Game-Day Rituals - What Are You Doing to Help the Team Win?

Submitted by 1989 UM GRAD on December 31st, 2022 at 8:21 AM

I mentioned this in another thread yesterday, but I'm a little on edge today.

Due to poor planning on my part, my flight from Charleston to Detroit lands at 3:15PM today.  I'm still undecided whether I'll follow the game from 4PM until whenever I arrive home...or if I'll go in to an information blackout and then watch the game from the beginning when I get home.

Yes, I am one of those people who believes that my actions and behaviors have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

My rituals can be divided in to four segments.  These rituals are primarily Harbaugh-era rituals.  Like many of us, I was lost in the wilderness during the RichRod and Hoke years.  

"GIMME" GAMES  These would be cupcake non-conference games and conference games about which I'm not nervous.  Whether it's a home or away game, I'm less concerned about adhering to my usual policies and procedures.  I'll always be in Michigan gear, but it doesn't have to be the "right" gear.  If it's a home game, I'm not as concerned about getting in to my seat before the band takes the field.  Etc.

SIGNIFICANT HOME GAMES  This would be OSU, MSU, PSU, ND, etc.  I need to be wearing the maize season t-shirt.  Depending on the weather, the layers I'm wearing have to be the right layers - hoodie, jacket, gloves, etc. - the ones that have been proven to be "winning" layers at past games.  I need to be in my seat before the band takes the field.  I need to be sober and focused on the game;  it's a business - not social/partying - experience for me.  

SIGNIFICANT AWAY GAMES I'M ATTENDING  See the home game discussion above.

SIGNIFICANT AWAY GAMES I'M NOT ATTENDING   I typically watch these games alone in my family room.  I'll wear what I wear to early-season significant home games.  I might wear my hoodie over my maize season t-shirt if I think it'll help the cause.  The only people who are allowed to watch the game with me are my wife and two kids.  I turn down all offers to watch games elsewhere and say "no" if someone tries to invite themselves over to watch the game.  This policy was put in to place many years ago after a guest picked up the remote control and changed the channel during a commercial.  If my family members are watching the game with me at the beginning, they need to remain in place until the game is over or the outcome is no longer in doubt.

URGENT UPDATE  My wife just let me know that our flight is delayed to 2PM.  That has us landing just before 4PM...if we're lucky.  Please hold me.  This is not a good situation.  

Blueblood80

December 31st, 2022 at 12:31 PM ^

My one requirement is that I do not watch games of significance with people.  I’m embarrassed by my actions and don’t want anyone seeing them. 
Today this requirement is being broken badly.  We are heading to a sparty home for our family NYE celebration.  I HATE it that this game is on NYE.  If they lose, I’m going to be a miserable asshole to be around.  No matter how hard I try, I just will be.

The_Doctor

December 31st, 2022 at 1:13 PM ^

I used to be you my friend - oh wait, I still am. Watching at home with only the wife and the dog. And the dog usually goes in the other room if I get too animated. 
 

I don’t even want to talk about the Webber time out Final - we had wife’s family over watching and I stomped out to the bedroom spouting obscenities. Fortunately she didn’t divorce me….

moldee_raspberry

December 31st, 2022 at 12:36 PM ^

I drank a bloody at this Scottsdale airbnb wearing the same khakis and blue shirt I wore for the osu game. Only addition is the Back 2 Back B1G Champions Champion tee I picked up. 
 

Go Blue from AZ 

snarling wolverine

December 31st, 2022 at 12:56 PM ^

I have to shave the day of the game.  I normally do it every day, anyway, but on Saturdays I get lazy sometimes and don’t bother.  There have been games this season when I didn’t do it by kickoff, and then we struggled in the first half.  Those weeks, I made sure to do so at halftime.  Well, you see the results.

(I have done so today so we’re good.)

The_Doctor

December 31st, 2022 at 1:10 PM ^

Decked out in jersey/accessories to match the team (except maize ones - MGoWife said no on those years ago) - warming up with Punt/Counterpunt and watching Iowa do Iowa things to an ESSEEESEE team

kehnonymous

December 31st, 2022 at 1:28 PM ^

There have been two events hosted by the Central Ohio UM Alum group that I've attended: the 2004 OSU game and the 2013 championship vs Louisville. 

They're having a watch party at the Crooked Can, which I was tempted to attend, but out of superstition and laziness I'm watching the game at home in jammie pants and a 16 y.o. Michigan long sleeve tee, just like with 45-23.

Midukman

December 31st, 2022 at 1:35 PM ^

You lost me at “sober”. But dam that sucks about the flight. Luckily DTW is a shell of its self from 20yrs ago, so you should pull right up to the gate. Plus cell service when you hit the ground. 

lmgoblue1

December 31st, 2022 at 1:46 PM ^

Drinking from the same Captain Morgan's bottle from 1997. There are molecules of rum in there from that time. A lot of my mates were alive then that are no longer with us. So this is all for them. I just refill it when it gets low. It's my Billy Barue. Let's Go Blue!! Beat TCU!

Strider31

December 31st, 2022 at 2:13 PM ^

Michigan is 2-0 against Ohio st when I open a new bottle of Blantons. I’m gonna open up my last bottle of it and pray I can find another before the Georgia game!

uofmchris2

December 31st, 2022 at 2:54 PM ^

Haven't shaved since we beat Ohio State. It should be noted that I in no way, shape or form should ever even try rocking a beard - but here I am. Looking like absolute trash each time I see myself in the mirror. The stares I've gotten at grocery stores, bars, etc. have been something else.

All that said. I'll continue this until we win the Natty.