Bar Prep Tips Inspired by Food-Themed College Bowl Games
College football bowl season is nearing an end, and my law school alma mater is playing in tonight's Duke's Mayo Bowl. I'm hoping University of Minnesota Golden Gophers head football coach P.J. Fleck gets drenched with a vat of mayonnaise as winning coaches often do.
Duke’s Mayo is just one of several food company-sponsored bowl games, each bringing its own unique flair and inspiration. From creamy mayo to sweet and frosted Pop-Tarts, these sponsors highlight the creativity and flavor that can inspire even the most intense bar prep sessions.
Let’s explore these games in chronological order and discover how they can flavor your study routine.
Date: December 17, 2024
Location: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
Teams: Memphis Tigers defeat West Virginia Mountaineers 42-37
Sponsor: Scooter’s Coffee, known for its specialty coffee drinks and fast service
Tip: Fuel your mornings right. Use the early hours of the day to tackle your most challenging tasks, like writing practice essays or reviewing dense outlines. Pair this with a productivity system like the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focus, followed by a 5-minute coffee break.
Bar Prep Food Pairing: Pair a hot cup of Scooter’s Coffee with a granola bar or a handful of nuts for a quick and energizing start to your day.
Date: December 23, 2024
Location: Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho
Teams: Northern Illinois Huskies defeat Fresno State Bulldogs 28-20 in 2OT
Sponsor: Celebrating Idaho’s famous potatoes, a staple food product versatile in dishes
Tip: Build a solid foundation. Just as potatoes are a staple food, foundational subjects like Torts, Contracts, and Criminal Law are essential to bar prep. Dedicate regular time to reviewing these subjects and understanding their nuances.
Bar Prep Food Pairing: Enjoy a baked potato with a dollop of sour cream and chives for a hearty and comforting snack.
Date: December 28, 2024
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Teams: Iowa State Cyclones defeat Miami Hurricanes 42-41
Sponsor: Pop-Tarts, known for their iconic toaster pastries with various sweet fillings
Tip: Kickstart your day. Incorporate quick review sessions into your morning routine. Spend 10-15 minutes going over flashcards or practicing multiple-choice questions during breakfast to activate your brain and build long-term retention.
Bar Prep Food Pairing: Savor a toasted Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tart with a glass of milk for a nostalgic and energizing start to your study session.
Date: December 31, 2024
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Teams: Illinois Fighting Illini defeat South Carolina Gamecocks 21-17
Sponsor: Cheez-It, makers of crunchy, cheesy crackers loved by snackers everywhere
Tip: Focus on the small details. Bar prep success often comes down to mastering fine points, much like savoring each individual Cheez-It. When practicing multiple-choice questions, review why each answer choice is correct or incorrect to deepen your understanding.
Bar Prep Food Pairing: Snack on a bowl of Cheez-Its with a glass of sparkling water for a satisfying and light study break.
Date: December 31, 2024
Location: Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas
Teams: Louisville Cardinals defeat Washington Huskies 35-34
Sponsor: Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, a classic cereal featuring the iconic Tony the Tiger
Tip: Bring the energy. Start your study sessions with a positive affirmation: "I’m grrreat!" This boosts confidence and sets a productive tone. Pair this positivity with timed practice exams to build endurance and simulate test conditions, enhancing your readiness for exam day.
Bar Prep Food Pairing: Enjoy a bowl of Frosted Flakes topped with sliced bananas to provide a quick energy boost during your morning study routine.
Date: December 31, 2024
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Teams: LSU Tigers defeat Baylor Bears 44-31
Sponsor: Kinder’s BBQ, renowned for its flavorful sauces, seasonings, and marinades
Tip: Spice up your prep. Introduce variety into your study routine by alternating between different subjects and study methods. This approach keeps you engaged and helps reinforce learning. For instance, dedicate mornings to multiple-choice questions and afternoons to essay writing, ensuring comprehensive coverage of material.
Bar Prep Food Pairing: Pair fresh-cut veggies like carrots and celery with a small serving of Kinder’s BBQ dipping sauce for a quick, lighter snack that still packs plenty of flavor.
Date: January 1, 2025
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Teams: Texas Longhorns defeat Arizona State Sun Devils 39-31 in 2OT
Sponsor: Chick-fil-A, famous for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries
Tip: Consistency is key. Establish a regular study schedule, setting specific times each day dedicated to different subjects. Consistency helps build discipline and ensures comprehensive coverage of material. Additionally, allow yourself a rest day each week to recharge, similar to Chick-fil-A's practice of closing on Sundays.
Bar Prep Food Pairing: Treat yourself to a side of Chick-fil-A waffle fries with their signature Chick-fil-A sauce for a perfectly crispy and flavorful reward after completing a challenging practice test.
Date: January 3, 2025
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Teams: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Sponsor: Duke’s Mayonnaise, a Southern staple known for its rich, tangy flavor
Tip: Add some depth. Duke’s Mayonnaise is famous for its rich, tangy flavor that sets it apart from other brands, much like how reviewing all explanatory answers—even for questions you answer correctly—can set your bar prep apart. Don’t skip over explanations just because you got a question right; instead, focus on understanding why the correct answer is correct and why the other options are wrong. Just as Duke’s Mayo adds a unique richness to any recipe, this deeper understanding will add depth and precision to your bar exam preparation.
Bar Prep Food Pairing: Enjoy a freshly made turkey and cheese sandwich with Duke’s Mayo to keep you satisfied and focused during extended study periods.
