The gridiron rituals began early in Los Angeles today when at least 100 or so Longhorn fans put on their war paint before noon to whoop it up in anticipation of a BCS victory tonight.

University of Texas grad Jamison Monroe Jr., class of 2003, and his California girlfriend, Emily Pereira, opened their Los Feliz neighborhood home at 11 a.m. to UT alumns intent on getting a jump start on the school spirit thing. The couple ordered in Mexican party fare — fajitas, queso, carnitas, etc. — and served Texas-style libations including margaritas. Although a native of California, Pereira embraced the UT esthetic decorating the picnic tables in the backyard with Longhorn-themed tablecloths and orange and white flowers. She even found orange lanterns to hang around the party scene.

They hired singer/songwriter Samantha Stollenwerck and her band to entertain. Early arrivals from Houston included Brian Kilpatrick, Wade Kilpatrick, Billy O'Neil and Leigh Ellis IV. The adult pep rally was planned to go on until 3 p.m. West Coast time when limo buses would transport the party people to the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif.

The night before

Texas fans crawled across LA last night with UT parties taking place from Area night club, host Matt Hicks, to the Mondrian Hotel where fans took over the entire first floor plus the pool patio and the SkyBar. More than a few Longhorns dined at the famed Ivy including Ginni and Richard Mithoff, Laura and Bill Wheless, Candice and Lonnie Schiller, Ron and Jennifer Dillee, and Roland Sledge. UT fans also took over Katsuya, with one side of the room chanting "Texas!" and the other side responding, "Fight!"