Hate State Week
“Hate State week,” and I say that as affectionately as I possibly can, is one of my favorite weeks of the Notre Dame football season. There are some rivalries that bring out an excitement unlike any others. You can add Michigan, USC and Navy to my shortlist, but Michigan State is at the top of my list as it involves a family rivalry for me (my aunt went to Michigan State and is also a huge college football fan).
Rivalries
Rivalries are what make college football so interesting to me. Yes, you may have rivalries in the NFL, but college football rivals are unmatched in comparison. Sure, the Steelers fans hate the Ravens, and the Browns fans hate the Bengals, but there is nothing like a good Notre Dame versus Big Ten school rivalry, or the historic Notre Dame versus USC rivalry. My family and I were just talking last night at dinner about how much more exciting college football is than the NFL. I’m not sure if the paycheck changes the game, or the fact that the camaraderie in the NFL is just not the same as on a college team, but I would rather watch a college game, even a college football game not involving my own team, hands-down over watching an NFL game.
To Social or not to Social
As we were talking about watching college football, I started to think about how my college football watching experience has changed over the years. I always enjoy watching games with my father, and of course I enjoy watching the games in person at Notre Dame stadium (or any college stadium for that matter); but when I am not at a game, my game watching experience is much different today than what it used to be.
I do still enjoy going to game watches with my local ND alumni club, but more times than not, I would rather be sitting on my couch, in front of the TV, and in front of my computer watching the game along with my Twitter friends. Is that weird? When I am in a bar with my local friends, I feel like I spend way more time chatting, and way less time actually watching the game. And I, personally, I really do enjoy watching the games. It is not that I don’t like to spend time with people, I do. But when I’m watching Notre Dame football, I really want to concentrate on watching Notre Dame football.
Freedom of Expression
And then you add Twitter to the mix. I know, it may seem really weird to you, but I do get a lot of value out of watching the commentary on Twitter, in combination with watching the game on my TV, in my living room. The scenario also gives me more freedom to yell and scream at the TV, and throw things at will. The dogs, well they do not particularly appreciate that scenario, however, I do like being able to freely express myself, without offending someone.
I am still undecided as to whether or not I will watch this weeks game with our local club (at Felix’s Pizza Pub in DogTown … shameless plug), or in my living room, in front of my TV, with my computer on my lap and the Twitter feed flowing. What is your preferred way to watch a Notre Dame football game?
Cheers & GO IRISH!
I totally get the “To Social Or Not” portion. I live in Michigan, born and raised, so this is a big week for me too. I got invited out to watch with some of my Sparty friends, but ultimately decided to turn down their invites and invite some family over (also Irish fans) for the exact reason you said: This is way too big of a game, and I’m going to be yelling profusely throughout it. BK, the program, and, frankly, us as fans NEED this win to forget about last year’s debacle.
Starting 3-1 with a big road win at night in E Lansing is a great way to put the daemons of ’16 to rest and give us a legitimate chance at 5-1 heading into the big night game against USC.
Go Irish! Beat Spartans!
I’m with you in this helping put some 2016 demons to bed. This would be a solid road win and one of many boxes that we can potentially check off into getting this back on track.
For sure. A one point loss to a seemingly solid Georgia team (man, what a defense) and a road win against MSU certainly makes for a successful September in my eyes.