While commenting on the Most Difficult Remaining Game I thought about how we, as fans, have many pre-game rituals that have a direct affect on how the Buckeyes will play that day.
First thing in the morning I put on my Black OSU T-Shirt under my don't-wash-it-unless-they-lose #7 jersey. I strap on my OSU watch, and then settle in to watch Game Day. Most important to me, no matter what else is going on, never, ever miss the kickoff. If they are having a bad game, I ask my wife to tell me they are going to win. :)
What voodoo do you use every Saturday (or Friday) to help our team win?
Whatever Jersey I chose to wear the first game, as long as we keep winning will keep being worn, without being washed. so my #2 jersey got that honor this year.
I had a pretty good streak of rocking my Homage OSU t-shirt for every game except the opener this season, but--due to the fact that I was at a wedding reception--I didn't continue the trend against Nebraska.
Perhaps that bourbon-beer-and cigar-smoke-stained plaid dress shirt should become my new Saturday Standard?
@Hodge - Other than "plaid dress shirt", you perfectly described my #7 jersey!
Must get my workout done before the game; wear red gear on home games and gray/white for away games.
New for this season: I shave once a week, on Saturday morning before the game.
Just a few things. 1. I have to wear sometype of buckeye gear the day of but won't wear anything during the week during the season. Day of attire depends on weather/mood.
2. My brother has a ball cap that he wears but is forbidden to wear on game day. He wore it during both NCG in 2006 and 2007. After 2007 is when we put the game day ban on it (actually we wanted to burn it but he still loved the hat).
3. Never invite a certain person over for game time. He is a bucks fan but he said before the last drive of the USC game in 2009 "its in the bag". It is now his nickname! and we won't even accept his phone calls!
I vacuum, sweep, and straighten up my place. And when my girlfriend used to ask why I was cleaning, I tell her, "because the Buckeyes are coming over!" She doesn't ask anymore, and sometimes she even helps....a keeper, right?
I'm right there with DanCoronas. Whatever I wear for game 1 is what I wear every game unless they lose, then I switch it up. I was in my buddies wedding this past weekend and couldn't wear any OSU gear so I was nervous my lack of Buckeye attire would cost us a game. So maybe I should start wearing a tux every Saturday?
Fan of bacon since 1981
New black Woody block O hat is worn. It's new for this year and currently 6-0 and 2-0 in The Shoe. If it goes 12-0 it will get a glass case to live in untill next season.
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
Wake up at 5am with the dog. Put on red/white tshirt or hoodie depending on home/away and the weather. Gray shorts/sweatpants. Immediately hang my OSU flag outside. Put OSU collar on dog. Take her to the park where i throw her fly patterns and do the scene from Rudy (he's at the 30, the 25, the 20 etc). Catch my breath 15 minutes later. Come home, drink some coffee while reading 11W. Turn on pregame show, wake up my wife and baby, put baby in her OSU gear. Establish what stuff needs to be accomplished before kickoff (chores, errands, whatever). Go do that stuff. Get home, assume position.
When things start to go wrong: first, change headgear. Next, change shirt, both color and sleeve length. If those fail, switch seats. Most of that has become unnecessary due to the next item: wake up baby from nap and bring her downstairs. She's a good luck charm. She routinely misses the first quarter while sleeping so I am completely to blame for our bad starts.
When told OSU set school record for 50+ games this year, UFM said "That's good. We're gonna break that next year."
Usually just excited as soon as I wake up, get my recording PC hooked up to the TV and ready to roll for gametime. :D
I used to do the no washing of the jersey thing, but now having a 6 month old who regularly spits up on it has changed that ritual.
I still make sure I have the same outfit every week - white undershirt, scarlet #28 jersey, and jeans. I always start the game in my favorite chair, but will re-assess at halftime. If they're winning I'll stay right where I am and not change a thing. If they're losing I'll change seats, possibly change shirts, and even change what I'm drinking. Oh, and I make sure to get a high five from my dog after every score.
Whatever it takes to bring home a W!
"As long as we're keeping score, we're gonna try to win this thing." - UFM
@OSUBIAS - If I could up-vote, you'd have one.
THAT is how you help our team win!
If the offense needs a jump start I go pee. Works almost every single time.
That first (offensive) TD run saturday nite by Braxton.......... First bathroom break of the game.
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
It's only weird if it doesn't work, right?! We're all trying to pull our weight, but thanks CCOLLINS!
When told OSU set school record for 50+ games this year, UFM said "That's good. We're gonna break that next year."
In 2002 I was laid up and never hung the Block-O flag. 14-0 MNC.
This year for some reason I never thought about it and it has stayed furled in the corner. 6-0? It's staying there.
"It's just another case of there you are". ~ Doc (1918-2012)
Set the alarm for College Game Day (I'm in El Paso, so it comes on way too early). Then I pull out a Buckeye shirt that I haven't worn yet this season (third drawer down of my dresser is all OSU shirts). Get all snacks and drinks stationed near the couch, assume the potition seen here:
Then don't move until halftime.
BLACK OUT
I wear some combination of red and grey/charcoal to work on Fridays. Living in SEC/ACC land, that is easy to do, and no one notices it. Started it by accident, now can't mess with the mojo. Didn't do this last year, that is why the team went 6-7. Heh. Now if it didn't work (Ack! Can't even think that way!) and mojo was messed up, I would have to start finding and wearing yellow and blue outfits on Fridays to mess with TSUN mojo.
And of course I wear my OSU sweatshirt running errands on Saturday.
When ever we are all together, my friend, my wife, and I have had a tradition of doing a shot of Crown whenever the Buckeyes score... (yes, extra points get a shot of their own)... I am soooo glad we weren't together for the Nebraska game. 18 shots in a couple of hours would have been a bit too much.
That drinking game is even more devastating than the Bollman First Down Play Selector drinking game.
When told OSU set school record for 50+ games this year, UFM said "That's good. We're gonna break that next year."
Nappy, 2 words: Buckeye Boxershorts!
Wore them at my own wedding last year during the Akron game. Wife would not let me get the block O lining on my suit!
Get up, shower, then put on lucky football boxers. After jeans, socks and shoes, Under Armour compression shirt, unfold and pull on the scarlet #36 Spielman jersey...top it off with black Woody block O hat. Beer has to be cold and ready to listen to Earle Bruce on 610 AM. All beverages must be consumed from an '08 Hineygate Cup. Most victories are celebrated with a few shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Squirrel - Could also try these: (only $60.00!)
I usually throw on a nice pair of comfortable walking shoes and grab a beer. This allows me to be as relaxed as possible for the pacing back and forth and the shouting of obscenities that will take place over the next few hours.
Friday -
Take the dog for a long walk through the woods wearing my scarlet and grey shoes.
Saturday -
Watch College Gameday, have breakfast cassarole and Gatorade for breakfast, plan an entire day of watching football on the couch. Wear my OSU hoodie and gym shorts all day. Before the game, tell the wife to pray for OSU and the boys. Adjust my position on the couch after every Ohio State 3 and out and every time the defense gives up a big play.
Sunday -
If we lose, avoid ESPN until our next victory.
When i get up I put on my number 7 jersey on over the plain white t-shirt I wore to bed that night. Watch college gameday. And if it is a noon game I order a pizza from east of chicago at halftime. If we win I watch football for the rest of the day. If we loose I cut off all connections to the outside world for the day and lay around feeling depressed.
Same #5 jersey, same Block O shirt, same gray OSU basketball shorts, same buckeye necklace, same fitted cap, and no sleeves or leggings underneath on cold days
/Duff'd It
I have to watch kickoff. Unacceptable if I miss it. I sit in the corner of my sectional with my laurinaitis jersey and lay down all game. My does not understand yet that when I say I m gonna watch football, that means I am not moving from the tv. She is still getting used to that.
Funny story, it was when OSU played UCF. I was at my gf's house, and saw the first quarter. 2nd quarter begins, i get a phone call saying her sister's car broke down and she needed a jump. Instant reaction i said "No way, the game is on." I though about it for a second, and I was like, "i gotta go man, I gotta help her out."
I go to help her, jump her car, then come back to my gf's parents house while my pf and her sister took the dog to the vet and her parents were out of town. I had the house to myself, so excited. I walk up the steps, and the door is locked and I do not have keys. MY GF HAD THE KEYS!!!! I spent the 2nd half in my GF's car (new car, so it did not have house keys on the chain) listening to the radio.
Now, I make sure I am at my house for the games. I plant my ass on the couch, and I do not move at all. I am never having a repeat of that day. I also like to go to the gym in the morning and swim a few laps to make my sectional feel so much more comfortable.
I wake up early and put on my Lauranitus jersey overtop of the buckeyes tshirt that I always wear on Friday. I start watching college Gameday. After completing my quick cals and stretching it out (jk :) ) I settle in on a certain end of my couch with a cold beer in my hand. I always take a bathroom break between each quarter - no more no less. If I haven't lost my voice by the end of each game, I was not successful in helping them win!
I am convinced that the reason my wife wanted to buy a house was because I am too loud to live in an apartment. Or else it's just a coincidence we moved in on the day before opening Saturday. :)
Oh, we also rescued a cat in late August and my wife named him Braxton. He's 6-0!
I wear the same Jersey all season and i dont answer my phone during the Buckeye games
and i dont allow tsun crap in my place
O H I O is the Buckeye State
White T, scarlet OSU practice jersey, stone cargo shorts, block O socks, scarlet and gray patent leather Fila's, lucky coin, necklace from high school, lucky watch. Triple espresso 30 minutes before kickoff. Mid City Yacht Club (the New Orleans home of tOSU) for the game.
An angry fan...rooting for an angry team...led by angry coaches
Get up before 7, get ready, have to wear red of some sort. If it's away game, i go with my away gonzo jersey that i bought freshmen year after i got my first season tickets. If its home i refrain from wearing my troy smith jersey with the 2006 nc game patch on it. Also refuse to wear buckeye beads ever since 35-3 thrashing by USC. During games try not to spaz out, which must be watched on a tv or preferably at the shoe. after, visit 11w to see great quotes from the players and keep the libations flowing
Must wear buckeye socks.
I like football
Scarlet & Gray surgical scrubs, whether I'm working or not! I don't have the luxury of not washing them. But if we lose, I change from scarlet shirt to gray shirt to try & start a new winning cycle. Hahaha ....... gotta love our "entirely rational" little good luck rituals!
Oh, and when I'm not working - a 6-pack of Great Lakes Burning River Ale!
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx
I don't really have a tradition since having a kid, as whatever I am wearing tends to get filthy by him.
I give the wife a smooch everytime we score. Thank God for Urban and the spread, I might be halfway to having a second kid by the 4th quarter with all the scoring they do! Just another reason to hate that cock-blocking Walrus.
"Because the rules won't let you go for three." - Woody Hayes
THE Ohio State University
I have a TBDBITL jersey from the 2002 season that has become my big game jersey. I will switch to my Rose Bowl white from time to time. The 2006 jersey with a NCG patch has been retired.
Other items I have to wear: an old black Brutus hat (it"s navy now) and a pair of lucky underwear that I wore for every game marched at Ohio Stadium. If we lose, I switch up the jersey for an Homage shirt or alternate jersey the next game.
In the 97 season I was 17 and my mom bought me this Joe Cool key chain! It was ironic that they called Joe Germain, "Joe Cool" so I made sure that every game, I would have my Joe Cool in my pocket. Well the Michigan State game rolls around and my mom has to borrow my Jeep so she takes the Joe cool key chain! She promised me she would be home before the game but she wasn't! But that's not the worst of it! She LOST MY JOE COOL KEYCHAIN!!!!! So if you guys wanna know why we didn't win the National Championship a few years earlier, it's my mom's fault! We still laugh about that one. Thus ending our perfect season that year! Ohio State pretty much didn't really recover after that other than we did beat Texas A&M! My dad actually passed away betwen those two games though and the next season wasn't all that great I don't think? However the next couple of years would end up great cause the Buckeyes ushered in a new era and hired Jim Tressel so I guess it was a good trade off. Not losing my dad though of course.
When we were playing Purdue in 02, my ex-wife kept messing with me cause she was um "cravin some luvin!" So I put it off cause I mean the game was on! Well we were losing that game so I cominced to letting my ex-wife have her way with me and right at the moment Jenkins scored that winning touchdown is the moment our second daughter was concieved! Seriously...lol So I look at it as I slept with the devil to win that game....lol
At the start of this season I thought I would start a new tradition and so I had to have a new Ohio State shirt before every game but I missed the second game's shirt so I have a pair of shorts that I must wear every game now and an Urban renewal shirt. Haven't lost yet!
@Buckeyeeddie27 Do us all a favor and just piss right after kickoff! lol
"I'll fire when I'm god damn good and ready! You got that?" - Pete "Maverick" Mitchel
I've went through a few traditions:
One of my old bosses made this awesome buckeye necklace for me a few days before the start of 2006 season. I wore it proudly every Saturday along with my grey 45 nike jersey and we won every game.
That fateful Monday I was decked out in my grey 45 jersey and buckeye necklace. At a huge high so pumped for the game. Ginn gets injured by his own team after returning the opening kick. Shortly after that UFM curshed our dreams.
The necklace was never worn again until the first Saturday of this year. I figured maybe the bad mojo is gone since UFM is now the coach.
I've wore it every Saturday this year and will continue to do so.
Sadly, I can't risk wearing that grey Archie. It has sat in my closet next to my Nike legends Michael Vick Va Tech Sugar Bowl jersey (I was a huge Vick fan and then the dog fighting incident happended).
Luckily, I've bought more jersies through the years. Currently, I have the following to choose from:
Home: #33 Lauranitus, #10, 12, and (technically) Nike legends #45 Griffin stitched lettering/numbers 1974 Rose Bowl
Away: #7
I've been wearing certain ones when I feel certain players will make a huge impact in the game.
Like I wore #10 this past Saturday and Shazier and Corey (don't call me Philly) Brown came up pretty huge.
I wore the #7 for UAB and Hall rushed for his most yards of the season.
Under the jersey I always wear my 2002 Big Ten Champions shirt.
@osubuckeye4life
Can you wear all of your jerseys at once, so that they all have a great game?
Ive had the same seats at Skull Session for the last 111 straight home games, so I'm anal about that. And for Michigan games I have to wear my Darrion Scott game worn jersey from the 01 season, it's been in attendance at the '01, '02, '04, '05, '06, '07, '08, '09 and 2010 editions of The Game, plus the '03 National Championship game. I'm paranoid about breaking it out more than that one time per year.
I do not discuss my rituals, otherwise they will no longer work.
For scUM I always wear my Ann Arbor is a whore thirst under my jersey. Tacky I know, but it is covered.
Kevin
OH!!!!!
Proud parent of a Senior at The Ohio State University
15 minutes before each game I play selected songs (7) from the Ohio State Marching Band CD - surprised that out of everyone's kwirky things no one else has mentioned this.
@chitown, I'll try that this weekend. First offensive possession I'll go pee. (you're welcome in advance.)
I know there's a game saturday, and my ass will be there.
(Takes Deep Breath) This all starts about 4-5 hours before game time assuming it's a home game. I wake up and put on any assortment of clothing from my plentiful collection of OSU apparell. I touch my JT autographed Ohio State flag at somepoint before kick off (I don't care if anyone thinks its authentic, I know it is) I put OSU doggy bandannas on both of my Boxers's (one of which is pictured in my avatar with an OSU hoody on.
Because I live in Clintonville, I hop on the bike path along the Olentangy and head down to tail gate next to the Shoe with some friends for a bit before the game. Before I go, I set my DVR (just in case). It only takes me about 5-10 to get down there if I'm just cruisin'. Eat, drink be merry and if I don't get a ticket to the game I start back to Clintonville at about 11:30. On the bike ride back, I order Pizza/Wings or whatever I'm in the mood for to be delivered. My next call is to my buddies son to come over as my buddy is usually working during the games, he's about 8-9 years old so he jumps around and gets real pumped up (or really angry) just like I do during the game. When I get home, I boil some bones for the dogs and usually during the first TV timeout the doorbell rings with food, next commercial break food gets unpacked and devoured.
After my buddy's wife picks up her son, I take a serious nap with the dogs until my wife gets home. I can't think of too many ways to better spend a Saturday.
*Away games just means I don't go 'gating.
"I'm One Bad Buckeye, and I approve this message."
nothing
EDIT: Why all the hate because I don't have a ritual?
I wear my Scarlet Buckeye Golf shirt (No I don't golf. I just think the shirts are comfortable for the Texas climate). Then I spend the morning convincing my wife that we should go to the local Alumni club game watch hosted at Bikini's bar and Grill.
http://www.alumni-osu.org/austin/
Ccollins, Nice cuff links! Although I chose the boxershorts because I can were them more often. But definitely a big buy for future dress up days. Thanks!
@SHADEDRED Haha (thankfully they are large enough I might be able to do this lol) I'll give it a try for PSU, Wisky, and "The Game" this year since I feel those are the toughest tests left.
The question is who should I wear for Indiana?
Hmmmm....
Cane's on game day.
Class of 2010.
Game Day Ritual - Up around 5:30 am, put on Ohio State t-shirt and out with the dogs. Outside to raise the flag as I live in SEC country. Also inflate 6 foot high Block "O" and point towards front door of Ichigan fan up the street. 8 foot high Brutus Buckeye inflated in back yard around pool area. About 8:30 am, earlier for 12:00 pm game - Get OSU Beer Stein - fill with one beer and toast the football gods by raising stein in all four directions. Live by the rule of Ireland time as it is always five (5) hours ahead. No guilt in starting early.
Commence early chores then kick back and gear up for game day. No phone calls during game as they break my thought process and commentary during game.
Charlie Baker - 86'
I don't have a specific ritual but I do have game day rules: house chores completed before kick-off because I'll have sucked down too much Yuengling Light to do it later; grab my Buckeye Helmet slammer (slam against knee/thigh/whatever and it either plays Buckeye theme song or GO BUCKS!) and slam it against my leg whenever they score; no phone calls during game; no company (maybe my brother if he doesn't bring his kids); no kids. I'm going to institute a new rule too for a couple of my text-happy friends: STOP @#%^@#% TEXTING ME DURING THE GAME!!! Oh, and always always always wear a OSU shirt!!
I decided to wear #10 for this week. Let's go Shazier, and Brown!
Caught a nasty cold. So tonight its tOSU pajamas pants, scarlet practice jersey, cough syrup and 7 up. GO BUCKS.
An angry fan...rooting for an angry team...led by angry coaches
4Life: Does that #10 still have gray stripes on the sleeves?
"Attack the Strong, Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead!"
-Former OSU S&C Coach Lichter
703: I picked it up back in '05 so it has the black stripes.
I've had a white #7 for years, but had to buy my first ever football jersey (I've been fortunate in my life to have loved ones support my fandom) for the Nebraska game so I could rock in red (#8, with a mind toward Spence).
"The revolution will be televised."
4Life: I was just curious. I have a Troy Smith #10 jersey with the gray stripes. Wasn't that #10 the last to be sold?
"Attack the Strong, Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead!"
-Former OSU S&C Coach Lichter
703: I'm trying to remember when the stripes changed from gray to black.
Does anyone remember?
4Life: Looked up pics. It looks like 2005 was the last year of gray stripes.
"Attack the Strong, Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead!"
-Former OSU S&C Coach Lichter
703: Thanks for checking that.
On Friday I put away my expensive watches (I love watches and have a ton) and wear a thirty dollar watch I bought during the 2002 season.
On Saturday, I have no specific ritual, but I've noticed I change positions very specifically based on what is happening. I start out sitting, but switch to laying down on the couch if we seem to be stuck in a rut and starting slowly. If the other team takes a lead of more than a few points or we're up and a key defensive series occurs, I'll be standing. The worse our defense or offense does, the more that becomes pacing.
And big drives in the fourth quarter? You can bet I'll be standing ON my couch, bouncing up and down lightly. There have been more than a few big plays where I've hit my head on the ceiling as I jump off and yell some variation of "YES! f*ck yeah!!"
I never answer the phone, and respond to text only from fellow Buckeye fans.
And yes, I am 41 years old and standing on my couch.