-Willie Young Starts — Redshirt freshman Willie Young started at left defensive end despite the fact that redshirt sophomore Ray Brooks was introduced in the starting line ups. Brooks didn’t enter the game until Young earned a personal foul on a Tech third down. On the play immediately after the personal foul, Tech’s Reggie Ball hit wide receiver Calvin Johnson for a 43-yard touchdown pass.
-Cheerleader Count Off — In classic Sesame-Street fashion, the cheerleading squad lined up against the south endzone and counted off the Wolfpack’s points with back flips after each score. “OK Wolfpack fans, we’re going to count off our points,” the cheerleading team’s public announcer said. “Ready? One!”A cheerleader did a back flip.”Two!”Another back flip.One student said the cheerleaders reminded her of the Count from the popular children’s TV show Sesame Street every time they counted off the points.
-Mr. Wuf with Fly Swatter — A highlight of the second half was when Mr. Wuf chased Tech’s mascot, Buzz, with a giant red fly swatter. When the swatter’s handle snapped off, Mr. Wuf didn’t take “no” for an answer — he picked up the rest of the swatter and kept throwing it at the massive bee. -Band Playing When Pack is on Offense — State’s band always stops playing before the Pack snaps the ball on offense, but the band doesn’t always stop playing when the Pack is in the huddle or even standing at the line. Added to the noise on offense are the fans who cheer and fans who yell at cheering fans to stop cheering. Coach Chuck Amato has noted this season how it’s loud when his team is on offense at home. Historically, coaches want it quiet when their team is on offense so the players can hear each other and communicate the plays. That’s why it’s great for the band and fans to get so loud when their team is on defense.
-Hot Chocolate Sales Skyrocket — The booths outside sections 7 and 8 temporarily sold out of hot chocolate before halftime, leaving fans shivering in a line 30 people deep, waiting for more to arrive. The booths were selling small cups of hot chocolate for $3 each. –Tanner Kroeger
