Sucker Punch

I wasn't planning on writing anything about the games that were on last night. Yes, I watched the defensive struggle (or really offenses struggling) through the snooze-fest that was NC State and South Carolina. And while I always love a Boise State home game with their crazy blue field, the game wasn't as competitive as a 14 (Oregon) vs 16 (Boise) should be. Plus, the Patriots/Giants game was your typical no-starters, no-name 4th preseason waste of time. But I was saving any thoughts on actual football for games I care more about (coming this weekend).

And then this happened: Oregon's running back threw a punch at a Boise player, and needed to be restrained by the police. They're reviewing the tape for disciplinary action. ugh.

This isn't the first fight in a game, and I'm sure it won't be the last. But it really deflates the first day of the season for me. Especially after hearing that the players in one of the games I am most looking forward to this week, Oklahoma State & Georgia, won't do a pre-game handshake for fear of violence. When I first read the headline, I thought it was going to be some over-cautious swine flu prevention gimmick. Then I got a little excited because it meant the players were so pumped about the game they were worried they couldn't control their emotions. In fact, when I tuned in to the Boise State games, the announcers said there had been some words between the two teams in warm-ups. And I was ready - here is the passion that the NFL lacks, that makes NCAA football so exciting.

That passion is one of the reasons I love college football, but when the players can't control it, especially when the game is winding down and they feel the need to throw a sucker punch, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I know the players are college kids and not professionals, but at 18, you know better. Angry you're losing? good. Throwing your helmet to the ground on the sideline? understandable. Knocking over some Gatorade because your National Championship dreams are crushed during week one? I get it. But throwing a punch off the field, when the game is over? That's unacceptable. Even Pop Warner kids know that.

And I haven't even started on the guy he hit, Boise State linebacker Byron Hout. Why taunt a team that you've just beaten? Have some class. The game wasn't close. You embarassed them enough on the field. Oregon didn't even get a single first down in the first half! Isn't that enough for you?

Ok, enough of that. To end on a better note - who goes for 2 of the first touchdown of the season? Boise State does! Should we expect anything less? Not from these guys.

College Colors Day

College Colors Day is tomorrow - so get out there in your favorite team's colors! Good thing I've got the burnt orange nails already. Now which shirt to wear...

Preseason Planning - Part Three

Three hours until football! Ok, so I don't really care about South Carolina vs. North Carolina State, but its the first game of the year and its on ESPN, so I'm psyched to watch. Which means its about time I wrap up these posts about preseason planning since I am running out of time. I saved the best for last though - my guide to what you need to have on hand to throw a football party at any time.

The results of my preseason shopping trip.

Here are the basics:

• Cheese & Crackers, the easiest and most classic of football snacks
• Tortilla Chips & Salsa, again easy & satisfying
• Hummus, for when you want to eat something that's not terrible for you
• Velveeta, the base of many delicious dips
• Cream Cheese, another staple for making dips or other snacks
• Olives, salty and easy to serve
• Pepperoni, in college I used to refer to pepperoni as "meat cookies". At least this time I choose the slightly less unhealthy turkey pepperoni.
• Burgers, for when you need something more substantial. Bubba Burgers are the greatest.
• Frozen chopped onions, frozen chopped broccoli, canned chili, cream of mushroom soup: the makings of 2 of my most favorite football dips. Recipes to come this weekend!

Having the above on hand at all times in the Fall, as I do, will allow you to make a number of snacks on short notice. I'll do my best to elaborate over the next couple months. I don't promise anything healthy, but I do promise it'll be delicious!

Preseason Planning - Part 2

College football season arrives tomorrow and temperatures here in New England have been adding to the feeling the Fall is here. I used to be a summer girl, but as I've gotten a little older (and had to work through summer as opposed to spending it poolside) autumn has become my favorite season. It's got it all - the change of the leaves making for beautiful scenery, the temps are cool enough to break out a sweater, but warm enough to still be outside, and of course, football!
I spent yesterday wrapping up my preseason preparations in anticipation of the first games this week. Most people have boxes of decorations for Christmas stashed in the basement or a spare closet. I have a box for football season. It was time to break out the contents and put them in their game-day homes.

Included in the box:

• 2 Terrible Towels (Go Steelers!)
• black and gold megaphone
• football themed plates and napkins
• football & goal post toothpicks
  
• football-shaped tray
• football cheese spreaders
  
• burnt orange & white Longhorns blanket
• stuffed Bevo
  
• Longhorns tray
• Longhorns napkins
• Longhorns wine corks
• and of course, Game Day Beauty nail polish in Texas Longhorns Orange
  

Also pictured - University of Texas garden gnome who guards my living room year round.

Now that I've gathered my supplies, I'm ready to start planning a menu for football snacks. Next post - what to have on hand to ensure you have the makings of a football feast any time there is a game on! But first, it's time for a Hook 'Em Horns mani/pedi :)