Following two losing seasons and plenty of turnover for both the roster and the coaching staff, Georgia Southern is on its way back to a bowl game.
Reaching college football’s postseason — even if it isn’t quite a conference title game or national championship playoff - is no small feat and something that all 130 FBS schools strive for each year. It’s a reward that features a week’s worth of VIP treatment in a new city, primetime slots for large television audiences and, most importantly, a chance to play one more time before the offseason arrives and the cycle begins anew.
Reaching this season’s Raycom Media Camellia Bowl — to be played Saturday against Eastern Michigan in Montgomery, Ala. — is an especially sweet gift for an Eagles team that was staring at other bowl games from their couches while contemplating a 2-10 record. And it’s also a gift for the fans who have been there to support the Eagles in their big bounceback season.
Plenty of fans wearing blue and white are expected to make the short trip and for many this might be their first taste of the bowl game experience. So while I leave the game planning to the players and coaches, here’s a rundown of how you, the fan, can make the most out of this week.
BURN THOSE SICK DAYS
We’re in the final few weeks of 2018. I know that there is plenty of pressure at many offices to wrap up projects before the calendar flips over, but if you have a few vacation or sick days remaining, spend them now to get an extra day or two out of the Camellia Bowl.
Georgia Southern should enjoy a bit of an advantage in the stands as Statesboro — and the alumni hotbed of Atlanta — are far closer to Montgomery than Ypsilanti, Mich. The short-ish drive and 4:30 p.m. (CT) kickoff time could easily make for a day trip, but you would be selling yourself short.
Pep rallies for the Eagles are planned for both Friday night and Saturday afternoon and the postgame festivities following Georgia Southern’s GoDaddy Bowl win in 2015 was a party that is still talked about.
TOWN TAKEOVER
For those making the wise decision to arrive a day (or more) early, there is a unique opportunity to turn Montgomery into Statesboro. Sure, Alabama’s capital city is always bustling, but fans arriving early in the week are free to roam the city on a vacation of sorts while the city residents are going through a normal workday.
Georgia Southern has already announced sites for some formal and informal gatherings leading up to the game, ensuring that your trip doesn’t have to be a hotel stay, a dinner alone and a solo trip to the game. When executed correctly, the bowl experience can essentially become a three-day tailgate with plenty of fellow Eagles that culminates in one more chance to cheer on the team.
FRATERNIZE WITH THE ENEMY
Just as an early arrival can make the bowl game an extended game weekend, it can do the same for the good-natured ribbing between opposing fans.
With both Georgia Southern and Eastern Michigan making their first ever appearances in the Camellia Bowl, most fans will be experiencing an extended stay in Montgomery for the first time. I’ve seen plenty of fans from rival Sun Belt schools sharing some food and drinks at a Paulson Stadium tailgate, but the setting of a bowl game can take that peace offering to the next level.
There’s no bad blood to be had as this is the first meeting between the schools and both fan bases seem to be amped up for the postseason opportunity after shaky 2017 seasons. And there are only so many hotels and restaurants to go around, so be prepared to see some fans of the ‘other’ Eagles milling about.
Invite them over. Tell your stories about Georgia Southern. Listen to their tales of Eastern Michigan. Have a good time. Everyone has earned it.
ONE FINAL NOTE
This is my one piece of advice to the players.
You all have roommates and friends and groups that you usually hang out with. When it comes to lunch and dinner plans, make sure you and your backup eat at different places.
You have no idea how much of a meltdown us media folks have when we show up to a practice two days before a bowl game and the third-string quarterback is running the show because the first two got sick from eating at the same place. That’s a funny story from the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl that we can all laugh at now.
If you want to know the details, take my advice. Get to Montgomery early, find me while taking in all that bowl week has to offer and make a few more memories to cap off a great 2018 season.
