Football season. It's like having Christmas on a weekly basis. The excitement for each game intensifies.
Men and women react differently to football season. Men get super pumped up for games. They know what's going on during each play -- and I don't. I have a feeling that a lot of girls have no idea what is going on during a game. We will usually just stand there and watch.
Now, I'm not saying that all girls are clueless, but a majority I have talked to couldn't even explain to me what happened. I just like to have fun with it whether I fully know the details of the game or not.
Before we watch the game to stand in the stadium, there is an event we must attend.
It is like a ritual, and it is sacred to the South. It is the tailgate.
This pre-game festivity is known for the grilling of amazing food and the consuming of alcoholic beverages (or non-alcoholic, it's your call). It is a social event that builds community and team spirit.
Many fraternities host tailgates on gamedays. They whip out the grill while some guy who thinks he is so awesome at grilling flips the patties and protects them like it's his baby. (Warning: do not touch the grill.)
For starters, it's hot, and you do not want a guy to flip out on you because you laid hands on his precious grill. Do not even try to peer over his shoulder and hover. Keep your distance and your food will come to you.
I usually go for the free food at these tailgates. I have no shame in saying I like stuffing my face with free food. Free is in my budget. I'm not going to pay ten bucks for a hot dog in the stadium.
Standing in the heat is another thing to deal with. Girls get all decked out in dresses and cowboy boots for these games. We have to look good in case we get on TV.
We look cute, and we try to maintain that flawless look, but once we step out into the heat and the first drop of sweat trickles down, it's all over. The make up melts off and our hair gets all frizzy, sweat in places we don't want to mention happens, and we become so uncomfortable. Everyone is a hot mess. Literally. I cannot wait for the cooler weather.
The benefit about being a student at TCU is that we get into the games for free. Yay us! Just swipe that ID, and you are in.
Everyone likes to sit with their group of friends -- or a sorority or fraternity may want to sit together, depending upon who you would want to enjoy the game with. If a guy wants to have a date with him during the game, that's cool too. I would want to sit next to someone who can explain to me what is going on during the game.
Gametime is probably the only time when I'll really be clueless about something.
I do know my basics, though. I know about field goals and touchdowns and that thing where that one guy tackles that other guy, and it turns into a pile and so on and so forth. I think I can keep up with it. As I stand there watching the game, I try to figure out exactly what happens. It doesn't always work out though.
If we are defense, I know that we don't want the opposing team to score. If we are offense, then I know that we want to score. Basic stuff, right?
Then, there's the referees. They just screw it up for me. They are out on the field just chilling there. Then, all of a sudden, they get all spastic and throw up gestures that I do not even understand.
I find it difficult to learn everything. It is a lot easier to stand there and cheer. I am not going to put forth any effort to understand what's going on here.
If I were a genius and knew everything there is to know about football, then I might have a better time. That's why I need to sit next to someone who knows the details of the game so my brain doesn't explode. I put my effort in learning the fight song and Alma Mater.
How many of you actually know the fight song AND Alma Mater? Singing "watermelon watermelon" to the tune does not count.
I do love football season because it is about more than just football. There's the tailgating and comaraderie and school spirit that comes from it. Nothing can beat football in the South. We just do it better here.
