Football Road Trip

Every few years, we try to catch a VOLS road game (every year is the goal, but sometimes this Mrs. throws in a baby, and it interferes with this goal). It's always nice to check out another campus, its atmosphere, and unique traditions of SEC schools. It is also a goal of mine to see games at every SEC school. So when Ole Miss came up on the schedule, we were all in.

The first stop was Memphis. In the spirit of the road game, we were "visitors" here too. With the Schwies moving away this Fall, we were coming to Memphis as true out-of-towners this time (cue the violins). So where do you go as visitor in Memphis?

THE RENDEZVOUS! I'm not sure if I've raved about this place on the blog before, so hold on. It is awesome. We had it catered at our rehearsal dinner (last meal as a single man), and it is so good that my veggie wife still eats a rib when we go (this time two). It was Reed's first trip to the sacred dining hall of bbq, and they came through in spades. If you haven't been before make arrangements now...seriously- I can't oversell how good it is(and I've tried). We hit Beale Street and the Peabody afterward to get the complete Memphis experience.
We woke up early Saturday - thanks to CBS' decision to make an SEC double header, with our kickoff at 11am CST. Once in Mississippi, just driving to the campus, you could tell that Oxford with all the plantation, Old South homes was going to be a little different than other SEC road stops.

First we met up with the rest of our "road team" - Jeff, Dave, P.Wade, Mark, and went to "the Grove". All the stories about people tailgating with china and silver were confirmed. Sorry no pics- didn't want to be "that Tennessee Fan". We even saw people with "chair covers" (think wedding) over their camping chairs. Seems like a lot of work to me. It was impressive just how many tents there were and how concentrated all the tailgaters were to a pretty tight area (~about a football field or so). And then there was this guy in the pic below. Not sure what he does the rest of the week, but there was quite a line to get your picture with him on Gameday Saturday.

The Game: Good points. First half we were in it answering drives, and our seats were right next to the UT band (thx SK) which made for good atmosphere.

Not so good points: Pretty much every time McCluster got the ball. He was unstoppable. I'm sure Ole Miss would have worked over any SEC team that they played last Saturday. Unfortunately, my VOLS were on deck. Then the sun came out. Forgetting to wear sunscreen or my hat proved to be a serious mistake. Not only was the defense scorched, but me too.

Even though the score was pretty lopsided, we were happy to make the trip. We regrouped shortly by playing some "P-I-G" in the driveway of the place we were staying. I must report that Mrs. Schwangston took down everyone in our last game (hopefully C will get some of her athletic skillz). Afterwards, we went to the downtown square and hit a few local spots. I was appreciative of how cordial the fans were. Before and after the game no one was yelling (Florida), barking (UGA), or stringing 7 word curses (Bama). Must be because they imagine themselves to be the "Harvard of the South".

Thanks for reading...