As defending champs, Gators fans savor the return of tailgating

With the smell of barbecue in the air and tens of thousands of fans camped out all around the University of Florida, it was obvious: Florida football is back -- and with that comes tradition.

For instance, Dan Sperry, who used to play football for the Gators, has been tailgating along Newell Drive for more than 30 years. He traveled from Tavares to be at his spot by 9 a.m. Saturday, so he could saved the tradition-laden spot for a group of 20 whot would join them over the course of the day.

Sperry is proud of he and his Gator comrades' presentation: several tents and a truck with a flat-screen Samsung HDTV.

Sperry, of course, is optimistic about the season, as are thousands upon thousands of fellow Gators.

"We're probably too cocky," Sperry said of Gator fans.

Jimmy Aubrey, a 20-year-old UF student, chose to express his expectations differently.

"I think we're confident," he said. "But I think we have a right to be."

Aubrey was also out tailgating early. While he set up his area near Museum Road, he kept company with his roommate's dog, Shelby, decked out in her own blue jersey. Although he was excited about the season's kickoff, he said was most looking forward to the game in two weeks against Tennessee.

It was a familiar theme in pretty much every direction: Tailgaters were preparing themselves for the game by watching ESPN's College Game Day, listening to music ranging from country to the Black Eyed Peas, or just tossing a football around. To combat the early September heat and humidity, fans gathered beneath trees, used big fans and some even wore shorts for a modified version of Mr. Two-Bits' outfit.

The Commuter Lot was jammed with campers, and the parking lot in front of the Reitz Union offered a recycling center to minimize trash. University Avenue was more than just tailgating central, it was also a place to stock up on more Gator gear.

Micky Alderman and her daughter, Wendy, were camped out near the Reitz Union. Every year, every game, they said, they are out, starting their day off no later than 7 a.m. Wendy has grown up a Florida fan. Her grandparents attended the school.

"I hope everyone stays healthy throughout the season," she said. "And we're going to win another national championship."

"I'm going to get another shirt," Micky chimes in, pointing at her BCS Championship shirt.