After the Auburn-Texas A&M game in October, Liz Smith and her husband started talking about changing their romantic 25th anniversary plans for a trip to Pasadena.
“We can go to England another year,” Liz, a diehard Auburn fan, said with a laugh.
Armed with their good luck charms, Auburn and Florida State fans will sit in the Rose Bowl, cram into local sports bars or hunker down at home Monday night to support their teams in the fight for the BCS Championship.
The Smiths couldn’t make it to the 2010 championship game, so they decided then that they wouldn’t miss the next one. They arrived in Pasadena on Saturday.
The Niceville residents packed their favorite orange T-shirts and blue and orange shakers they’ve used for six years.
Liz also will sport a small pin of Aubie, the school’s tiger mascot, over her heart at the game.
“Whether they win or they lose, I’m going to be hoarse,” she said.
Amanda Saltsman of Niceville also will be at the game with her husband, but Amanda in particular will be wearing much different attire from the Smiths.
She “blinged” out a Jameis Winston jersey, outlining the No. 5 with rhinestones.
“I’m pretty much born and raised a Florida State fan,” Amanda said.
The Saltsmans booked their trip in November.
“We just kind of realized this could be something special,” she said.
Depending on the game’s progress, Debra Bennett will whip around her paw print-covered orange Auburn towel or rub it for good luck.
“It’s kind of my worry stone,” said Debra, who lives in Florala, Ala.
The Bennetts watched every game at home this year and plan to continue the tradition. Bennett and her husband high five and kiss after every Tigers’ TD.
They’re typically pretty calm during games, but Debra made no promise tonight.
“During the Alabama game we wondered about our neighbors because we were screaming and jumping up and down at the TV,” she said.
Come game time, Anthony McKinney will have an FSU Tervis glass at Buffalo Wild Wings. His wife, an Ohio State fan, will cheer for the Seminoles right along with him.
“We root for each other’s teams as long as they aren’t playing each other,” said McKinney, who lives in Mary Esther.
There’s no doubt in his mind that Florida State will bring home the crystal football trophy.
“They have an elite program with a lot of potential every year,” McKinney said. “I think they will win because they have a lights out shutdown defense and big-play offense.”
No. 1 Florida State vs. No. 2 Auburn
Kickoff: 7:45 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Radio: 100.3 FM - WTKE, 6 p.m.
Who to follow: Local writer Jason Shoot of the Panama City News Herald will be on the scene for the game in Pasadena. To follow along with his in-game coverage on Twitter, follow @PCNHJasonShoot. For local observations, follow Daily News Sports editor Brandon Walker, @BrandonWnwfdn.
Postgame coverage: All of Jason Shoot's coverage from Pasadena will be available in our special BCS Championship Game section on our website.