A House Divided. Literally.

While in New York this summer, I took on the personal responsibility to emphasize not only the superiority of SEC football, but also tried to make sure that everyone was aware of the cultural implications of the game as well. I put forth my best effort, but was saddened to find that it is nearly impossible to teach anyone who has never lived in the South the full extent of everything that is SEC football...or of the bitter that rivalries exist between our beloved universities. I did, however, recently come upon an article that I feel does do some justice to my cause. . .

A House Divided

By: Anne Halliday

Jennifer and Eric have been married for 13 years, and they’ve only watched one Alabama-Auburn game together. One was enough.

Eric, a die-hard University of Alabama football fan whose father operated a camera for the Bear Bryant Show, knew he was in for trouble every autumn when he married Jennifer, whose dad graduated from Auburn University’s veterinary school in 1969.

Their rivalry (and their home’s exterior colors) intensified two years ago when Jennifer entered an essay contest sponsored by The Home Depot and the Birmingham sports radio station WJOX. Her 190-word description of their life when the Iron Bowl rolls around won, and The Home Depot painted their Alabaster home crimson and white and orange and blue. With football season just around the corner, Southern Living sat down with the couple to find out what it’s like to live with the enemy.

Where did you grow up and go to school?
Eric: I grew up in Homewood and went to The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Jennifer: I’m from Hueytown and went to Samford University.

When did you start rooting for Alabama and Auburn?
Eric: My dad worked for the Bear Bryant Show in the 1970s, and I’d go to the tapings with him as a kid. Every weekend we’d listen to Alabama games on the radio or watch them on television.
Jennifer: We always had Auburn season tickets. From the time I was about 9 years old we went to every home game and almost every away game.

hy can’t you watch the Iron Bowl together?
Eric: She’s too crazy.
Jennifer: I’m not crazy; I’m just not watching it with you. Alabama won the only game we’ve ever watched together--so you know it was several years ago--and Eric went insane. He’s more fun to watch than the actual game because he gets so animated, running around and throwing things.

Have your kids picked sides?
Eric: Rebecca, who’s 11, pulls for Alabama. Ethan, who’s 6, hasn’t made up his mind.
Jennifer: Yes, he has; he’s for Auburn. Rebecca says she’s for Alabama, but she does that to make her dad happy. She wants to go to Auburn because it’s a better school.

What do you love most about each school?
Eric: Alabama’s winning tradition. When the state was going through negative times, Alabama football was always winning.
Jennifer: Auburn University symbolizes resilience. We were the underdog, but now we have a few of our own awards.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done during football season?
Eric: Entering The Home Depot’s contest.
Jennifer: A lot of our neighbors actually thought we’d painted the house that way. Luckily, as part of the contest, it stayed like that only for a couple of months.

What advice would you give to an Alabama fan marrying an Auburn fan?
Eric: If you can’t work that out, you’re going to have bigger problems.
Jennifer: Honestly, when you’re thinking about spending your life with somebody, should football be the biggest priority?

Crimson and White vs. Orange and Blue
Eric recommends that Alabama fans who want to read more about the Harrells’ house visit www.rollcrimsontide.com/HouseDivided.html. Jennifer says Auburn fans should check out www.auburnfootball.com/a-house-divided.htm.

Case in point...I guess this article justifies my mother's reasoning on "never allowing me to marry an Alabama Fan." 

4 days till Wegl Wegl Time. Hallelujah.