Fans & Tailgate Parties To Suffer More Than The Teams
Rain and even thunderstorms are predicted for college football’s two major games on Nov. 7.
Alabama and LSU square off in the day’s marquee matchup in Tuscaloosa, while Florida State travels to Clemson in another game that will have an impact on the College Football Playoff.
In fact, three of the top four teams in the initial playoff rankings are involved in these two games. And both games are going to be played in the rain.
The forecast in Tuscaloosa calls for thunderstorms on Friday and a 90% chance of rain on Saturday (kickoff is 7 p.m., CT). In Clemson, where kickoff is 3:30 ET, there is an 80% chance of rain with thunderstorms in the forecast.
The teams can pretty much handle the conditions. They practice with wet balls and Alabama has already had one game in the driving rain already this year, crushing Georgia 34-0 in Athens.
The real issue if with the fans. If it’s raining, it will put a damper on the tailgate parties. If it’s pouring and there are thunderstorms, the tailgating will be limited tho those in protected tents.
There won’t be the usual fevered atmosphere on the campus grounds before the game. No doubt, however, the bars will pick up much of the slack. Then, of course, the fans have to suck it up and get soaked during the game.
Alabama will also cancel the “Elephant Stomp,” the traditional walk from the Quad to the stadium with the band, cheerleaders and, of course, the mascot Big Al.
So while the games may not be affected by the weather, the fans are the ones who will be affected the most by bad weather. Of course, the conditions will be forgotten by the winning sides.
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