UT-UF ‘08: Tailgating & Tradition

Obviously, you all know that the University of Tennessee’s primary color is orange. And, boy, do they love it. The bridge over the river has orange and white lights. Car washes are orange and white. The airport has orange and white lettering. It’s everywhere.

Tailgating
This was a great tailgate. Of course, I was at the mercy at the always-questionable fun-to-beer ratio. The more beer I consumed, the more fun I had. It’s a genius formula, really.

I’m sure there were other tailgating areas that we didn’t see, but where we were located — damn near 150 feet from the stadium — they didn’t start very early. In fact, it didn’t get packed until about 1.5-2 hours before kickoff. Once it did get going, it was very fun. It was basically a sea of orange.

Oddly, we ran into a pair of USC fans/graduates. As soon as they saw our OU colors, they immediately came over and it was if were best friends. Hey, we’re Nos. 1 and 2 representing in the middle of an orange mess. Bonding over beer and being in unfamiliar territory, I suppose.

Overall, the fans, students and alumni were really great to us. Most were really curious as why were there. We did have a couple of asshats give us a, “You’re a long fucking way from home.” Of course, this tool was wearing an actual game jersey — you know, the type that is way too large in the shoulder area for the pads — with sweat bands on his forearms and wrists.

We did have a few others think we were from Alabama or South Carolina before realizing that they could read. Oh, Oklahoma.

Gametime
In a word, boring. Really boring. The first two series were great. But it was quite obvious that Tennessee didn’t think they could win. And it was quite obvious that the Vols offense was absolutely terrible. Florida only needed 246 yards of offense to win 30-6.

By end of the third quarter, 1/3 of the stadium headed for the exits. With 10-12 minutes left in the game, I’d estimate half of it was empty. After those first two series, I’ve never heard 102,000 people so quiet.

We paid $125 for lower-level seats in row 57 or so. It was pretty much the going rate. By the second half, I was quite certain I didn’t get my money’s worth.

Tradition
Running through the “T.” The “Vol Walk.” Peyton Manning. Al Wilson. A bunch of other Vol players I don’t know. National titles. The game had lots of unique traditions, but they really didn’t give me goose bumps or anything.

We were right there at the Vol Walk. Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer was giving high fives (see photo) as he lead the charge through orange-and-white human funnel. The running through the T was cool, but our vantage point wasn’t the greatest.

As for the stadium, it’s giant. It’s also a giant piece of shit. Think a cross between the old version of the Cotton Bowl and Lewis Field. The outside was basically faded, sometimes rusted iron. Seating was tight for anyone over 5-foot-6. There was only a single jumbotron, which was back over our head so we never even saw it. Others in our group said it was really average. They did, however, give the field, stadium and press box all separate names.

Which brings me to the final point: national titles. In several areas in the stadium, they claim five. Wait, what? Five? Are you sure? Yes, I’m sure. We all remember Tee Martin and the 1998 title. Well deserved.

Wikipedia actually has six listed: 1938, 1940, 1950, 1951, 1967, 1998. Only 1951 and 1998 were consensus.

And, if you’re like me, that 1950 stuck out like a sore thumb. Because eff me, I swear Oklahoma won the 1950 national title. Oh, they’re using the SEC formula for counting titles? I get it now. I think the Kodak (Tenn.) Record Journal — made that up — awarded them the title that season. It was actually the infamous Dunkel System and the College Football Researchers Association. Yeah, that seems legit.

The Sooners’ 1950 title? The Associated Press, UPI and a bunch of other meaningless polls and systems we don’t count. In 1951, Tennessee was awarded the MNC by the AP and UPI. Much more legit. Sorry, end rant. Just pissed us all off.

Unfortunately, we never made it down to the river to see the boats and the Tennessee Navy come in … at least I think that’s what it is called. All in all, a damn good time. We just wish it was a better game.