I brought twelve family members and I will say this was for me the best game I have ever seen at the Joe. The players were excited and they gave it there all. I cannot express how proud I am of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. I saw a lot of heart and this is a different team than I have seen.
A couple comments:
1. Mississippi State fans were very nice but there were very few of them comparatively. I am shocked an SEC team cannot bring a bigger contingent than they did.
2. Where was CHAMP? He is the salesman for our kids and I had five kids in the mix and they were so disappointed they did not get to see CHAMP. I am very disappointed in CHAMP and it made it hard to keep the kids excited.
3. Tech fans did their part. They showed in big numbers. Regardless of announced attendance there were more watching. I could see folks gathered on top of a fire truck outside the stadium, and many more watching through the fence. This win should do wonders for future attendance. I think maybe cost was a factor for some but I still give them credit for being there.
4. The stadium was immaculate and the filed turf looked fabulous.
5. Food. Smootie King was a big hit with my crowd but we missed the funnel cakes. Whether we we went for water or a hot dog, there was no really big impossible lines to contend with. I would still like a bigger selection but the administration got the basics right.
6. Some of my folks did not have Tech gear so I went to the Team Shop in the stadium and got them all blue bulldog t-shirts for $13.95 a piece which was a fair price. The selection was rather limited but it had just what I needed so good job there to. By the way, I made everyone go to the bathroom and change
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7. East side "We are", West side "Bulldogs". I can see why Marshall used that chant. It gave me chills as both sides were just as loud and it works. I think this is a keeper. This symbolized all of us there including the team and fans there for a common purpose.
Overall this game made a huge impression on everyone I brought and also talked to. Coach/AD Dooley and his staff are to be commended for a first rate experience all the way around. It was a special night and I would not have missed it for anything. We have a tough schedule but we are capable of both being competitive and capable of winning any game. I am so impressed, excited, and proud. Keep up the good work Coach/Administration, players, and fans to. The fans clearly made a difference and if the players were lacking any confidence playing a BCS/SEC team having a sea of blue letting our players and coaches know we have their bck makes all the difference.