Welcome to Baylor Football 101. I'm Scott and I will be your professor. As the home opener is days away, I'm sure you have many questions concerning game day. But don't worry, this class is quick and easy.
Pre-Game
1. Watch hype videos. Ted Harrison makes the best videos almost every week to pump enthusiasm and adrenaline in your body. Here's the latest one...
2. Tailgate. There are tons of student-led tailgates where you can get free food and hang out with friends before kick-off as you approach the stadium.
3. Get inside the stadium at least 30 minutes early with your line jersey on to run the Baylor line. You are a part of the greatest college football tradition. Nothing in your life will be this exciting.
4. Don't be an idiot while running the Baylor line. Don't push and shove - everyone will get a great seat and you won't get to the front any faster. Also, don't fall when running. Because it sucks. Wear tennis shoes and flexible clothing. And please don't try to save a whole row in the front of the Line for your friends who fell behind running. You will only make people angry and they'll end up sitting there anyways.
5. Make sure your friends and family are watching the game at home. There is an 80 percent chance you'll be on TV at some point throughout the season and it's always fun (and terrifying) to see pictures of yourself in front of America.
During the Game
1. Only sit during timeouts and between quarters. The team needs your crazy and live support at all times.
2. Learn when to cheer. You do a "sic 'em" every time the opposing team snaps the ball and all kick-offs, but NEVER when Baylor is on offense. Wait until after the play to cheer, but quiet down once again before the snap. Also, you'll hear "And that's another Baylor-" all the time. You reply "FIRST DOWN" at the top of your lungs. It never gets old.
3. Watch the Chamber leaders and experienced students to see when to use your bear-claw. During certain band songs like "The Imperial March," the entire student section "kills" (not literally of course) the opponent with their arms. You'll know what I'm talking about.
4. Don't be ashamed to jump around. Many freshmen are trying to "look cool" in front of their friends and don't get weird. GET WEIRD. It looks awesome and generates energy for everyone, resulting in a 100% guaranteed fun time. Just watch this video for reference (jump to 1:30):
5. Stay off your phone. The wifi at McLane is useless anyway and all your friends are at the game. You are fortunate to get the seats you do for no additional costs. Make it worth your time and enjoy the game!
6. Be respectful. Baylor is credited with the best fans in the NCAA so let's not ruin that. A little heckling never hurt anyone, but stay away from profane language and threats to people on the field (as that's illegal anyway). Applaud when someone gets up from injury and be respectful to all stadium staff. They work hard so you can enjoy the game.
7. Stay the whole game. There's no traffic to beat since you walk back to campus. Big plays happen late in the game and this will be the only time in your life that you get to experience the Baylor Line. Once again, make it worth-while.
Post-Game
1. Please don't rush the field. Unless a team is ranked significantly higher than us (which probably won't happen this season) or we 3-Peat the conference title (which will certainly happen), stay off the field. It's an unwritten rule of sports.
2. Celebrate! This one is kind of obvious, but have fun! Baylor football was in turmoil for decades and we can finally appreciate winning football games! Take pride in your school and let teams like TCU and Texas know that we're the true top-dogs of the Big 12.
3. Get to bed early. You have church in the morning before a big day of NFL Sundays!
I hope this lesson was helpful and clear for you. If you are every in doubt about what to do, watch what the older Bears do. We've all been there. Sic 'em Bears and have a great football season, y'all.
