Words really cannot do justice to the fun and excitement of this weekend's game day! I have waited around to post...just trying to find the right words. It's just not possible. So, instead...I'll give you a little rundown in pictures!

Russ and I woke quite early (I'd say around 5:45 AM) to catch a ride with Mama and Daddy to Starkvegas. Supposedly, we were "pulling out of the driveway at 6:45." Needless to say, we didn't leave exactly at that moment. But, we weren't far behind.

9:00 - TAILGATING Smith style!

Beginning to gather, visit, and EAT!

Love when family stops by! These are my dad's cousins and their families.

Life-long friend of my parents, Karen, always stops by to say "Hey!"

Church friends...

...even Ole Miss friends...

...Kristin's friends...

...Dustin's friends...

...Sherra's friends...

...friends that I used to babysit! How old am I?!

Russ, me, and Kristin

So, we try to be cordial MSU-UM friends prior to game time.

11:20 - GAME TIME!

Who let the dogs out?

We're really hating that Ole Miss lost their song. But, really...the only song we hear is "From Dixon with Love." Ha!

2nd Half - COWBELLS RING!!!!!!!! Dawgs play an incredible football game!

Mama and Daddy high-five a little boy sitting in front of us. Notice that the cowbells never stop ringing!

Ole Miss fans leave early

State fans stay late!

Ringing those bells!

MSU wins 41-27!

Coach Mullen assures the crowd that "there is at least one university in this state that is going in the right direction...and that's right here in Starkville!"

Crowd goes wild!

We had a great time! You really shoulda been there!

Merry Christmas Ole Miss! From Dixon with Love!

Now, go enjoy your bowl game!

Good Company. Bad Game.

There really aren't many words that can make this Saturday's game sound good. Why? Because it was not good! Don't worry. I still am and always will be a proud Bulldog! So, because of that fact, I must only think about the positive.

Positive points from the Mississippi State vs. Alabama game:

#1 - As always, the Smith tailgate was full of good food and great company! We always enjoy visiting and watching the game day festivities unfold. We especially like "watching" (because we would NEVER participate in such a thing!) other people heckle the opposing team's fans as they pass us on their way to the stadium. While the girls chat and observe the latest fashions as the sorority girls walk by in their cute boots, dresses, and coats, the guys sit back and enjoy some football on TV. One of my favorite parts is when my college friends stop by to catch up!

Me and my baby brother...

...and his shoes!

Russ and Dustin looking at Dustin's x-ray of his recently corrected "boxer's fracture." No questions please! Ha!

The guys watching the Ole Miss game

Jean and Jennifer dropped by for a visit and a back rub! Ahhh...I need one right now!

Taking a break from talking to pose

Lee and Russ solving the world's medical problems, I'm sure!

Sisters

Me, Russ, Jimbo, and Rachael

My pregnant college roomie!

The whole crew! These guys had no choice but to become friends because Kelly, Rachael, and I didn't really give them any other option! Ha!

#2 - The pre-game festivities were fabulous! The gates opened at 4:00 Saturday for the 6:00 game. We, of course, didn't want to miss a thing. We entered the stadium an hour before the kickoff. But, we weren't the only ones! The stadium was packed full within 20 minutes! The team practiced in their maroon jerseys. However, when they came out to play...they were wearing BLACK jerseys! It was awesome! The crowd went wild! We looked ready!

#3 - We set a new attendance record AGAIN! 58,103! Woo hoo!

#4 - The pride in our school as the team walked over to the student section for the Alma Mater. Holding their heads high, they stood as a team and as a school.


Now, those were all very good points. However, after the game...we felt like this:

Me, Kristin, Dustin, and Ashley

So, we took down the flag and headed home...

...hoping for a better game against "that other Mississippi school" on the 28th.

Only Competing With the Best

That's right. Apparently, my beloved Dawgs only compete with the best. I have been very disappointed several times this year when State lost to teams I didn't even know! However, it seems that we hold out for our REAL competition! I thought the LSU game was going to be the most exciting game all year! (and even that one wasn't expected) But the Dawgs came out ready to take on the number one team, Florida, on Saturday! What a game!

Of course, like all gamedays in Starkvegas, we started our beautiful afternoon with tailgating, SEC football on the satellite, friends, family, and FOOD! We feasted on chili, honey baked ham, and a plethora of other choices! Yummo! All the while, visiting with friends. Heavenly!

My sweet college friends - Marcee, me, and Rachael
I FINALLY answered my phone after half the season! Ha!

Kristin, Rachael, me, and Marcee

You're welcome, Rach!

Dr. Eric, Amanda, and me

Back to the game...

I should begin forty minutes before the game actually. Excitement and cowbells were EVERYWHERE! We arrived early so as not to miss a thing! When we arrived, the stadium was already packed out! In fact, standing room only tickets were sold for this game. It was incredible!

The fans were ready!

There were many highlights from this game that I wanted to preserve in photographs. The first and biggest highlight was very blurry due to the fact that I was dancing and screaming and jumping ALL OVER THE PLACE! Both Florida and State teams were out in the middle of the field dancing in each others' faces. Literally! The refs and coaches worked to separate the players. Me? I was ringing my cowbell ever so proudly while screaming, jumping, dancing, and trying to take a picture.

First, our 3 point lead in the first quarter.

Second, our tie of 13 points after halftime.

Our incredible defense - who, by the way, scored 12 of our 19 points!

Also, Tim Tebow. When the Florida team came out on the field, there were people everywhere saying, "There's Tebow!" It was funny.

Lastly, our incredible team played an amazing game against the top-rated Florida Gators! I had a cowbell in each hand, and I ended up with blisters on both! I was so proud...although I would have loved a win. I guess we can't have it all!

After the game, the traffic was horrendous. So, we settled in, ate some more, visited some more, and enjoyed the afterglow.

Dustin and friends

Kristin, Lee, and Rhonda

Watch out, Alabama! We only compete with the best! You should be afraid...very afraid!