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M-I-Z! S-E-C!
Feb 15, 2012 CATEGORIES: Alabama SEC Football, Georgia Football, Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie, SEC Football, Southern Belles, Texas A&M and Mizzou SEC Football, Uncategorized
A welcome basket from Harpos and the Alumni Association- Already mastering that Southern hospitality thing!
When the University of Missouri and Texas A&M were added to the SEC I was frozen with shock. I wasn’t sure why, geographically among other reasons, these two teams were added to what I liked to call, a very happy 12-team-SEC-family.
Of course, Commissioner Slive didn’t call me for my opinion, so I conceded (a very rare occasion) that they knew best and had the best interest of the SEC in mind.
Now, just months before Mizzou and Texas A&M officially become members of the SEC (in July), the Mizzou chapter has mostly been written for the next edition of Gridiron Belles. Thanks to a two day visit to Columbia, MO last week, I have a new found respect for Mizzou, their traditions and the wonderful people that bleed black and gold. I have no doubt, that you will too!
This is the iconic Jesse Hall. They are big on "6" at Mizzou for these last 6 standing pillars. We are big on 6 National Championships in a row so it's a great fit!
Upon my arrival to Columbia, I was welcomed by the sweetest coaches’ wife at a lunch provided by a local tailgating must-have, Hoss’s, along with the director of game day operations and the director of donor relations. I wont brag and tell you I also met with the Athletic Director, but I did, and he was a real gentleman!
What I learned in my first two hours on campus was enough information that I could write an entire Gridiron Belles Mizzou edition. But I still had another day and a half to meet with students, local businessmen, and the alumni team responsible for homecoming (Which, rumor has it, originated at Mizzou).
It takes heart to play in the SEC and these Mizzou Tigers certainly have that
Next stop was the football training center that is home to state-of-the-art workout facilities, coaches offices and the biggest indoor media screen I have ever seen to help with recruiting. It worked on me, but more importantly, it worked on the players whose photos were on the wall above– the players that had been in the first round draft the year before. Impressively, there were a handful. Every school, of course, has their song. This is Mizzous and it’s catchy (Black and Gold version coming shortly). If Chris Fowler says Mizzou is the best, we better make them feel welcomed!
Make no mistake about it, Mizzou is ready for the SEC!
Later on, I stopped by the Kappa Delta house to present to the KD ladies about what to expect when Georgia, Vanderbilt, Alabama, and Kentucky come to town. Not to mention, how to dress when they travel with the team to the “original Columbia,” Florida, and Tennessee. A simple power point showcased my collections of beautiful belles across Dixie from last season and boy if the questions about wardrobes weren’t flying from the audience! I translated a few Southern sayings for them and of course, asked them about the student traditions on campus.
Imagine if the guy on the far right was your mystery date to the KD swap in 1984... yes, look closer... That's Brad Pitt!
Again, no shortage of Southern hospitality, the KDs hosted a reception for me at the house and I was able to spend time with the girls and help them grasp what it means to be a Gridiron Belle and how much fun they will have being a part of football’s great traditions. I’m convinced that word about being a Gridiron Belle will spread across Mizzou’s campus like wildfire. The book was written for Yankee transplants and those who have never experienced a game day in Dixie– looks like the book was also written for Mizzou Tigers!
They’ll be ready.
M-I-Z! S-E-C!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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Looking for Spring Gridiron Belles Interns!
Jan 24, 2012 CATEGORIES: Gridiron Belles Internship, Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie, SEC Football, Southern Belles, Southern Football, Southern Gentlemen, Uncategorized
If you are a sophomore or junior at an SEC school, a member of a Greek organization and interested in an internship revolving around SEC football, Gridiron Belles has the opportunity for you!
The next Gridiron Belles project is underway and it needs the expertise of literary, marketing and entrepreneurial SEC co-eds. Interns will work on a team of 6 students (three belles and three gents) per SEC school to write football related articles, conduct SEC fan interviews, photograph SEC traditions, create SEC fashion, contact local business,provide market research analysis pertaining to SEC students and fans, and serve as a Gridiron Belles ambassador.
The 5-15 hr per week internship will begin March 6 and conclude August 15, 2012 with a performance-based option to continue through the 2012 Gridiron Belles Fall Tour.
Applicant must be:
- Well versed in campus game day traditions
- A talented writer
- Able to connect with local businesses
- Team oriented
- Organized
- Responsible
- Savvy with social media
To apply, please answer the following questions and submit your answers along with a copy of your resume to info@GridironBelles.com by 8pmET on Wednesday February 8, 2012.
1. Please describe your favorite SEC game day tradition.
2. What is your favorite SEC match up?
3. What are the most important characteristics of being a Southern Belle and a Southern Gentleman?
4. What are 10 local businesses near your campus that are “must-haves” for game day? Restaurants, clothing stores, local grocery, etc.?
5. What are the latest fashion trends for Belles and Gents on SEC game day?
6. Have you read Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie?
7. Who do you most identify with, Warren St. John, Chad Gibbs or Clay Travis? Why?
8. If you had to promote a new Gridiron Belles project, what would your social media plan be?
9. Please describe in detail, a project you have worked on start to finish. What did you learn about yourself during this process? What lessons will you take from that project and apply to the next Gridiron Belles project?
10. What quote best describes you?
Thank you for your interest in Gridiron Belles. Selected interns will be posted on Tuesday, February 28. Good luck!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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A Thousand Thank-Yous
Jan 17, 2012 CATEGORIES: Alabama SEC Football, Athens, Auburn, Florida, Georgia Football, Gridiron Belles Tour, Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie, LSU Football, LSU v ALABAMA football, Ole Miss Football, SEC Football, South Carolina, Tennessee Football, Uncategorized, Vanderbilt
"Real Belles Watch Football"--and have chandeliers at their South Carolina tailgate!
These Bengel Belles had quite the story to share- Thanks for all being Gridiron Belles!
All season I’ve preached about the importance of thank you notes. Thank you notes for your tailgate hosts, thank you notes for the people who get you tickets, thank you notes for the people who have you over to watch a game. (We really all should be writing thank you notes to our team’s players…) All season, I’ve received some ever so kind thank you notes myself from fans I’ve met along the way. So, it’s only fitting that I thank YOU for all that you have inadvertently done for me this season.
Aimee introduced me to Chimes and hosted me at her competition ready tailgate
For the past 5 years I have expressed my obsession with SEC football with anyone who would listen. For research purposes, I have talked unceasingly about traditions, clothing styles, tailgate menus as well as players and coaches on the field. Then, I started asking for help. I started asking the Belles and Gents that I had met along the way to reach out to their friends to help me. I needed pictures, quotes and stories and boy did I get them!
Lesson learned: never go to a game in the Swamp before November!
If you’ve ever written your own book, you know that the chronic nerves that surface once the book is at the printer requires more support than anyone anticipates. For those of you, strangers and friends alike, that offered your calming words via calls e-mails, posts, and tweets of encouragement, a thousand thank-yous.
The Grove is the perfect place to display your Pink and Proper Lilly purchases! Thanks, P&P!
Ready or not September 3, 2011 came around and it was time for the rubber to meet the road. From the first game of the season to the last, strangers–now friends– took me under their wings. Generous fans invited me to lavish tailgates, allowed me to stay in their homes and graciously promoted my book to their friends. People I didn’t even know were inviting me to special events and treating me like kin. Southern hospitality at it’s finest.
My new friend, Kelly, took me on the field in Neyland Stadium... wow!
Thanks, Vandy Belles, for all of your support and enthusiasm!
Even those fervent SEC fans, that maybe didn’t love everything I wrote about their team, taught me something. They thickened my skin. Taught me to be more open-minded. Encouraged me to look at all sides. They reminded me that Belles are courageous and tough.
The most supportive parents in the world. Also the most excited to be at the historical BAMA v LSU game.
Without tearing up the way I do while watching Steel Magnolias, I’ll keep it short and sweet. It was because of YOU that my 2011 Gridiron Belles tour was a success. It is because of YOU that I was able to fulfill my dreams of being an author. My career for the past 4 months has been tailgating. And because of YOU, Gridiron Belles worked.
These UGA Belles told me that the sky was the limit-- thank you!
Thank you, from the bottom of my Southern Belle heart, for being such hospitable, generous and devoted fans of your team. It is the spirit and excitement that y’all displayed that kept me going on the road for 93 days straight without a break from the South’s greatest pastime. It is people like YOU that make Southern football the living legend that it is.
The savvy mama, Doran, thanks for having me on your wonderful show!
Thank you all. For everything.
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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Sweet Home Alabama
Jan 9, 2012 CATEGORIES: Alabama, Alabama SEC Football, BCS Championship Game, Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie, LSU v ALABAMA football, SEC Football, Southern Football, Uncategorized
The Tide Sisters
SEC fans are the most loyal and energetic in the nation. I’m convinced, however, that Alabama fans are what most people mean when they use the term “Fanatical.” It’s expected of BAMA fans to be fanatical—it’s part of the oath they take as new borns: Wear Crimson, despise Auburn, name a child (or at least a dog, boat, or RV ) “Bear” and above all, be the most fanatical football fan you can imagine day in and day out. This is one vow that is unforgivable to break. And I love it.
Mr. C and Ms. Tide, two of the greatest BAMA fans I know!
On a level understood only in the SEC—perhaps only in Alabama– eating, breathing and decorating your home in the only logical theme of Crimson Tide, team dedication has reached a new level in Tuscaloosa.
Look closely and count how many places you find houndstooth!
My trip across the South has introduced me to more than my fair share of Tide fans. I stayed with one of the sweetest Bama Belles at her Bay house outside of Mobile and was welcomed into her home with open arms… just as soon as I changed out of navy and orange… in the driveway.
All fans who enter, MUST match the decor!
The Bama fan of the season, however, required a family. The “Tide Family” (I’ve kept their name to myself as to not have them inundated with calls and e-mails asking for ideas of how to be a better BAMA fan once this is released) has set a new bar for BAMA fans . They are as kind as they are loyal. They are as generous as they are dedicated.
Yes, a larger than life replica of The Bear's hat serving as window treatments in the bathroom!
Decorated by the eldest daughter of the “Tide Family,” this second home, located a first down away from the entrance to Bryant-Denny Stadium, epitomizes the phrase “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Lucky monogram she has, isn't it?! This is the beautiful creative brain behind the "wow."
I’d likely get some of the details mixed up if I tried to tell you how long the “Tide Family” has been a part of the BAMA community. I’d tell you that there are 12 grandchildren who went to, or are currently enrolled at, the University of Alabama when really there are something like 26. And I’d tell you that it was MR. Tide that spearheads the “fanaticism” and game day excursions on their party buses and boats when really it’s MRS. Tide. So I’m going to keep the details to myself and just let pictures speak 13 words. Because, 13, is exactly how many national championships this Tide Family has been around to celebrate the Crimson spirit.
These curtains speak from themself
No detail, large or small, went un-dedicated to Alabama. I was in awe. I was impressed beyond words and knew immediately that there may be a lot of families that are Tide fans, but there is only ONE “Tide Family.”
Meet the lovely Tide Family
Thanks for the hospitality Mr. and Mrs. Tide! And good luck getting your 14th national championship tonight!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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Are you Ready? Ole Miss is a Must See
Nov 23, 2011 CATEGORIES: Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie, LSU Fans, LSU Football, MS, Ole Miss, Ole Miss Football, SEC Football, Southern Belles, Southern Women, Uncategorized
Where all the fancy traditions began...
A weekend in Oxford leaves a grown Belle wishing for more time in undergrad and more time to shop for the perfect game day outfit. If you’ve never been to Ole Miss, below is what you’ll expect. Go a head and add it to your list, it’s one SEC sight you wont want to miss!
Silver. A typical tailgate in the Grove has more silver than a Southern Belle’s wedding registry. From chaffing dishes to chandeliers and every candelabra in between, no tailgate in the Grove is complete without something worth shining!
The Grove Country Club. GCC T-shirts anyone?
Place holder. This is different than the place kicker found on the field. The place holder in the Grove is the designated member of your group, or a hired local or college student, to head to the Grove on Friday night and wait. And wait. And wait until the regulations are lifted and tents can be put up for Saturday’s game. This duty is not taken lightly. With only 10 acres for tailgating, getting a primo spot is as important as shining the silver.
Booming economy. The beauty of a seven PM game is the full day you have to be at the historic square in Oxford. The beautiful courthouse centered in downtown Oxford creates a Southern feel for shopping, eating and people watching. With the standard of wardrobes in line with Milly, Tory Burch and Lily Pulitzer, it appears that Oxford, MS has gone unscathed by any economic turmoil!
Looks like we all can just get along
Crazy LSU Fans. Would an LSU away game be the same without crazy fans that travel with the team? Nope, of course not! As expected, the fans in purple and gold showed up in droves and provided plenty of entertainment. Honey Badger anyone? Purple and gold headgear at a cocktail party on game day-eve?
Jim the Tailgater and Stan the Man meet again. This time, with Colonel Red as a generous host!
Teaching the young gents how to become rabid, I mean avid fans!
A half time mass exodus. The upside of having the number one team in the country come to your field is that you don’t have to travel to be a part of history. The downside to having the number one team in the country come to your stadium is the likelihood that they are going to have significantly more points than your team. In which case, a mass exodus at half time is required in order to get to your tailgate or the hot spots in the square.
Self explanatory. I would agree that the Grove was more fun at this point as well...
Greatest gameday outfits in the south. As part of the admissions application process at Ole Miss, university administrators do a thorough background check into your style and fashion sense. Hence, why every belle that attends the University of Mississippi is dressed for a runway. On game day. It truly is a sea of beautiful belles showing off their respect for the team by well coordinated outfits. What’s more is that visiting belles also step up their wardrobe game—if it’s going to be a rivalry, let’s make it a good looking rivalry!
All colors and styles of wardrobes wanted in The Grove!
Thanks for showing this Gridiron Belle a great time, Oxford. Hotty Toddy!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
PS- While everyone at the LSU v Ole Miss game was worried about game day outfits and leaving the stadium at half time, there were some major upsets going on around the country. Belles, be sure to check out the BCS standings and how the SEC now has spots 1, 2, and 3!
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Georgia Football-A Southern Experience
Nov 15, 2011 CATEGORIES: Auburn v Georgia, GA, Georgia Football, Gridiron Belles: A Guide to Saturdays in Dixie, Southern Football, Southern Women, UGA, Uncategorized
Here is what I found as tailgating must haves during my second trip to Athens:
Russ the bulldog and Ms. Seiler in the "Uga Suite"
A bulldog. If tents are a tailgate staple at every other SEC tailgate, bulldogs are the staple at a University of Georgia tailgate. “Russ” is the interim bulldog mascot and nearly every tailgate on campus had a cousin, friend, or distant relative of “Russ” or “Uga” to help entertain fans before the game. (A Full story about “Uga’s Suite” will be out Thursday)
I'm more of a yellow lab lover, but this Russ was pretty darn irresistible!
Chick-Fil-A. Why make fried chicken from scratch when the delicious Chick-fil-a is a hometown staple? UGA fans need not worry that they can’t order a chicken biscuit on Sunday, they’ve had more than their fill from tailgating in Athens on Saturday.
The ever so hospitable UGA coeds
Black and red wardrobe. I haven’t decided which team has the best team colors for successful fashionable game day outfits, but black and red is certainly at the top of the list. The belles and gents in Athens are something to write home about. Or at least a reason for me to consider going to grad school with gentlemen DAWGS fans and for Georgia belles to contend for The Belles of the SEC.
Talented leaders of spirit: After chatting with the Mama’s club of the cheerleading teams and some of the Dawgettes, I realized that leading the school and UGA fans in spirit is a full time job! Between appearances, game performances and in general looking like the perfect UGA ambassador, these students earn my respect of loving the game and their school!
Goooo DAWGS! Sic'em!
Ambitious KD ladies: If I had half of the gumption in college that the UGA KDs do, I would be running the White House right now! I was so impressed by Christie E., a journalism major, who works for the local UGA news channel and is giving up her Christmas break to get more time in a studio in Tampa. She interviewed me Friday and then brought a camera crew to follow me around on Saturday. Additionally, Ashlee Nicole, the VP of Operations, who so generously invited to attend the game with her family, knows every bit of UGA history from being an Admissions Office Orientation Leader and is a biological science major. To top it off, there was a line of brilliant women waiting to talk to me at the house on Monday—all motivated, all dedicated to their dreams, all big fans of their DAWGS!
Christie was all business as she captured the UGA game day traditions and happenings pre and post kickoff!
Battle Hymn of the Republic. Perhaps the biggest pre-game concern for a Georgia fan is making it into Sanford stadium in time to hear the lone trumpeter play the opening notes of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Of course, the hedges add a generous dose of Southern nostalgia, but there is no feeling more bone chilling and pride filling than the sound of that trumpeter on Saturdays in Dixie.
The perfect bark. I would be remiss if I directed you toward Athens for a football game and forgot to instruct you to practice your bark! Georgia fans’ barks are much bigger than their bites—but with 90, 000 plus barking at once, it’s enough to scare a tiger!
Thank you for your hospitality, Athens!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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Vanderbilt Moves Up In the Gridiron Belles Rankings
Nov 1, 2011 CATEGORIES: Arkansas, Gridiron Belles Tour, SEC Football, SEC Stadium Tour, Southern Belles, Uncategorized, Vanderbilt
It’s official, Vanderbilt was one of my favorite stops of the tour!Monday night, I was welcomed at the Vanderbilt KD house by an eager audience of fellow KD ladies. Twenty minutes later, I was out in the dining room signing books for some of the most wonderful women I have met this fall.
These women were kind, genuine and excited to read about their school and it’s place in the world of SEC football. These KDs were asking questions about pass interference, how to improve their tailgates, how quickly thank you notes should be sent and how to land a post graduation job in Washington, D.C. .
This stop at Vanderbilt was exactly what I hoped my tour would be, a chance to reach out to young women and help motivate them to follow their dreams the way I have followed mine.
The wonderful Vandy KD ladies!
Fast forward to Friday at the You’re Invited book signing. What a huge success! Anna, the owner, was generous enough to lend me her adorable tailgate items so I could display them on Talk of the Town, a local variety show. You’re Invited has everything a Gridiron Belle needs for hosting a tailgate and stocking up on hostess gifts. I did some shopping myself and checked off my hostess gifts for my last 5 games of the tour!
Saturday morning was a beautiful day for a football game, and almost the perfect day for an upset. However, an early morning text from my favorite KD, Hali, assured me that hell had not frozen over and in fact, it was eerily quiet on fraternity row just two hours before kickoff.
Not exactly a packed house of Vandy fans, but it sure was different inside!
Because I needed to know for myself, I headed to campus anyway to gather what material I could. Sure enough it was a ghost town. I saw tumbleweeds in the road, empty lawns and grills still covered without hot charcoal.
This puppy got hot right after the game
Arkansas on the other hand, had arrived early and was collapsing on the stadium in large numbers. I was impressed by the Arkansas faithful and the outfits of their Belles!
Beautiful Arkansas Belles on a Saturday in Dixie
A slow start in the Greek world, however, did not influence the speed of the Commodores on the field. The Vandy football team dominated the entire game against the 10th ranked Razborbacks and started to show the SEC world just how much potential the ‘Dores have.
I scooted out of town before I was able to see the post almost-biggest-win-of-the-season festivities but I heard the celebrating was in full effect. No fear, pictures have been sent and clearly indicate those Commodore students know how to party… they just get a little bit of a late start.
Halloween Tailgaters
Vanderbilt moved up in the Gridiron Belles rankings. I loved the people, the town and the tenancity that the team played with on the field. I’m looking forward to my next visit and a chance to wear black and gold again!
Thank you Kappa Deltas, Hali, and You’re Invited, you made my trip so very memorable.
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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Chance of rain is… Never!
Oct 30, 2011 CATEGORIES: Gridiron Belles Tour, LSU, SEC Football, SEC Stadium Tour, Uncategorized
Saturday morning came in Baton Rouge with promise of a good time and not a cloud in the sky.My opportunity clock (alarm clock to the non optimist) sounded precisely at 7:15am. By 7:45am, I had received a text from “Jim the LSU Tailgater” (as he is identified in my phone) that he and his crew would be arriving at their tailgate within the hour.
A text at 7:55am from “Mystery LSU Guy” (as he is identified in my phone), told me that not only was the mystery LSU guy (see blog post from the LSU v Oregon game) getting an early start at redeeming himself, but that LSU fans, no matter how late they were out the night before, get out early for every game in Baton Rouge.
Jim "The LSU Tailgater" and Stan the Man
My lovely host, Patti, dropped me off at the Parade Grounds around 9 am and set me loose on a self-guided tour through the sporadically placed tiger dens, also known as LSU tailgates.
I found my way to the famous Indian Mounds and “Jim the LSU Tailgater’s” primo tailgate spot a first down away from the Indian Mounds and directly next to the circle where the team is let off the buses. This is also where the parade of Golden Girls and both Mike the Tigers make their game day debut.
This is where the fun began.
I filled up on Boudin balls (thank you for not telling me about these before Saturday…my waist line is now in trouble), met up with my best friend from college (Lauren) and her generous LSU family, chatted with some new media friends and finally, met up with Mr. Mystery Man.
Mystery Man was accompanied by Larry, Curly and Mo. My first ab workout, from laughter, of many was completed as we parted ways for more tailgate hopping.
Larry, Mystery Man, Curly and Mo
Lauren and I walked down the hill for a quick visit with Ms. Aimee, a competitive tailgater. Yes, that’s right, she enters her tailgates into contest because she’s that good.
To wrap up our LSU tailgate tour, Lauren and I share an authentic LSU plate of fried catfish, an Abita beer and a shocking 17 point lead Ole Miss has over Arkansas with the lovely Adams family in the parking lot surrounding the stadium.It became apparent rather quickly that “Touchdown Tigers!” did not necessarily mean the Auburn Tigers. (I do wish the announcer had been a bit more specific about his calls.) Posters of “WE WANT BAMA” began to surface in the second half and the crowd in Tiger Stadium grew more subdued than I thought possible. Pretty sure everyone was saving their energy for the other team from Alabama.
Jambalaya, fried catfish, purple and gold cookies-the perfect LSU plate!
Four quarters later and day dreams of more boudin balls, I’ll admit I was considering calling it an early night. Thankfully, I recalled my promise of meeting Mystery Man, Larry, Curly and Mo at Mike the Tiger’s humble abode before they were going to take me to my first Walk On’s experience.
Wait, do you really think those four guys waited at Mike’s house? Not even close.
More exploring of LSU’s gorgeous oak-covered campus led me to find the members of the peanut gallery dancing to Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is yoooooou”.” I suppose Christmas is going to come early (Nov 5th) this year.
A few classic dance party songs later, we were all ready to walk on. To Walk Ons.
What a place to let my hair down. An open dance floor and promise of a phenomenal 80s cover band coming on at any second, I could hardly stand the wait. Plus, I have a soft spot for establishments that give you take-home-cups.
I don’t know the name of the band that covered songs from Purple Rain to Courtesy of the Red White and Blue and every hit in between. But I do know that thanks to my host Patti, Jim the LSU Tailgater, Lauren and her family, Mystery Man, Larry, Curly and Mo and the unforgettable hot pink leg warmers on stage, the Gridiron Belles trip to Baton Rouge was more than complete.
Lauren and I have been trying to get to this game for 9 years!
Since there is never a chance for rain in Tiger Stadium, I’ll be back—because my new favorite place for Saturday nights is Louisiana.
Geaux Tigers!
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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Now it means something
Oct 17, 2011 CATEGORIES: BCS Championship Game, LSU, SEC Football, Southern Belles, Uncategorized
The Sugar Bowl would be old hat for the Mad Hatter
Of course every game played before yesterday was an important game. But now, with the first week of the BCS rankings disclosed, it all finally means something.
In case you missed the breaking BCS poll news last night, LSU, #1 team in the country. Alabama is #.2
Christmas is coming early, Belles! LSU and Alabama match up on November 5th in Tuscaloosa. Enter where I start praying to the football gods that somehow both teams could play for the real National Championship on January 9.
There is an entire chapter in my book dedicated to explaining the BCS. If you still aren’t sure what the BCS means or the implications it has on your season, go ahead and pick up a copy of Gridiron Belles. Or, just send me your questions and I’ll make sure you understand faster than Jeff Demps.
Tidbits for BCS conversation:
-BCS= Bowl Championship Series. Basically, there are a handful of post season games that are considered BCS bowl games. The aforementioned rankings (among other things) determine which team will play in which bowl.
- The National Championship this year (Sugar Bowl) is in New Orleans. The last two times the National Championship has been the Sugar Bowl, LSU has not only been a competitor in the game, but has been crowned the victor of said game. (2003, 2007)
- LSU and Alabama play each other on November 5th in Tuscaloosa. Since the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the BCS are who play in the BCS National Championship, it seems that the title game is going to be played about two months early. ( Go ahead and cancel all plans you may have on that day.)
Love it or hate it, it’s time to understand the BCS, where your team stands this season and why moving forward, BCS rankings are the only ones you need to worry about! I promise you, this ranking means something.
Xs and Os,
Christie Leigh
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God Bless the Palmetto State
Oct 6, 2011 CATEGORIES: Gridiron Belles Tour, SEC, SEC Football, South Carolina, Southern Women, Uncategorized
South Carolina v Auburn in Columbia, SC
1) The Gamecock’s AP and Coache’s Poll ranking may have gone down, but they sky rocketed in the Gridiron Belles Poll
2) South Carolinians use the Palmetto symbol more than Texans use the lone star.
3) Prayer trumps all stereotypes within the stadium. And at the post office.
I arrived in Columbia, SC on Wednesday before the Auburn game to give a brief talk to the South Carolina Kappa Deltas about business etiquette and SEC football. I was told that it would be a small crowd of about 50 girls because there was a bible study at the same time that most members attended.
Thursday, I spent a substantial amount of time at the local post office where I was told to “have a blessed day” by workers and patrons alike… for no other reason than maybe my hands looked full and I could have been glistening.
Friday, at LaRoque clothing store, the owner and her friend Elizabeth (GIB Tailgater of the Game) told me they met at church.
Garnet perfected at LaRoque
The next day at the game, while I stood and placed my hand on my heart for my favorite part of the game, the National Anthem, I was surprised when the “voice of god” no pun intended, asked the entire stadium to bow our heads in prayer.
Let’s be clear.This wasn’t a quick, generic prayer that you’ve heard 100 times before. This was someone down on the field, in synch with the Divine, talking to the Divine and asking the Divine to bless the players, coaches, fans, opponents, and the Palmetto state. True story. The prayer went on for at least 4 minutes. You can imagine all of the things blessed in that amount of time.
I felt like I was responding to the prayer/petitions of the people at church on Sundays. Just about everywhere I turned, it seemed like the Gamecocks and Tigers needed a prayer refill…
South Carolina fans commenting on the improvement of the marching band as more significant than the football players indicates a long game ahead. Pray for us.
Auburn’s Michael Dyer carries the ball down the field 1000 times. He then gets walked off the field by trainers. Pray for us.
South Carolina’s Garcia can’t seem to connect with one receiver. Someone in the stands suggests adding liquor to Garcia’s Gatorade. Pray for us.
Displaced Auburn fan disguised in garnet and black is spotted. Pray for us.
Auburn’s quarterback Trotter took the snap. The ball is in his hands. Please pray for us.
One extra second left on the game clock didn’t get played. Whoops. Pray for us.
South Carolina fan immediately sells his season tickets to the lowest bidder. Pray for us.
Sloppiest game I’ve seen in a long time. Pray for us.
Aforementioned disguised Auburn fan didn’t brag or partake in trash talking after a win. Pray for us.
Aside from all the praying and the need for all of the praying on the field, I must say, South Carolina Belles, Gents, tailgaters and fans deserve some credit for being wonderful. Four and a half days in Columbia and I not only figured out how to correctly say “Gervais Street” and “Huger Road” but I have a whole new group of friends, I felt a part of the community and I feel more than comfortable launching USC near the top of the Gridiron Belles poll.
Morgan and George and gang, thanks for a great tailgate!
Allison and Joel... the most patient USC fans I know. They sat next to an Auburn fan for four hrs. And gave her a ride home.
Thank you to my wonderful hosts, Reeve and Scott Ballew. My new favorite place to shop in Columbia, La Roque. My new favorite USC tailgaters, Elizabeth and Wesley Donehue, Allison and Joel Hughes and Morgan and George Crouch. My new media friends, 107.5 The Game, 97.5 WOC and Chloe from The Gamecock. The Columbia parking enforcement team…. You got me this time… twice… but I’ll be back!
I may never look at a crescent moon the same way again… but then again, Saturday is three days away so I’m likely to be swooned all over again. Yep, go a head, Pray for us.
Xs and Os, Christie Leigh
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