Nobrainer’s Think Tank

During last week’s Clemson-BC telecast, the announcers mentioned several times the “new tradition” Boston College had implemented. Someone decided that they needed to be like other schools. So they obtained a big eagle for their players to rub before the game a la Howard’s Rock.

Wowed by the awesome display of traveling well, BC figured it better attempt to copy another Clemson tradition.

Behold the Tiger Paw stamped $2 bill

This unplanned tradition began when Clemson fans wanted to make a point about their economic impact to folks in Atlanta and around Georgia Tech. So when they traveled to games they started using $2 bills. It was a good idea that worked. It lives on to this day.

And now even the people of Boston have learned the lesson.

Moscaritolo [head of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau] estimates Clemson fans pumped more than $1.5 million into Boston’s economy.

“Oh my God, they were all over the city,” Moscaritolo said. “Clemson pretty clearly demonstrates their reputation. They are a team that travels well.”

Now BC officials and fans are mulling their own gimmick to demonstrate the economic power of Eagles supporters when the team hits the road in the powerful Atlantic Coast Conference.

BC’s [senior media relations officer] Oslin suggested one-upping rival Clemson.

“Let’s put it on a $20 bill if people want to do that,” he said.

Well I hope Boston College can use all those twenties to buy a clue. Their plan is doomed to fail for a number of reasons.

Reason number 1: Boston College doesn’t travel that well. Does anybody believe that BC fans dropped 1.5 million into the Clemson economy last year?

Reason number 2: In fact they don’t even stand out in their own home city. If they pull something off, they’ll be demonstrating their own lack of economic power.

Reason number 3: $20 bills don’t stand out. People notice a $2. They really notice when they have a lot of orange ink on them. A $20 with a maroon eagle probably won’t raise eyebrows.

And will someone explain to these twits that traditions don’t start just because some executive says they should?

But in all fairness, they did beat Clemson. Again. Damnit.