Locals headed to Tampa

When Alabama’s Crimson Tide takes the field against Clemson Monday night in Tampa to defend its national championship title, there will be a number of Andalusians in the stadium.

Game details

The most exciting part of being a spectator?

“Spending quality time with family and 50,000 close personal friends,” said Allen Woodard.

The Woodards – Allen, Beth, Callen and Cameron – should know.

“Beth and I went in ’93 to see the (championship) win over Miami, and we have taken the kids to every national championship and every playoff game, starting in ’09,” he said.

Hampton Glenn hopes to witness his second championship win. Last year, he was in Glendale, Ariz., with UA’s Million Dollar Band.

““All year (on campus) the atmosphere has been crazy,” Glenn said. “When you are the No. 1 team in the country, there isn’t much to be unhappy about. Everyone I’ve talked to is confident that we will pull out another win.”

The Tide is favored by 6.5 points.

Another AHS grad, Darious Davis, is traveling with the MDB, to his first championship game.

“Although I have been to several Alabama games, I am happy to say that this will be my very first national championship game, Davis said. “I’m pretty excited about going to hang out with friends from school and do something we all love which is watch the Tide roll like always.

“I’m also excited because I’ve heard so many BAMA fans are going and how many people have already gotten on the road to Tampa which means we will be bringing a pretty large crowd to pack out the stadium as always,” Davis said. “I’m excited to see a true freshman, Jalen Hurts, start as quarterback in his first national championship and to see just how amazing our offense does without Kiffin.”

That’s a sentiment shared by many ‘Bama fans. Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin left Alabama after Alabama’s playoff win over Washington to become head coach of Florida Atlantic. Steve Sarkisian will call the offensive plays for Alabama Monday night.

Glenn and Davis left Tuscaloosa with the MDB Friday afternoon at 4, just ahead of expected winter weather. Band members had a 14-page itinerary.

On Saturday night, we are going to Busch Gardens with the Clemson band to have dinner with them,” Glenn said. “We also will be playing in a lot of pep rallies leading up to the game.”

Davis said he expects the atmosphere to be much as it has been all season.

“The morale around campus has been nothing short of amazing,” Davis said. “Everyone is so lively and spirited and in good spirits. We are all confident in our coach and our team and ready to cheer them on along with the Million Dollar Band and ‘Bama cheerleaders.”