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Weekly Editor's Blog: Football Fever

I get chills. My heart thumps wildly. Tears well in my eyes. I yell at the top of my lungs. Then it happens. The Tennessee Volunteers run onto the field at Neyland Stadium, streaming through an orange-and-white "T" formed by the "Pride of the Southland" Marching Band. It's one of the most exciting moments in college football.

Of course, many of my friends disagree. "I close my eyes when Tennessee comes out," says Georgia groupie Stephanie Mims. She loves her 'Dawgs though. "My favorite is the kickoff cheer. It's the first thing they taught us at freshman orientation," Stephanie remembers. "Go-o-o, Dawgs! Sic 'em! Woof! Woof! Woof! "

Making Memories
Traditions like these are the ties that bind fans and teams. Players come and go; coaches sell to the highest bidder. But our rituals fill us with pride during the glory years and give us hope during lean ones. Best of all, they're fun for fans and intimidating to opponents.

Take the pregame ceremonies at Florida State, for example. Just before the game begins, Chief Osceola rides onto the field atop an Appaloosa horse named Renegade and throws a flaming spear into the turf. Gulp! At Oklahoma, the Sooner Schooner, a miniature Conestoga wagon pulled by two white ponies, races across Owen Field each time the home team scores.

Clemson grad Amy Franklin says nothing compares to the way her Tigers storm the field. After warm-ups, the players and coaches board a bus and ride to the east end of the stadium. Then each one touches lucky Howard's Rock before running down the hill and into Memorial Stadium. "I'm ready to jump out of my seat and play with them," she says.

Picks From The Staff
Watching the golden eagle circle Jordan-Hare, a nod to the Tiger's battle cry: ‘War Eagle!', is one of the most-loved traditions at Auburn. Assistant Travel Editor Tanner Latham, a lifetime supporter of the Crimson Tide, favors shouting his school's chant: "Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer, give 'em hell, Alabama." "It was the only time I could cuss in front of my parents and get away with it," he confesses.

Texas grad Jennifer Frazier keeps a photo of the school's clock tower at her desk. The snapshot was taken after a game and shows the tower bathed in burnt orange light, the signal that the Longhorns were victorious that day.

Southern Living Copy Editor Katie Bowlby, a huge Notre Dame fan, shakes her head when Southerners carry on about their rituals. "Other schools have them too," she patiently points out. "Tradition doesn't graduate. You can quote Charlie Weis on that one."

"Football Fever" is from the September 2007 issue of Southern Living.