All over the Southeast this past week folks were keeping vigil at the front door in anticipation of the revered arrival of the “season ticket package”. All trips to the grocery store, visits to relatives, and even “back to school sale” shopping sprees were moved off the stove and we sat tight. I for one, had a fresh pitcher of pink lemonade all prepared (complete with insulated “go” cup) for the UPS man and waiting in the fridge. Last year, I violated personal protocol not to mention good horse sense and hugged the gentleman during a lapse in judgment. So I planned ahead, being alerted by my reliable internet tracking system that the package was on its way. This system proved ideal for me and I will make a note to follow the package’s progress in just this same way next year.
The moment was certainly exciting and the UPS man seemed pleased with the lemonade albeit a tad bit shocked. I told him of course, that he would have found last year even more so…
Carefully un-wrapping the package, I pulled out the 2010 tickets and checked to make certain that we still had our same seats, that everything we ordered was indeed included. For a moment I was walking through the turnstiles of my football obsessed mind and entering that stadium I love with all my heart. It was a solid feeling, knowing that all over the Southeast folks just like me were doing the very same thing. Getting revved up for their own team and being able to see the end of a long drought, they rejoiced with me that we could stop talking about what “could” happen, put aside all predictions and speculation and embark on a new season.
Perhaps you, like me have counted down since last February and now your pulse quickens to see that there are only 19 days until the kick off of College Football 2010.
I love your description of the excitement that even the tickets offer for SEC football. Now only if you were a good War Eagle instead of from that “other school” LOL.
Sue Painter
Sue, my wonderful nephew is an AU freshman. My eye is on all our SEC teams and women who love football are a part of a very special sisterhood!
Hey Charlsa, My pulse quickened just reading this. I love the way you expressed the feelings I am sure thousands experienced this week. Looking forward to seeing you again on Sept. 4th.
Your neighbor @ Bryant-Denny!
Thanks for the comment, Sherry! I guess it goes without saying that we are gettin’ excited too!
Charlsa,
This is great. And we are off to begin another season. I have a question about why – when on a play that is less than a yard to go, that the play always seems to go up the middle? Why not pitch out and go wide?
Hey Tricia. Its great to hear from you again and thanks for the question. ‘Guess I’d say that there are numerous plays in a team’s playbook designed for short yardage pick ups. The play call usually depends on a variety of factors, not the least of which is field position and naturally, teams choose to play to their strengths and the other team’s perceived weaknesses when selecting which to run. Running plays “up the middle” are, as you pointed out a very common option and statistically, seem to work about 66 % of the time. Short yardage pitch-outs and of course, pass plays are generally not anticipated by the defense in typical SEC play so the offense might be able to do the unexpected by taking your suggestion. Conversely, the odds of turn-overs go up when the ball is “in the air” as with a pitch out to a back or a pass. It is always exciting to see a completely unexpected play be successful. Lets watch that Thursday night opener with LSU and UNC to see what they do in the short yardage situations.