Just Back From Tuscaloosa--Impressions:

1.) The University of Alabama, over several years, has turned its campus into one of the most beautiful in the country. The Greeks have a few new houses being built along University that are simply MASSIVE in size. They make LSU's fraternity row look "quaint" by comparison. Lots of facades of buildings have been remodeled to fit in with the architectural theme throughout the campus. It's really stunning. Can't help but see why recruits are so impressed with the campus.

(I am in NO WAY trying to take away from the beauty of LSU's stately oaks and broad magnolias)

2.) The Strip is something that every college town needs, and is sorely lacking at LSU. I realize Baton Rouge is a much larger city than Tuscaloosa, and could actually survive without LSU (unlike T-Town), but it would be nice to have a vibrant area like that.

3.) Bryant-Denny Stadium is really amazing. I haven't been since the endzone uppers and four screens have been added. From the aerial shots, it is a really good looking stadium.

4.) The atmosphere, however, seems like a scene out of 1984. There were no less than 5 video presentations of "great plays and players", usually using most of the same plays. Bear Bryant sound clips dominated--they spent a LOT of time telling themselves how good they are at football. A. Lot. The cheerleaders on the mic during "pre-game" were absolutely ridiculous. Pre-game by the "Million Dollar Band" (ROFL) was absolutely AWFUL; Videos of the strength coach trying to pump the crowd up made me instantly think of THATLSUBOY (Yeah! Yeah!); Whenever the PA announcer called out a first down, it reminded me of the way Forrest Forrest Gump said "Greenbow owl uh BAM uh" when he ruined the Black Panther Party ( ). The pom poms, music over the PA, cheers, and overall attitude of the Bama fans made me think this guy was hanging around somewhere:



Concessions at BDS were expensive (just like everywhere else). Saw Dreamland and Popeyes booths. I got a hot dog and large Diet Coke for $10.50

5.) Dreamland BBQ was not as good as I remember it, but still better than anything in Baton Rouge.

6.) Alabama has the greatest single tailgater in the history of tailgating. If you knew the guy, you'd agree.

7.) Yoga pants. Yoga pants. Yoga pants.

8.) Tuscaloosa weather service SUCKS. 0% chance of rain. Really?

9.) Bama has a really good football team.

TL:DR Cliff Notes:

Campus is nice.
The Strip is cool.
BDS is nice.
Atmosphere seems artificial and coerced. Band Sucks.
I ate at Dreamland, saw hot chicks in Yoga Pants, had fun at the tailgate, it rained, and Bama's team kicked LSU's arse.