The screech of feedback on the Parsons Field sound system reminds me of the cultural differences between college football in the northeast and the deep south.
We're 13 minutes shy of kickoff and they're still testing out the public address system. The 40-piece Northeastern band, a brassy and well-tuned bunch, sits across the field and has just cranked up a tune.
We saw the same things in 2003 in a visit to Delaware State. Difference being, that was not a very capable Delaware State team.
The guys in the shoulder pads and helmets from Northeastern are fully focused and eager to turn their season with a credibility-building win here today. Meanwhile, the atmosphere surrounding the field has to test the focus of the Demons, who are used to a different scene leading up to kickoff.
The skies are gray, but lighter than before and we may well be done with the rainy weather (hope so). There is not a big turnout. Of course, we're in a major American city, and there is plenty more to choose from. Even on campus at Northeastern, I'm sure there's more buzz about their nationally-prominent hockey team about to open its season. This is a highly-acclaimed university, one which advertises within the confines of Fenway Park with permanent and rotating signage. The sprawling campus borders Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Boston, and just walking through it yesterday on the way to the ballgame, I was struck by its vibrant nature. In one dorm courtyard, four young men were playing whiffleball, on a diamond complete with a pitching rubber. Don't know that I've seen a whiffeball game break out on the NSU campus!
Demons have won the toss and will defer until the second half. Here we go! BTW, easy to spot the Demon fans, all purple clad!
Doug Ireland, SID
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