Giving Thanks for LSU Football

I am thankful . . . for LSU football. On this Thanksgiving Day, in fact, I have never been more appreciative of the Bayou Bengals.

I'm thankful for the Tigers' remarkable run this season. But I'm just as thankful for the magical LSU memories that dot the landscape of my childhood.

I'm thankful that my grandfather and uncles took me to Tiger Stadium as a young boy, and that I was in awe. I'm thankful that Death Valley is just as awe-inspiring over 30 years later.

I'm thankful that in 1988, my mom and I watched Eddie Fuller haul in that desperation touchdown pass from Tommy Hodson in the Earthquake Game.

I'm thankful that, without fail, I still get chills every time the Golden Band belts out those four notes from the pregame salute.

I'm thankful that the Tigers always have some lagniappe. This year, KeKe Mingo and Aussie punter Brad Wing come to mind.

I'm thankful that you can spot a Tigahs fan a mile away. Whether it's the Atlanta airport, ski slopes in Colorado, or the streets of Manhattan, LSU fans wear their purple and gold proudly -- and loudly.

I'm thankful for every single LSU touchdown. That's when my four-year-old daughter looks up at me with pure, innocent excitement, and pleads, "Daddy, swing me upside down!" And I do.

I'm thankful for the uniquely Louisianan symphony of sights, sounds, flavors and friends that fill LSU's campus on a Saturday afternoon in the fall.

I'm thankful that LSU football serves as a backdrop, an excuse, if you will, to stay in touch with old friends I haven't seen in years.

I'm thankful that pulling for the Tigers is contagious. I'm thankful that my wife's family, none of whom had any prior connection to LSU and all of whom live anywhere but Louisiana, are now die-hard Tiger fans.

I'm thankful that loved ones no longer with us -- those who handed down their passion for LSU -- have the best seat in the house to savor this season.

I'm thankful that after LSU beats Arkansas tomorrow and Georgia next week, we can gather in the Crescent City to revel in our Tigers and witness LSU cap off a season for the ages.

I am thankful . . . for LSU football.

Prediction:

LSU 46
Arkansas 24

Happy Thanksgiving, and Geaux Tigers!