I'm awake, alive, and about to start smoking the first of two turkeys today to take back to South Bend to the in-laws for Christmas.
The energy was electric. The temps weren't as bad once you got in the stadium. There's a collective solace in everyone in non-student seating being all bundled up, basically leaning against the people behind and next to you (and the people in front of you on your knees) creates some kind of cocoon of warmth. Until the next big play and everyone is on their feet and yelling. The national anthem was cool - everyone singing along. The game was dominant until the end when we went into prevent D and gave up stupid points. Just stay in base D for fucks sake.
To haters and doubters on here - Jan 1 is when we fall flat on our face or show whether we can topple one of the best in the nation. Rylie Milles (99 on D) will be a big factor for that game - whether that knee of his was just hurting last night or it was injured. Really, really hope he's ok.
I am so glad I could sleep at my in-laws house last night. We sat and drank in the parking lot for quite a while as traffic dispursed. That was the best home tailgating/pregame environment I've ever been part of there. Got dropped off at in-laws in the early hours of the morning. Slept it off, drove back to Indy, and will head back to SB on Monday.
IU, as many expected, was a fraud. But I do hope they get better and stay good/decent. Cig is a blowhard but he's better for college football than milquetoast coaches. I cheered for him every game this year except last night. Then, he just became some obnoxious douche. Now, he's just harmless little brother again.
I'm just gonna enjoy the W, the experience, and hope that the W's keep coming and we see y'all on Jan 20. The older I get and the more friends/family I've said goodbye to the more I realize life is so much bigger than what color or letters you wear on your shirt.
Go Irish. Hook Em.