While some students are simply happy when LSU’s sports teams win and sad when they lose, the “big game” also affects student behavior on and around campus.
Brittany Keltner, an accounting sophomore, said a big Saturday game may affect her actions for the entire weekend, depending on the time of the game.
“If it’s a night game and they lose, no one wants to go out after that,” she said. “But if it’s a day game and they lose, I’ll probably come home and pout for a while and then go out.”
Keltner said while some girls like Barbies and dancing, she devoted part of her life to sports.
“I’ve been going to watch LSU football, basketball and baseball since I was old enough to get in,” Keltner said. “When I had to miss one game because I forgot to take off work, I got really depressed.”
Jason Hicks, assistant professor of psychology, said he has not noticed any relationship between football games and class attendance, but he does see some changes in behavior.
“I do notice that LSU students are wearing more LSU paraphernalia after a win,” Hicks said. “It goes back to the fact that if your team’s doing well, you’re more likely to promote them.”
Hicks did not know for sure whether games affect grades or class involvement, although he said there may be some relation.
While Keltner has never let her sports hobby get in the way of schoolwork, some games have left a permanent impression on her life, she said.
“Last year when we lost to Auburn, that whole week was bad,” she said. “We kept falling in ranks, and after that, things just got worse and worse.”
Keltner said a big loss does not make her stressed out, but it does make her “down and out.”
“After the game against Florida, we just stayed home and pouted,” Keltner said. “We came home and watched Toy Story and Saturday Night Live with Justin Timberlake.
Nathan Boudreaux, an economics junior and LSU cheerleader, said he notices changes of behavior in fans while walking back to his apartment after a game.
“After a win, it’s just unbelievable,” Boudreaux said. “So many people want to stop me and tell me that the cheerleaders did a good job or the team did a good job or how much they love LSU.”
On Mondays after a loss, Boudreaux said he sees a different mood on campus.
“I’ll hear that we didn’t cheer hard enough, which makes the loss a little personal,” Boudreaux said. “Everyone feels bad for the Tigers, and teachers even bring up the game in class. But they’re also optimistic about the next game.”
Michael Butler, owner of Bogie’s, said he also sees some change in patron behavior after certain games.
“It’s usually more crowded after a win,” Butler said. “People are a lot happier.”
Butler said day games provide much better business for him, as students have a chance to go home and change before they go out.
“When there’s a night game, it’s harder for people to get here,” he said. “And normally by the time they get here, they’re just here to socialize.”
Sales are generally not that good on those nights, Butler said.