Road trips with the KSU Football team are the best.
Not only do we get treated first-class, there is quite a bit of down time to explore whichever locale we might be in.
Never was this more true than last weekend in Louisiana! After our flight arrived in Baton Rouge at noon on Friday, we had ample time to get settled, adjust to the heat and humidity and grab a rental car.
Thanks to KSU Director of New Media Dave Carducci - who seemingly has friends all over the globe - we were welcomed into the beautiful city of New Orleans. I had been there once before on a women's basketball trip and was looking forward to seeing more of the Crescent City. Joining us in our expedition were my broadcast partners Rob Polinsky and Matt Miller as well as ticket office manager Eric Fronczek and video coordinator Nick Kane.
We had a great time checking out Bourbon Street and the surrounding areas. We were able to take in some great live jazz, sample some terrific seafood and even ran into a few other Kent State fans! The great time ended with Carducci buying us all a plate of beignets from the famous Café Du Monde. Talk about a perfect way to finish off a great night!
The game experience was pretty much on par with many other major conference schools we've visited. It was about 92 steamy degrees for tailgating and I think the sweltering heat chased many fans away because Tiger Stadium was nowhere near capacity for the ballgame. It was great to meet longtime LSU radio voice Jim Hawthorne before the game as well.
I am looking forward to Part II of the road trip this weekend when we pack up for State College. The Diner at Penn State is one of my favourite eating establishments of all time, offering cheese fries with a liquid white cheddar sauce and spectacular grilled stickies for dessert. I will probably be fasting for two days leading up to the trip!
On the field, I like what I see from a KSU offense which continues to evolve around quarterback Colin Reardon. Offensive Coordinator Brian Rock has done a masterful job in sending him plays he can succeed with while also raising his confidence. I think we have something special at that position. I am also looking forward to seeing Colin's counterpart this weekend in freshman Christian Hackenburg. I saw him in an Elite 11 QB camp once and am interested in seeing how he's progressed.
Until Saturday at 2:30, Go Flashes!
TL
