It was another Saturday in the SEC! Although, we did not get to travel we were still watching all the big games. All the games seemed to be very important matchups one way or another.
The first game of the day was Ole Miss v. Arkansas. Ole Miss was on the road again. However, this time Ole Miss was visiting Coach Huston Nutt’s old stomping ground. This would have been a much-needed victory for Ole Miss, but Arkansas put a stop to all hopes the Rebels had to bring home a win. Arkansas played very well and had the fans to back them. The Rebels made a lot more mistakes than they expected and couldn’t pull it off. In this game the weather was also an issue which caused several rain delays. I am sure that was hard on both teams and their fans; however, the win goes to the Razorbacks!
The next game was one of the biggest with the two undefeated teams, the Auburn Tigers at home playing the LSU Tigers. This game was important because the outcome was going to tell the nation who actually deserved the title “undefeated” in the SEC. At first the game was back and forth, but the Auburn Tigers ended up on top. Auburn quarterback and Heisman hopeful, Cam Newton was definitely the most talked about player. He sure was the “show stopper” for the home team. This game put Auburn up to the top of the BCS polls at #1.
Even though the Mississippi States game was not against an SEC team, it was a close game for the Bulldogs and a season changer for them as well. By winning this game against UAB it made the Bulldogs bowl eligible for the first time in three years. UAB is a good team who gave the Tennessee Vol’s a run for their money earlier in the season, so this is definitely something State should be proud of!
Other games to note:
Alabama played Tennessee away and came up on top. Georgia won against Kentucky away, and South Carolina also won on the road against Vanderbilt.
In other football news around the country the No.1 ranked team fell for the third week in a row. It looks like there might be a curse on whatever team is ranked in the top spot in the polls. This week the No.1 ranking is in the SEC and that means Auburn might need a little more than Cam Newton this Halloween weekend. Luck perhaps??
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
THE ATMOSPHERE
The excitement grew as we prepared to go to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for the Alabama v. Ole Miss game. This was not my first time to T-town. However, it was my first time to visit during a football game. This was not just any game; it was also the Crimson Tide’s Homecoming. As we entered Tuscaloosa the crimson and white stood proud. It was very evident that there was a football game brewing. Being new to Tuscaloosa we quickly realized that there was no way we would be able to park near the stadium or on campus for that matter. But that did not stop us from getting to campus in a timely matter. We parked at the local mall and rode a very well-organized bus to campus. In case you are planning a trip to Tuscaloosa for a game, the bus was $10 a person which included a wrist band that indicated you could ride the bus back after the game.
The ride there was very speedy as well as eventful. The lady loading the bus led an Alabama cheer to send us on our way. I noticed that cups were allowed on the bus which we did not take advantage of since we were unaware of all of the rules. We will be sure to do more research as we prepare for our next game. After our bus whipped through back roads to campus, we were literally dropped off at the stadium which was well worth $10 in my opinion.
As I got off the bus I was amazed at the support Alabama had for their Homecoming. However, as I look back, I figure this is a typical amount of support for the defending National Champions who happened to be playing another SEC team. Not to mention a team that was in need of a little extra support after playing a tough game the previous weekend in South Carolina. The fans were everywhere participating in all the different pregame activities—eating, buying souvenirs, taking pictures in front of Greek houses and socializing. Since this game was abnormally late—8PM!, I did expect to see fans who might have started pre-gaming a little too early (if you know what I mean). However, that was not the case. Everyone—fans from both schools—seemed to be conducting themselves pretty well.
THE ATTIRE
The fan attire was mostly t-shirts, but there were occasionally women or young ladies who were a little bit more dressed up. This usually consisted of a dress or perhaps a cute top with jeans, all of course staying true to school colors—white, crimson and black. There was also a fair share of other trends and outfits that are now an Alabama staple such as anything in houndstooth (modeled after “Bear” Bryant’s famous hat) and of course t-shirts with any “Anti- Auburn” saying.
THE STADIUM
As we made our way into the stadium I was not prepared for the long hike up and around the stadium. The stadium was designed in a way that made it hard for fans or spectators to just wander around like I wanted to do. The lower and upper levels were clearly divided, and if you wanted to get to the other side of the stadium, you had to walk all the way up, around and back down. Although I did not witness it firsthand I was told that the student section was blocked off and impossible to get in and out of (which could serve as a good thing). Since I was determined to get a good look at the stadium, I actually ended up exploring, and I was quite pleased once I got situated. A unique aspect of Alabama’s stadium was the fact that they had four different jumbotrons! Although all four of the screens were not as big as you would normally see, they were still very effective. It was nice to be able to see the game no matter where you happened to be looking. I also noticed that there seemed to be a lot more box seats than usual. I guess the theme at Alabama is “the more the better,” which serves as a pretty good motto especially when you look at their football program.
The stadium was a perfect atmosphere for college football. It was alive with upbeat music and a performance from the Million Dollar Band. Since it was the first time I had ever seen the band in person, it was very impressive, and I even got chills several different times during the pregame performance. (I guess SEC football can do that to you or at least it does for me.) As the two teams ran out on the field the crowd roared, and it was truly an experience. Both teams were pumped up and ready to get that Saturday night started!
Even though the game itself was not the best SEC performance I have witnessed it was still a fun game. The atmosphere and the new south in zone was definitely icing on the cake. Part of the atmosphere was the halftime show which included another performance from Alabama’s band and games certain fans and students were selected to participate in. The games were ordinary halftime games; however, the cool thing was the prize! Instead of the prize being something lame, it was a chance to win free tuition for a semester! I thought that was really neat and something that all universities should do. It was a great way to promote the school as well as help a student or family out. So props to Alabama!
With the start of the fourth and final quarter—which, as we know, determines everything in football—all four jumbotrons had elephants charging towards the fans. It felt as if it was in 3D! During the video of the elephants the sound of bell chimes filled the stadium, and all the Alabama fans went wild! I am sure faint sounds of the crowd were even heard in Birmingham. The sound of bell chimes is very significant to Alabama fans since one of the university’s more famous landmarks on campus is a bell tower. The bell tower, known as Denny Chimes, along with the football stadium, Bryant-Denny, is named in honor of Paul W. Bryant and Dr. George Denny. This is just one way that Alabama tied in tradition and history into Saturday night’s game.
As the game was winding down I left the game two minutes early in order to make my way to the line for the bus. Leaving a game early, even if it was only two minutes,it was out of character for me. I did this because it was a little past midnight, and I knew we needed to get in the bus line as early as possible. The bus ride there was much different than the bus ride back to our car. Everyone in our group was really tired and not looking forward to the traffic back to Birmingham. The traffic was much like I expected since everyone was trying to get on the interstate at the same time. The once quick bus ride took close to an hour and just getting on the interstate from the mall was also close to an hour. However, it was all worth it for a new experience and to watch another exciting SEC match up!
Until next Saturday,
Two Southern Girls
The excitement grew as we prepared to go to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for the Alabama v. Ole Miss game. This was not my first time to T-town. However, it was my first time to visit during a football game. This was not just any game; it was also the Crimson Tide’s Homecoming. As we entered Tuscaloosa the crimson and white stood proud. It was very evident that there was a football game brewing. Being new to Tuscaloosa we quickly realized that there was no way we would be able to park near the stadium or on campus for that matter. But that did not stop us from getting to campus in a timely matter. We parked at the local mall and rode a very well-organized bus to campus. In case you are planning a trip to Tuscaloosa for a game, the bus was $10 a person which included a wrist band that indicated you could ride the bus back after the game.
The ride there was very speedy as well as eventful. The lady loading the bus led an Alabama cheer to send us on our way. I noticed that cups were allowed on the bus which we did not take advantage of since we were unaware of all of the rules. We will be sure to do more research as we prepare for our next game. After our bus whipped through back roads to campus, we were literally dropped off at the stadium which was well worth $10 in my opinion.
As I got off the bus I was amazed at the support Alabama had for their Homecoming. However, as I look back, I figure this is a typical amount of support for the defending National Champions who happened to be playing another SEC team. Not to mention a team that was in need of a little extra support after playing a tough game the previous weekend in South Carolina. The fans were everywhere participating in all the different pregame activities—eating, buying souvenirs, taking pictures in front of Greek houses and socializing. Since this game was abnormally late—8PM!, I did expect to see fans who might have started pre-gaming a little too early (if you know what I mean). However, that was not the case. Everyone—fans from both schools—seemed to be conducting themselves pretty well.
THE ATTIRE
The fan attire was mostly t-shirts, but there were occasionally women or young ladies who were a little bit more dressed up. This usually consisted of a dress or perhaps a cute top with jeans, all of course staying true to school colors—white, crimson and black. There was also a fair share of other trends and outfits that are now an Alabama staple such as anything in houndstooth (modeled after “Bear” Bryant’s famous hat) and of course t-shirts with any “Anti- Auburn” saying.
THE STADIUM
As we made our way into the stadium I was not prepared for the long hike up and around the stadium. The stadium was designed in a way that made it hard for fans or spectators to just wander around like I wanted to do. The lower and upper levels were clearly divided, and if you wanted to get to the other side of the stadium, you had to walk all the way up, around and back down. Although I did not witness it firsthand I was told that the student section was blocked off and impossible to get in and out of (which could serve as a good thing). Since I was determined to get a good look at the stadium, I actually ended up exploring, and I was quite pleased once I got situated. A unique aspect of Alabama’s stadium was the fact that they had four different jumbotrons! Although all four of the screens were not as big as you would normally see, they were still very effective. It was nice to be able to see the game no matter where you happened to be looking. I also noticed that there seemed to be a lot more box seats than usual. I guess the theme at Alabama is “the more the better,” which serves as a pretty good motto especially when you look at their football program.
The stadium was a perfect atmosphere for college football. It was alive with upbeat music and a performance from the Million Dollar Band. Since it was the first time I had ever seen the band in person, it was very impressive, and I even got chills several different times during the pregame performance. (I guess SEC football can do that to you or at least it does for me.) As the two teams ran out on the field the crowd roared, and it was truly an experience. Both teams were pumped up and ready to get that Saturday night started!
Even though the game itself was not the best SEC performance I have witnessed it was still a fun game. The atmosphere and the new south in zone was definitely icing on the cake. Part of the atmosphere was the halftime show which included another performance from Alabama’s band and games certain fans and students were selected to participate in. The games were ordinary halftime games; however, the cool thing was the prize! Instead of the prize being something lame, it was a chance to win free tuition for a semester! I thought that was really neat and something that all universities should do. It was a great way to promote the school as well as help a student or family out. So props to Alabama!
With the start of the fourth and final quarter—which, as we know, determines everything in football—all four jumbotrons had elephants charging towards the fans. It felt as if it was in 3D! During the video of the elephants the sound of bell chimes filled the stadium, and all the Alabama fans went wild! I am sure faint sounds of the crowd were even heard in Birmingham. The sound of bell chimes is very significant to Alabama fans since one of the university’s more famous landmarks on campus is a bell tower. The bell tower, known as Denny Chimes, along with the football stadium, Bryant-Denny, is named in honor of Paul W. Bryant and Dr. George Denny. This is just one way that Alabama tied in tradition and history into Saturday night’s game.
As the game was winding down I left the game two minutes early in order to make my way to the line for the bus. Leaving a game early, even if it was only two minutes,it was out of character for me. I did this because it was a little past midnight, and I knew we needed to get in the bus line as early as possible. The bus ride there was much different than the bus ride back to our car. Everyone in our group was really tired and not looking forward to the traffic back to Birmingham. The traffic was much like I expected since everyone was trying to get on the interstate at the same time. The once quick bus ride took close to an hour and just getting on the interstate from the mall was also close to an hour. However, it was all worth it for a new experience and to watch another exciting SEC match up!
Until next Saturday,
Two Southern Girls
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Who are we and how we started...
We are just two southern girls traveling around the South taking photos of all the campuses and towns we know and love. The two of us have been friends for several years and both grew up huge football fans.
The idea for taking pictures of college campuses started by accident like any other great idea. This past Summer, I decided to go to an unnamed campus where my sister was going to attend school in the Fall to take some pictures. I only decided to do this because I was trying to make my sister feel special upon graduating from high school and picking the "wrong" SEC school. After a day of exploring uncharted territory at an opposing university the first set of pictures were complete. From there Samantha started editing and the first prints were created. Once the first few prints were given as gifts to our family members requests started coming in for more schools... and there you have it! SEC PRINTS!!!
We have had the prints for sale on gibbons-design.com for the past couple months. Now we feel like it is time to expand and start a website devoted to SEC prints. This website is now under construction and we are really excited for it to be up in the next couple of weeks. On this website we are going to be accepting all major credit cards and paypal. We have also started a facebook page and twitter account strictly devoted to our prints. We are so grateful to all of our family and friends for supporting us and are looking forward to all of our new expansions.
The idea for taking pictures of college campuses started by accident like any other great idea. This past Summer, I decided to go to an unnamed campus where my sister was going to attend school in the Fall to take some pictures. I only decided to do this because I was trying to make my sister feel special upon graduating from high school and picking the "wrong" SEC school. After a day of exploring uncharted territory at an opposing university the first set of pictures were complete. From there Samantha started editing and the first prints were created. Once the first few prints were given as gifts to our family members requests started coming in for more schools... and there you have it! SEC PRINTS!!!
We have had the prints for sale on gibbons-design.com for the past couple months. Now we feel like it is time to expand and start a website devoted to SEC prints. This website is now under construction and we are really excited for it to be up in the next couple of weeks. On this website we are going to be accepting all major credit cards and paypal. We have also started a facebook page and twitter account strictly devoted to our prints. We are so grateful to all of our family and friends for supporting us and are looking forward to all of our new expansions.
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