Tennessee

versus

L . S . U.

September 29, 2001

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

                  LSU                   18 

           Tennessee      26

For Tennessee B.O.G. voting, click HERE.

Even though the Tigers lost, they showed a lot by coming back and making a game out of it.  If not for one blown pass interference call in the endzone against Michael Clayton, I think the Tiger's might have taken the game.

Craig and some Bushwood Auxillary members went out to reserve a tailgating spot at 6:45 a.m.  Most of the rest of us showed up at 10:00 a.m.   The tailgating was long but good.  It gave many of us a chance to catch up and enjoy the unbelievable weather.  Although there was a surprise or two, overall I would have to say this is the best away game tailgate I've ever been to.

The U.T. tailgating atmosphere is the second best in the country (next to LSU, of course).  The UT fans were kind and seemed as passionate about tailgating and football as most of us LSU fans.  Ralph and Bobby were extremely gracious and a good time was had by all.

As far as the game, I must make one comment about Neyland Stadium.  You always look forward to going to such a renowned stadium as Neyland.  Unlike Scott-Gormley, the stadium itself can provide an electric atmosphere.  The announced attendance was over 108,000 -- the second largest in Neyland Stadium history. 

Having said that, I do have a MAJOR complaint with Neyland.  I know I'm not alone in Bushwood in having an ass bigger than six inches (MUCH BIGGER, that is).  The seating in Neyland is a COMPLETE JOKE.  We were squeezed in like sardines.  Looking from row to row, there seemed to me no method to the seating numbers on the benches -- Seat 4 on Row 19 was about 6 inches over from seat 4 on Row 20, yet they started at exactly the same space.  

Therefore, I have a suggestion.  The SEC should make a rule that no seat can be any smaller than that school's Head Coach's ASS.  In Tennessee's case, you'd see a stadium which now claims a seating capacity of 108,000 go down to less than 60,000.  If instead, they were required to use a "normal person's" ass, the seating capacity would almost certainly drop to below 95,000.

Other than the seating the game was pretty exciting.  Ever since last year's Houston game, our DBs have repeatedly been unable to cover the 30 yard fade route.  It's a VERY easy pass and catch and until Saban teaches our DBs to cover this play, look for opposing coaches to run it 10 times a game, and more importantly, at critical junctions in the game.

We did have a little excitement in the stands.  Two rows down from us, a older man turned around and started throwing roundhouse punches at the guy behind him.  Being further down the row, at first I thought that maybe someone had taken offense to Simon accusing him of eating all his pies.  As it turned out, it didn't involve any Bushwood members.  As it turns out, the guy was pissed at another guy right in front of our row for cursing at the officiating.  I wonder what would have happened had the guy been sitting behind me, Craig or Lloyd -- the fight certainly would have occurred much earlier in the game.  And, the guy would not have been on notice that we are protected by not only a TRAINED kickboxer (Robin), but also a kickboxer-in-training (Melissa).  In fact, they were kind enough to offer the rest of us the following demonstration during our tailgating activities:

And, finally, a special thanks from all Bushwood members to Ann Marie's mom for not only getting us our rooms but also welcoming us with our gift packs.  Thanks, Mrs. Thomasson.

Now, to the pictures.

Tailgating Pix

(click on thumbnails to enlarge)

Game Pix

(click on thumbnails to enlarge)

The Changing Scoreboard