but when I die, I'm a Bobcat dead.

Full disclosure time.  I was born a Tar Heel.  My mom, dad, godmother and godfather all went to Carolina.  My first college game was 1974 UNC with Bobby Jones & Mitch Kupchak against Maryland with Len Elmore, Tom McMillen & John Lucas.  I loved Walter Davis, Phil Ford, Al Wood and Mike O'Koren.  I was devastated in 1977 when the Al McGuire coached Marquette led by Butch Lee upset the Tar Heels in the NCAA finals.  North Carolina was my favorite team until the autumn of 1980 when I was accepted to Ohio University.  Ever since then, the Tarheels have taken a back seat to the Bobcats.  I still root for UNC with the only exceptions being 1985 and  2002 when they played the Bobcats (and we all know what happened in 2002, 10 year replay Friday maybe?). 

I'll be at the game Friday fully frocked in green and white, sitting next to my dad in Carolina blue.  If you should see us, please be kind to my dad and realize that he created this Bobcat, not just biologically, but fiscally and as a fan.  As a resident of Virginia, there is no way I could have afforded to attend Ohio on my own.  Also he taught me what it means to be a loyal fan of you alma mater.  In 5 falls and winters in Athens, I missed one home football game (Orioles playing in World Series) and zero basketball games.  I have never left Peden Stadium or The Convo before the final gun, because it was instilled in me as a child that you go to see the game, not just find out who won. 

If UNC should win, I'll be back on Sunday in Carolina blue rooting against either NC State or Kansas (my current home).  But rest assured if the Bobcats win, my dad will be decked out in green and as vocal a Bobcat supporter as you will hear in the dome.

Nicely done. 

+1

Go Bobcats!

^^^^^ I am in your boat to the T. Love both Michgan and Ohio but attended neither. Ohio was my first love though and there was never a doubt in who I was rooting for when the two met.