Enormous Carolina Football Rivalry Game Went To The ‘Beach Chickens’
If I were to ask football fans in North and South Carolina to name the biggest football rivalries among the states’ respective teams for sure I’d hear: South Carolina vs. Clemson. No doubt North Carolina vs. North Carolina State would be uttered. However, for the past several years there’s been an interstate rivalry in the Sunbelt Conference that has become sneaky huge! It’s billed as “The Hillbillies vs. “The Beach Chickens” when The Mountaineers of Appalachian State and the Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina face off.
Last night in Boone these two teams kicked off the week of college football in front of a national audience on ESPN2 and did not disappoint. Coastal Carolina prevailed with a walk off field goal. Kicker Kade Hensley connected on a 24-yard field goal as time expired for a 27-24 win. The Chanticleers were led by their three-time Sunbelt Conference player of the year, quarterback Grayson McCall who threw for a career-high 373 yards.
Coastal Carolina has won the Sunbelt Conference two of the last three years. App State was the conference power prior to this. Each year, this game is highly emotional and physical. This year has been an off one so far for both (each now has a 3-3 record), but bowl game eligibility is still out there for both teams to achieve.
As a side note, it was really great to hear Charlotte, North Carolina based broadcaster, Taylor Zarzour doing the play-by-play call for ESPN2 last night. I’m not sure he expected the energy and vibe he witnessed. And I feel certain he didn’t expect a football game between two “smaller” schools to be as entertaining as it was.
It always is when “The Beach Chickens” of Coastal Carolina University take on “The Mountaineers” of Appalachian State University.
7 Hilarious Football Fan Superstitions Shared by Redditors
Jersey Power
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For some fans, the belief in “jersey power” is real, relying on their chosen jersey to bring their team to victory. A Reddit user revealed, “I change jerseys every game. Never wear the same one twice in a row.” They mentioned that during one season, the Jaguars secured a 3-1 record when following this practice, but experienced a 0-12 record when they didn’t.
Fiery Ritual
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Some fans unquestionably take their rituals to the extreme. During Vince Young’s playing days, a Redditor mentioned that they used to perform a rather unconventional practice of burning a photo of the player. They would attach a picture of his face to a Barbie doll and place it on the grill as part of their ritual.
Sound of Silence
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This particular approach might come across as a bit harsh, yet it seems to show results for this person. Apparently, ignoring their wife and kid during the game is their strategy. “I know it’s weird and the results haven’t been great, but I’m not going to risk it,” they wrote. Priorities, dude!
Quantum Football Mechanics
Some say that dissecting your superstitions like a science can work wonders. A Reddit user shared their approach, saying that if, for some reason, they tune into the game late and the Ravens are in the lead, they turn the game off. “Watching will only swing the game in the opposite direction. It’s like the Heisenberg Principle of quantum football mechanics. Intense observation will only change the outcome,” they humorously explained. That’s dedication!
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Designated Sweet Spot
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Having a lucky seat or a designated sweet spot to park yourself during every football game is a ritual many fans swear by. According to one person, during game days, they make a point to occupy the exact same barstool. They mentioned, “Everyone has assigned seats at the bar.”
Goodbye Hygiene
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Some hardcore football fans throw hygiene to the wind. A Reddit user opened up about their peculiar belief. If they don’t shower right before the game, they’re convinced the Eagles will end up on the losing side. They added, “Sometimes if we had a crappy first half, I’ll take another shower, for a fresh start.”
Habitual Counting
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Luck can take some interesting forms, like the practice of counting things a specific number of times. A person mentioned that on game days, they apply three strokes of deodorant per armpit in support of Russell Wilson. Some people are all about the idea that stuff tends to go down in threes.
