The 10 Commandments of College Football Fandom

I was thumbing through my brand new September issue of Southern Living and I came across the 10 Commandments of College Football Fandom. Oh how true they are!

1. Thou shalt wear team colors. But think twice before adorning yourself with body paint - you don't want to be the Internet photo that goes viral.

2.Thou shalt know - and sing - your team's fight song from beginning to end. Sure, you can "watermelon watermelon" your way through the alma mater, but not memorizing the fight song is a fan failure.

3. Thou shalt keep your language clean (unless, of course, the quarterback fumbles on fourth and goal).

4. Thou shalt support the coach. Even when his calls are questionable.

5. Thou shalt be respectful to visiting teams. Remember: Southern ladies and gentlemen never boo.

6 Thou shalt set up a tailgate no fewer than three hours before kickoff (six if it's a night game). Table linens and matching huggers encouraged, but not required.

7. Thou shalt theme your tailgate food around the visiting rival. Gator bites, anyone?

8. Thou shalt stay through the fourth quarter - rain or shine. That's what ponchos are for, ya'll.

9. Thou shalt respect the solemnity of Game Day by planning wedding, births, and other life events around the football schedule.

10. Thou shalt not covet other teams' bowl games, national championships, or Heisman Trophy wins. There's always next year.

Number nine is the most important. I admit I skipped a wedding to see Ole Miss beat Florida in Gainesville in 2008. In our defense, we got tickets way before I knew I was going to be invited. Plus my husband would've killed me if we canceled the trip for a wedding.

Also, table linens are required.... as well as the centerpiece, team themed platters and solo cups.

I may only know 75% of the fight song. I may have booed LSU a time or two. But I have never left a game early, even if it was a blowout. That should be added to number 8. We gotta be there when they win or lose, rain or shine. Fortunately our seats are under an awning that keeps us shaded and dry. No ponchos needed.