Football is a game that millions of Americans take part in each year — both as spectators and as participants. Though it is a game not loved by a lot of women, I think football is one of the greatest sports, well, that is next to golf, basketball, watching other people cook, and then of course, eating other people’s cooking. I am a little picky though. I don’t like professional football — not any more, not since players started concentrating on the money and not the game. I grew up in the era when the Dallas Cowboys were truly considered America’s team.

I should explain something. I was born an Aggie, was bred in a Bulldog community, lived in Tiger/War Eagle country, have ties to the Buckeyes, but choose to roll with the Crimson Tide and occasionally will fly with the Yellow Jackets.

For all of you non-sports fans, I was born in Texas, raised in Georgia, lived in Alabama, and my brother is a graduate of Ohio State University (my sister-in-law teaches there). When push comes to shove, I will side with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (in basketball anyway). My SEC team of choice, in spite of coaches, is the Alabama Crimson Tide. I mean anyone who chooses an elephant as a mascot needs all the support they can get.

Working as a recruiting assistant for a D-2 football team and being the only woman, other than the secretary, on staff, I learned to appreciate the game, the players, the techniques a lot more than when I was just a fan and a sports writer. I had lots of “adopted brothers.” Sometimes, that was a good thing, sometimes, especially when it came time for me to go out on a date, it wasn’t. Men my age were kind of intimidated when they would come to my apartment and find three hulking defensive linemen hanging around like bodyguards. Even so, I have learned many valuable lessons from the game.

First of all, ladies, if you want to get the man in your life to agree to anything, then football season is the time to do it.

How?

The Georgia Bulldogs are playing Florida. It is one of the biggest, most anticipated games of the SEC season. Your man has his snacks, the remote control and his game face is on.

Don’t wait for a commercial or half time. Ask your question.

He will be so engrossed in the play on the screen, he won’t realize that he was just played in his own living room.

Daughters, the same concept can work with your fathers. Be careful though. Not all sports seasons work when you want to get something. Choose your timing and sports season wisely. My dad has just taken an interest in golf, and enjoys spending Saturday and Sunday afternoons watching a game on television.

Asking to borrow $20 from a golf fan, especially if Tiger Woods isn’t playing, is not a wise move.

Believe me, I know.