Go Panthers!!

This past Sunday, I got to tick another item off my "bucket list." Bill and I, with our good friends J & M, went to the Carolina Panther football game. This game had been a long time in coming. I bought the tickets way back in August, and really had no idea what it would be like on November 15. Luckily, it was great.

We got up bright and (too) early to leave in plenty of time to get some good tailgating under our belts. The road trip took less than 2 and 1/2 hours. It was smooth drive south, and we found a space in a parking lot very quickly. By 11:00 am, we were sitting around the lot with other happy fans enjoying a beautiful fall day. We had decided to try to eat a little healthier for our tailgate. We had an appetizer of Weight Watcher friendly dip with tortilla chips followed by marinaded grilled chicken, a green salad, roasted veggies, and an apple pie. It was an absolute feast! Of course, the meal was accompanied by beer, a not so healthy, but very delicious, drink. Bill even surprised me with a Panthers T-shirt and a pin to wear to the game. Soon, it was time to walk over the the stadium.

Bank of America Stadium is huge, but well designed. We were very lucky to be in a section that was in the shade all day long. Even though it is fall, it was about 75 that day. It was quite hot in the sun. The game was all I hoped it would be. The Panthers made some quick touchdowns, and were soon up 21-10 over the Atlanta Falcons. There was a near comeback in the second half, but a beautiful interception and a 45 yard touchdown run put our team up for good. The final score was 28-19.

While we were not as lucky on the drive home (we were in traffic for an extra hour), but the day was still worth it in my mind. I really, really enjoyed myself. I hope I can get to another game, soon.

Super Sunday

I am so, so, so happy that the Giants won Super Bowl XLII!! I have always thought that the Patriots were overrated and that Tom Brady is not the wonder that so many think he is (the dude dumped his pregnant girlfriend - so uncool!! Giselle, you can do much better). Way to go Eli and the Giants for hanging tough and being the best team on the field today.

Terry and Heather came over for the game, and all four of us cheered on the Giants (and ate like pigs - chili cheese dip, pizzas, chocolate chip cookies and beer, but we did have veggies, too). I admit, I got very nervous toward the end there. I actually had to get up and start the dishes. Luckily, I had Heather to yell at me when things were good. I am not very good under pressure, but I am so glad Manning is. He played a great game, kept his cool, and was a true leader. Thank, Giants, you made my Super Bowl Sunday!!

Set for Super

So, we are now down to two teams - The New England Patriots (Boo!) and the New York Giants (Boo!). As you may be able to tell, I am not particularly interested which team wins. I really wanted to see Brett Farve and the Pack take the whole thing. It is no longer possible. Now, I really have little interest in who actually wins. I guess I would be happier if the Giants won - I always like to see the underdog pull out a victory. But who will I cheer in 2 weeks? The advertisers.

Go President Adams!!

The President of UGA sent a letter to the NCAA (he is one of the Board members) outlining a proposal to do away with the BCS system. He would like to see a playoff for the football national championship. He proposes to take the top 8 teams and have them fight it out for the championship on the field over 3 weeks.

Some other members are against the proposal. They would like the traditional ties the certain bowls (like the Rose Bowl) have with certain conferences to continue. They also question whether fans would actually travel to three different sites for their favorite school.

In a non scientific poll at the bar last night with my beer drinking buddies, we determined that the proposal was a great idea. We all agreed that the BCS is lacking (or flat out does not work). We also agree that fans are fans and they will support their school wherever they go. It would also mean more money for the NCAA in TV agreements.

Can we start in 08-09?

Great News for Georgia

Well, college football ended last night with another SEC team taking the championship. Unfortunately, it was not Georgia. But it could be Georgia in 2008.

The final AP poll has Georgia ranked at #2. The final Coach's Poll has Georgia as 3. In an article I just read from Yahoo!, Georgia is already predicted to be #2 in 2008 with the leadership and talent of Matthew Stafford at QB and Knowshon Marino at RB. The author of the article selects USC as #1 for 2008. I think that will be a good match up in the BCS Championship game. Let's make it SEC for 3 years in a row. It is Georgia's turn.

Dawgs + Sugar=Happy New Year!

Well, I certainly hope you picked the Georgia Bulldogs to win the Sugar Bowl on January 1. I had great faith in the guys, but was even surprised by the 41-10 victory. As we watched the pre-game show, I was actually touched by the Hawaii players. They have such heart and tradition, and I was very impressed with their head coach. I felt so bad that their 12-0 season was going to end with a loss. I just didn't expect them to get stomped so badly. Poor Colt Brennan, darling of college football, got his butt handed to him. He was such a great leader and had such a good season all to see it end with 8 sacks and a very confused look on his face. Guess that's what happens when you go from WAC to SEC.

The Dawgs looked fantastic. With the team losing only a few seniors this season, they are poised to be incredible next season. They will continue to have quarterback Matthew Stafford and sensation running back Knowshon Marino. I predict great things for this team. Under Coach Richt, they have done so much. I foresee a National Championship in their near future. I know Mark Richt will lead the Dawgs there.

Black Rules!!

The Georgia Bulldogs showed up to play Auburn yesterday in new black jerseys. It is something that the seniors wanted to do for their last game between the hedges. It worked beautifully!!

The Dawgs smashed the Auburn Tigers 45-20 in a fantastic football game. I am thoroughly impressed with red shirt Freshman running back Keoshawn Marino. He is going to be the future on Dawg football. He, and the rest of the team, looked great yesterday against one of our bigger rivals. Now, we just need that horrible orange crew from Tennessee to lose one of their last 2 games.

We called my sister-in-law twice during the game. There was no answer, but we did leave messages for the Auburn Alumna. Hee hee, I love a good beating!! (the Canes also won 5-3 versus Atlanta!)

Watch out UGA!!!

Our buddy, Mike, was indicted yesterday for his part in the dogfighting ring. I hear today that he also failed his drug test - traced of marijuana were found in his sample. Dogs everywhere will be safe soon!!