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

I've taken a vow of chastity until at least halftime.  Since they are a second-half team, they won't need me after that point.  Wish me luck!

I mean honestly? Refreshing this page and Twitter between weekend chores and watching kids while trying to not get too wound up (and failing)

I’m headed to Greektown right now. I’m gonna bet ~$60 on TCU. UM has never lost when I bet against them. 💰 

From everything that I've seen of this team this year, they are dialed in and hungry to play their best football.  We all have our own baggage that we bring on game day, but today, I'm sitting back and enjoying the ride, whatever the outcome.

Good luck with your travels.  Stay safe. Decide whether you'll follow the game as you're heading home or stay in the bubble until you get home.

And most of all...

GO BLUE!

I have to record the game before the game starts. I know that is obvious but every game I forgot or purposefully did not record, we lost the game in the last two years. My wife is a sparty and hence I don't record the games normally. Last year we lost. So, I took a chance this year on my marriage, LOL, and recorded the game. I could not watch the game with my wife around. Watched it later in the night when she went to sleep. 

So, record the game. That is my superstition. 

I will be wearing the same outfit and hat that I wear every game, as will my son. Also, I will be standing for the entire game. It's a proven recipe for victory

For my superstitions: My daughter always gets a glazed donut on gamedays:

There are several steps to this though...

First: I put up my house Michigan flag on my way out to my truck.

Then two car flags go on my truck

And finally I bought a glazed donut for her.

One Saturday she said she didn't want a donut, thus I didn't do the 3rd step.

That was the Illinois game...the proper order must be adhered to! 

Go Blue!!

animal sacrifices like when they dedicated solomon's temple.  starting with the smaller animals, moving to the larger, like sheep and goats, finishing with cattle right before kick-off.  and of course spreading the blood with hyssop branches.

isn't that what everyone is doing? 

Gym.  Wear M stuff.  Read the blog.  Write win the game somewhere.  Tune in the Michigan radio broadcast and synch TV.  Let's keep it going Lads and Lassies. 

We are out here on the Great Prairie-on the edge of civilization-don't have cable. Michigan can play very well without any attention from me. My wife and I are going on a long bike ride through the Flint Hills this afternoon-to our north and east. Internet connections will be sketchy at best. Hope/expect to celebrate later.

I will be in the same boat on January 9.  I have informed my wife that I will not be getting on that plane and will get her and the kids settled at the airport and find a new flight home for myself.

Go Blue and good luck with your flight!

Remain in place until the game is over?

So… are they allowed bathroom breaks and snacks or is this more of a handcuff and shackle affair?

I have routines that I enjoy, but I am religiously anti-superstitious. I believe that preparation and execution are the means by which Providence has appointed for us to win football games.

And I have a high degree of confidence in this team's preparation and capacity for execution. 

Wearing a sweater that we've gone 13 - 0 in while I'm wearing it (every game this season)

During my workout yesterday and today, I at one point told myself that the number of leg presses I did in a set would equal our points scored (did 50+), and today I told myself I had to finish certain workouts in a set amount of time or we wouldn't win (got 'em done)

I masturbate once before kickoff

Once at halftime

Twice going into the 4th quarter 

Every game day I wake up and drink a beer while the coffee is brewing.
 

I’m always decked out in Maize and blue from head to toe.

For games that I watch at home I get more “DOWN IN FRONT”s from the fam than when I’m at the Big House.  I stand and pace the entire time, I used to accompany that by yelling FIRE HARBAUGH at the TV but that’s changed to RUN THE DAMN BALL!!!!

It’s gameday, LFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me? I’m establishing the run. 

A few traditional activities…

My gear is set, I’ll be in the Nike Jumpman quarter zip Maize pullover that I’ve worn for every game this year - as well as other articles that have brought good fortune.

The food is getting ready - our regular tailgate menu - the grill will be going, burgers, shrimp, etc… Beverages were put on ice last night.

Music. When I turn on to Stadium (for home games) - the music always turns to “Free Bird”, and - it’s no different at home.  About 15 minutes before kickoff, the audio at home will have Skynyrd at “a very comfortable volume” - and, at my lovely wife’s request, the new tv (which I picked up on Black Friday to view the OSU game) is connected to the surround sound system in the family room.  I think I’ll place the receiver on the “Stadium” setting.

We expect guests to begin arriving at noon.

And, yes - this is the exact same routine we followed for the last regular season conference game this year.

Go Blue!

Labels out...

I leave the room at contentious moments like the Illinois final field goal. You are welcome. Had to watch the replay. Was at my brother-in-law's and he feels the same but has a bad knee so I took one for the team and it worked. All tough plays leading up to it I did as well and he then backed it up and showed me what I missed. My other Brother-in-law in the same family does the same. None of us knew the other did this until a year or so ago.

I applaud your dedication to who you watch games with. I’m in the same boat and only watch with my family. And rooting against Michigan is strongly frowned upon. 

In fact, a few years ago when M was in the championship game against Villanova, my daughter (who was 12 at the time)  picked V in a family/friends pool. I asked her who she would be rooting for and she said V. I conveyed  very seriously “you will be watching the game upstairs.” My wife was very unhappy, but no way my daughter was going to root against M around me for the natty (not sure if this makes me a great M fan, a terrible father, or both). 

Fastforward she is a senior in hs and her older sister is a sophomore at Michigan. She’s rooting for the right team these days :). 

I will be wearing my jumpman navy M tshirt I’ve worn for the last 25 games.  My 15 year old son will be wearing his Haskins jersey.  Go blue!!!

Been watching replays of The Game and post game analysis of The Game non-stop for 3 weeks.

This is not at all for my enjoyment, but instead to send good vibes out into the universe.

I also feel partially responsible for D. Edwards 75 yard TD run (the first long one) in The Game, as I had stood up from my couch and folded my arms focused on the TV before that one play drive.  

You're welcome

Game is being recorded, check …. M toque on, check …. M sweater on, check …. watching in bedroom sitting chair , check … yeah I’m set for another big Meechigan win after the nuts 2021, Iowa 2021, nuts 2022, and Purdue 2022 …. may it continue…. GO BLUE !!!!!!