But for those who are less informed, it's good to know you don't need the knowledge of a Bowden or a Spurrier to be a fan of tailgating.

It's a time when everyone comes together before kickoff to get their grill on, get their drink on and get pumped up about gameday in general.

"It's really what keeps many alumni returning to town years after their formal education is completed," says 2002 Clemson grad Josh Dellinger. He now makes regular trips from Charlotte to see the Tigers play.  

When in school, he remembers getting up at dawn on Saturdays and heading down to the lots by the stadium.

"You really have no destination," he says. "The people are so friendly and they gladly offer meat off the smoker and drinks from the cooler at every turn."

Though I've found that the most of people name chicken dishes as the most popular game-time grub, expect to feast on things that are fast and easy.

Cuisine typically includes barbecue, ribs, chips, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, sandwiches, cakes and cookies.

"Beer seems to be the drink of choice, however," Dellinger says, "But if you come prepared with liquor, you can easily find mixers too." He says his favorite is the Bloody Mary.

And yeah, even though it's the norm for many football fans to booze things up beforehand, not everybody is keen on that scene.

"Most people don't drink at Furman," says Mark Cheatham, 23, who's been going to Paladins games with his parents since he was in diapers. "It's more about the fellowship and eating, rather than the drinking there."

Tailgating Tips