It’s almost play-off season and football seems to be everyone’s favorite topic besides what they’re doing for the holidays. For those of you, who, like me, love your school but aren’t super football fans, here’s how I get by without seeming lame. (Or at least I think I don't seem lame? Its debatable).
Basic Terms: there are other important terms but just nod your head when people talk about those. Some examples are: interception, Hail Mary, turnover. The SUPER important ones are the following:
Offense: the team that has the ball is on offense. On the scoreboard there’s even a cute little football thing next to their name (super helpful).
Defense: the team that does not have the ball (no cute football by their name).
Down: Each team gets 4 chances to go 10 yards. Each of the chances is called a down. If a team moves the ball 10 yards from the line of scrimmage (aka where the ball starts) they get a 1st down (very good thing).
Touchdown**: When a teams gets the ball into the End Zone. (Also a very good thing).
Quarterback**: The player that usually throws the ball in offensive plays. Learn the name of your quarterback. You should also know the name of the previous quarterback since everyone is always comparing the two (incessantly).
General Guidelines:
- When the people around you cheer, you should cheer. Unless you’re near the visiting teams section. Trust me, it’s awkward when you accidentally cheer for the wrong team. People will look at you like you just killed a little puppy even though it was a complete accident. You should consider standing with people who 1) can see the field, and 2) know more than you about football.
- Pay attention to the yellow flags the referees throw, you do not have to know what they mean specifically, but they could mean your team gets a penalty (that’s bad) or that the other team gets a penalty (that’s good). I would suggest not to cheer until you know for sure that the other team gets a penalty, could lead to a PAM if you cheer before you know who the penalty is on.
- Learn the names of the following people: Head Coach, Assistant Coach, quarterback, the biggest lineman, wide receiver and, if you’re super into it, a running back.
- Stay for the whole game. Intense fans stay for the whole game, so if you wanna hang with them, you gotta stay with them.
- Wear your school colors**. If you don't, it could lead to a PAM.
- Learn your school cheers/fight song. This takes no knowledge of football because you just sing along. You have no excuse not to know your school cheers/fight song.
- Learn your school hand motion. Example: Baylor Bear Claw with right hand, only your right hand.
- Face paint never hurts. Tattoos also work.
- Have fun**. Whether you’re a die hard fan or you have no idea what’s going on, being with friends and supporting your school is fun. Make some memories this play-off season!
**very important
PAM (potentially awkward moment)
Sic ‘em Bears
