Game-Day Rituals - What Are You Doing to Help the Team Win?
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.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:25 AM ^
I hope the OP gets to Phoenix on time to at least see some of the game.
I've done a fair bit of flying in my career, and I've developed the philosophy that you need to go a day early, perhaps two days, depending on how critical being there is. Yes, that implies hotel costs, but it's worth it. Oh, and I schedule 2.5 hour layovers minimum. Same reason.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:08 AM ^
We're in uncharted territory here. Maybe go with the opposite of whatever we all did last year?
December 31st, 2022 at 9:16 AM ^
Ripping on Pat McAfee is part of my ritual. Guy looks like a total douche. From the haircut to the gold chain and that shirt (I think that's a shirt).
December 31st, 2022 at 9:48 AM ^
Yeah, what a complete douche asshat! It's a terrible look - not even an Italian gangster would dress like that.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:48 AM ^
Cant say you’re wrong. Not many peoples appearances upset me, but his does.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:20 AM ^
Worn the same outfit every game as well as blacking out afterwards... I'll take one for the team again.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:20 AM ^
After the 2020 season I scrapped all superstitious thoughts about my game day rituals. My new superstition is no superstitions.
One thing we do every game is my two little ones and I get a picture in our game day gear. That’s something we’ll keep doing as long as we can. It’ll make a hell of a collage one day.
Also, my youngest turned 1 this past October and doesn’t know a world in which Michigan has lost to Ohio State. Go Blue!
December 31st, 2022 at 9:37 AM ^
Same. And I've discovered that no matter what I wear, whether I hang my M flag or not, whether I sit with my left or right leg crossed when we're on offense or defense, etc. we win! I'm free I tell you! Freeeeee!!!
And the Wolverines are winning today, regardless of what I do!
December 31st, 2022 at 9:22 AM ^
I don't watch or listen to the games. It's proven science they do better when I do that. So I'll go into a submarine before game time, and I won't emerge until 4 hours later. Then I catch up on what happened.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:25 AM ^
1) wake up
2) hang M flag (one side has a spot of blood on it. That side faces the house, not the road)
3) bike ride (have to be in the rain today here in Portland)
4) shower and get dressed. This year's undefeated wardrobe is yellow t-shirt under a blue half zip.
5) watch game with M football in hand (my hands or my son's)
6) ???
7) profit
While I believe in Providence and preparation rather than luck, and don't think my actions affect the outcome of a game, I adhere to ritual on the off chance they do.
Go Blue!
December 31st, 2022 at 9:31 AM ^
I put on my Michigan gear, whichever has been working lately. My kids put on their Michigan clothing as well. Even though they don’t completely comprehend the magnitude of the situation.
And then it’s a mix of watching the game, helping around the house, and taking care of the kids.
It works 100% of the time 60% of the time.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:31 AM ^
Coffee from my UM mug. Checking out the blog. Hammering home "Go Blue!" cheers with my 2 year old. Wearing my maize and blue Bulova Oceanographer and Woodson jersey (he won a Natty, so it seems appropriate). Heading to my brother's to watch the game and drink many, many beers.
HAIL!
December 31st, 2022 at 9:39 AM ^
I’m getting on a plane to Colorado. The last two games I watched on planes were this years OSU and MSU games so y’all can just thank me now.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:02 AM ^
I’d probably have an air marshal waiting for me if I had to do that today. I have watched games in the air, just not anything of your magnitude.
December 31st, 2022 at 12:45 PM ^
The flight from New Orleans back to Detroit was kinda fun for the MSU game. The plane was pretty evenly split with lots of cheering by both sides in the first have. Pretty one-sided in the second.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:41 AM ^
Whatever happens today, I just need OSU to not win tonight. If TCU edges Michigan but Georgia beats OSU, I can shrug my shoulders and still be damn proud of what the team accomplished this year.
But if OSU wins tonight, it’s going to be awful. For one, my wife is a Georgia fan and is growing to hate OSU almost as much as me, so it’ll be a double whammy for her and make for a very morose rest of the weekend. But two, if it’s TCU-OSU, I feel somewhat confident that OSU will waltz to a title after making the playoffs by default. If it’s a rematch, I’m going to be a nervous wreck for the entire week leading up to the game. And if Michigan loses that game, we’d never hear the end of it. Ever.
That loss would be harder to live down that App State. Would never be as “bad” a loss, but it would be much harder to live with. Probably right up there with UNC beating Coach K in both his final game at Cameron Indoor, and beating in in the Final Four, like three weeks later, in his final game, period.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:00 AM ^
Ok, let's not go there
December 31st, 2022 at 10:18 AM ^
My wife describes me as the most cynical, depressing person to watch a Michigan game with. She's probably right.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:45 AM ^
You should try watching football in my house. I’ve become numb to losing over the years, RR and Hoke made sure of that. Meanwhile I’ve got a teenager who will cry and a wife who says, “ we suck im going to take a nap” at least 3 times a game. The worst part is she, kind of knows a lot about football, but she lost all cred when she said Donovan doesn’t look fast. It’s been a tense relationship since she mumbled those words.
December 31st, 2022 at 11:41 AM ^
My husband is the most optimistic game watcher ever. At least until this year's game against Ohio State. I was in the kitchen, practicing my usual distance during that game, and during the first half you would've thought the score was 50-0 in their favor. Since I had avoided the first half, I checked the score at halftime and I couldn't believe how he misdirected me with his outrage after every play. We were fine.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:03 AM ^
I’m suddenly depressed.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:45 AM ^
Cheer up. Vanquish your BPONE. All will be well.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:45 AM ^
WIN THE GAME!!!
December 31st, 2022 at 9:49 AM ^
Win the game!
December 31st, 2022 at 9:50 AM ^
smoking lots of weed LFG!!!!
December 31st, 2022 at 9:52 AM ^
I am working 2-8 today. hurrah. yay. this is the best.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:57 AM ^
You love your job, right? You better love your job...
December 31st, 2022 at 9:56 AM ^
I'm wearing my 'Buckeyes Suck' tee, but don't really have any pre-game things. Mine is during the game... I'll sit in one location/position until things go south, then I'll change it up. I'll also try to breath in while looking at Michigan, and exhale looking at the opponent. Sometimes I up the ante by associating the teams with the names on the scoring box with my breathing.
Sometimes, controlling your breathing is a difficult task. But it works.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:58 AM ^
Wearing the same Woodson jersey around Columbus that I wore to the past two Michigan-OSU games.
December 31st, 2022 at 9:59 AM ^
I brought my jersey and same tshirt down with me to Aruba to sweat my ass of in while they win! Left the scarf that I bought before The Game in 2021 though so blame me if Michigan loses today
December 31st, 2022 at 9:59 AM ^
Not watch the game until the 4th quarter and then only if we're winning. In all seriousness, I did that with the past two Ohio State games. My husband watched while I nervously puttered around the house. I'd check in on MGoBlog occasionally and I could tell by reading ten or so posts how things were going. I may watch the first couple of series and see how it goes but I am ready to go into Ohio State watching mode if necessary.
December 31st, 2022 at 12:26 PM ^
we have the same viewing habits. last month i went deer hunting during the ohio game, only checking the score occasionally. finished gutting and skinning a deer and walked into the house to watch the last (glorious) half of the 4th quarter.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:05 AM ^
We sit in the proper spots, wife putzes when we're on defense, certain types of excitement/high fives depending on what happens. Same order of high fives or first bumps.
Do not wear opposing team's colors.
My son's The Don sweatshirt will make it's appearance for the game today.
Let's fucking go.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:17 AM ^
Wearing the same underwear I always wear, which is none. Hot down here in Florida. Sorry if that is TMI, but anything for the win!
December 31st, 2022 at 10:37 AM ^
Going commando, ehh?!?
I like it!
December 31st, 2022 at 10:19 AM ^
Specific Michigan gear for GameDay that isn't worn for any other days.
I crack open my first beer at the exact moment toe meets leather for opening kickoff. This is a new tradition started this season and has been downright brutal for night games.
I toss cans into a recycling bin from the location I drink when finishing beers. Any can that is missed must remain in place wherever it lands until the clock reads zero.
**exceptions - if I'm going to the game drinks can be had sooner, as occurred in Indianapolis
LFG Blue!!
December 31st, 2022 at 10:28 AM ^
I wear the same shirt for every Michigan game for each season. This year it's the 2021 Big Ten championship T-shirt. That's my only superstition.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:33 AM ^
3 mile walk with the dog, yard work, 45 minute workout, and then hang the M Flag out front of the house. Kept this routine for every game except Illinois because weather interfered. Illinois proved to be our worst game of the year so I was glad all the snow melted so I could tackle some left over lawn issues today. Hopefully the good luck rolls on. Go Blue!
December 31st, 2022 at 10:53 AM ^
I’ve got my lucky Bowling Green hat on right now. We haven’t lost when I’ve worn it exclusively on game day since I started wearing it last season after the MSU loss.
December 31st, 2022 at 10:57 AM ^
for games I'm not attending, Try to get as much done around the house as possible. For two reason,
1) Stress management
2) from 3pm to up to 24 hours after the game I'll be worthless to contributing around the house..
December 31st, 2022 at 11:12 AM ^
Making chili and corn bread. I have my lucky Brown Jug Ann Arbor shirt on.
Go Blue! Beat TCU!
December 31st, 2022 at 11:19 AM ^
This thread has provided the support I need to know I’m not the only one doing my best to ‘help the team’.🤪
M is 13-0 when I’m wearing my MGoBlog 2022 ‘Hurdle the Fools’ t-shirt along with my classic Bo/JH M hat.
I’ll listen to my Spotify ‘Game Day: Big House’ play list featuring MMB, Ufer, and songs played at the stadium.
Here come the super weird part… on the eve of the first game of a new season I buy a new blue toothbrush and use it daily until we lose ‘for luck’.
Go blue!!!
December 31st, 2022 at 11:20 AM ^
Mine is a game time ritual. My teams lose when I watch in real time**, so I watch highlights from past games until the current game is safely finished. Occasionally I will pull up the game on yahoo sports, put my hand over my eyes, and then peek through my fingers to check the score.
today will be especially nerve wracking so I may leverage my freshly diagnosed adult ADD to keep me properly distracted.
TL;DR I’m hiding until it’s over.
** Sorry Gamecocks. :(
December 31st, 2022 at 11:42 AM ^
In the Denard days, things would get so tense that I'd curl up in a fetal position on my bed.
December 31st, 2022 at 2:26 PM ^
With your hood pulled over your face? I remember the pain.
December 31st, 2022 at 11:24 AM ^
In 2018 or 2019 I bought a maize Michigan hoodie that I wore for every game. After our loss to MSU last year, I decided it needed to go, and I ordered a new blue Michigan football t-shirt online. I have worn that shirt for every Michigan game since and we are 18-1 in that time. I know there is no logical way that my choice of clothes could impact the outcome of the game, but I will be in the stadium today, and there is literally no way I would not wear that shirt. Go blue!!
December 31st, 2022 at 11:31 AM ^
Watch GameDay, drive to tailgate, drink beer and eat great food, walk to the game and cheer loudly, sing the Victors, rinse repeat next Saturday
December 31st, 2022 at 11:46 AM ^
I have to go for a run before big games or I’m out of control anxiety wise.
so , going to get a good run in, while listening to all the hardcore rap and envision Michigan blasting TCu today.
it’s time ladies and gents.
December 31st, 2022 at 11:52 AM ^
Posting "Today's Schedule of Games" on the board.
Which is completely pointless. There are only four games being played today.
But Michigan has won every time I have posted it, so I’m not stopping now.
December 31st, 2022 at 11:54 AM ^
Patting the dog in the maize and blue kerchief that I met on my morning walk at Cascades Park here in Tallahassee?