowfish, Darla Moore, Ainsley Earnhardt (Fox News), Leeza Gibbons, and Amos Lee.

Where to Tailgate

The most coveted spot to tailgate in Columbia is the Cockaboose Railroad.  Cockabooses are actual converted train cabooses.  They are located less than 50 yards from the stadium.  Essentially, they are stationary RVs.

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In recent years, full condos have sprung up around the stadium.  Places like, Carolina Walk and The Gates, have grown in popularity.  They are ideal for those that get in town on Thursday and stay until Monday.  Many recent grads tailgate at the Memorial Lot.  You are bound to run into that random person you and freshman English with.  The Fairgrounds and Farmer's Market is where you will find the die-hard families and people who have been parking in the same spot for years.

The tailgating atmosphere in Columbia is not like most schools where the stadium is located on campus.  It is spread out, but it does not stop everyone from hopping from friends' tailgate to friends' tailgate.  There are several places up and down Bluff Road that fans pay for season passes to park and included in that pass is weekly entertainment and food.  Having our stadium off campus allows for such tailgating opportunities.

What's on the Table

South Carolina fans have three places they love to get food for tailgate.  They are Bernie's, Lizard's Thicket, and Maurice's BBQ.  Bojangle's is conveniently located right across from the stadium.  Platter's of chicken and ribs will line tables.  It is not uncommon for tailgate goers to throw together a big pot of lowcountry boil.  A southern tailgate is not complete without bourbon and there is always plenty flowing.

Where to Watch

The best place to watch the game when you don't have a ticket would be any bar in 5points.  Located a few blocks from campus, this area is a hot-spot for co-eds.  Within its five points, a bar for every style of co-ed can be found.  Students will be huddled in the booths around buckets of beer cheering on their Gamecocks just as fervently as if they were in attendance.  If you are looking for a more adult atmosphere, I suggest the Vista area where Carolina Ale House and Wild Wings are located.

After the Game

Salty Nut and Jake's will be packed with students and grads celebrate a Gamecock victory.  Be prepared to "Sandstorm" and to hear "2001" several times before the evening is over.  Tin Roof is the newest bar in the Vista to celebrate after a win.

Traditions

The Mighty Sound of the Southeast leads the crowd in cheers.  Throughout the day, fans will randomly yell "GAME" expecting someone to return with "COCKS."  Recently, the Gamecock faithful have adopted the techno song "Sandstorm" as their unofficial hype tune.  The entrance to "2001" has been voted one of the most exciting entrances in college football.  The favorite cheer among the fans is
"U-S-C...Goooooooo Cocks!"  During the last line of the alma mater, all students and alumni give a toast to the school.  Everyone raises their hand and form a u-shape, as though hold a cup.  It was one of my favorite traditions as a student and still is as an alumna.

We might not be a school rich in football {victory} history, but we still love to cheer on our Gamecocks with reckless abandon.  Even when we went 1-21 in 1998 & 1999, WBS was still selling out.  We were just further perfecting the art of tailgating.  The 2000s proved to be our most successful decade on the gridiron.  We are setting up for a pretty amazing ride this season, and I can't wait.

I will be attending the opener in Charlotte against the ECU Pirates.  I am ready to paint the town GARNET!!


xoxo,
Ashton

Pigskins & Pearls 101: Defense Formations

This week's addition of Pigskins & Pearls 101 will be covering the defensive side of the ball.  Defense schemes are more flexible than the offense.  The players are allowed to more around without penalty, unless they encroach into the neutral zone, where they will be flagged for offsides.  There are three main positions on defense - defensive lineman {tackles and ends}, linebackers, and defensive backs {cornerbacks, strong safety, & free safety}.  The secondary, think of it as the second line of defense, is the area where the safeties lineup.

4-3 Defense

1 & 2 - Defensive Tackles (DT)

3 & 4 - Defensive Ends (DE)

5, 6 & & - Linebackers (LB)

8 & 9 - Cornerbacks (CB)

10 - Strong Safety (SS)

11 - Free Safety (FS)

This is a basic defensive scheme.  It is termed the the 4-3, because there are four lineman and three linebackers.  It is easily be switched to a 3-4 defense by having three lineman and four linebackers.  The cornerbacks match up with the wide receivers.  The strong safety is likely to line up on the same side that the tight end lines up.  The free safety is "roaming" defender.  He is used for pass coverage and to top the runs up the middle.

You might hear the term Nickel defense.  It is called this because 5 {five cents} defensive backs are utilized.

When an opponent is heavy on the run game, the defense will look more like the 4-3 or 3-4.  If an opponent is a passing team, the defense may go to a nickel scheme.

Then, there is the blitz.  This is where the linebackers rush the offensive line rather than falling back into coverage.  They may go up the middle or around the end.  It might be a single linebacker blitz or a full blitz.

Remember, defense wins games!

One Week...

Belles, we are SEVEN days away from kickoff!

Who is ready!? Who is excited!? Who can't wait!?

What is your prediction for your team this season?