The partying is much more spread out at other campuses, but here in Tuscaloosa, just about everyone gathers on The Quad. There are hundreds of red and white tents set up, one right after the other. You can't take ten steps without being in some family's tailgate, yet somehow, you don't feel crowded. To give you an idea of how important and competitive setting up at The Quad is, the university doesn't allow people to put up tents until 3 PM on Friday. Who knows how early they would start if not for that rule?

Today there were bounce houses and rock climbing walls for the younger fans. There was a talk radio show set up for the die hards. The usually green Quad was completely consumed by crimson. I heard very little cursing or fighting words today, just a lot of "Roll Tide.". Great atmosphere. Great mood. Great tailgate. The best thus far in my experience on the mission.