This past Friday night I ventured to a local Wine Bar to say hello to the singer who would be performing later that evening. While there, I struck up a conversation with a nice fellow (I think was named Brad).

I was wearing a faded gold (yellow) LSU ball cap I purchased in Metairie back in 1986-7 and a tee shirt I purchased last week in Baton Rouge, with the word “Geaux” on it. Not once did I raise my voice although his voice was pretty booming. He was not trying to be boisterous or intimidating. His voice naturally just boomed.

We had a good conversation. His voice kept getting louder and louder while I remained calm. I suggested that we step outside to continue our conversation. Neither of us wanted to be a distraction. He informed me that he and his wife had recently moved to the area (Central Texas) from Georgia, however he was a lifelong Ohio State Buckeye Fan. We both bantered back and forth and to be honest I was really impressed with his passion. As much as I might be accused of being a LSU “Homer” I am first and foremost a fan of college sport and I admire and respect all those who are as passionate for “their team” even if such passion is misguided.

I enjoyed our conversation and to be honest Brad made a few good points that caused me to ponder. I did not buy into his argument that Ohio State should be ranked number one by their number of Top 25 wins and I am sure he was not buying my argument either. Then out of the blue, he stated that the quarterback for THE Ohio State University was the leading candidate for this year’s Heisman Award. He stated he had inside information that supported his statement. He then bragged that he had already purchased a ticket to the National Championship Game in New Orleans and had paid $ 5,000.00 for it. He said true fans would have done the same and he asked if I have already purchased my tickets to the game.

That is when I imagined him wearing either Aggie Red or Faded Orange (which is what most locals sport) and I realized he was "talking out the side of his neck" and was simply a fool. I had wasted a good twenty minutes bantering with him and I nearly forgot to say hi to my friend. The wine was good though I honestly was wanting a spirited conversation and all Brad wanted to do was to out yell me.

I am not convinced OSU will defeat Clemson, but if they do, I sincerely pray the Tigers will be waiting in Louisiana where will not only "out yell" the Bucks, we will out play them as well.

This post was edited on 12/9/19 at 4:45 pm