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Today I have a special treat. I did an interview with Charlsa Perdew. She is the owner of SouthernGirlsCollegeFootballGuide I knew her through her husband and met her a few weeks ago in person in Atlanta. I can tell you she knows college football and especially SEC football. Her favorite team is the Alabama Crimson Tide. I think you will really enjoy her insights. I encourage you to visit her website and read her articles.

Mike: Well the obvious first question is how did you become such a football nut?

Charlsa: Mike, I could take a very long time to answer this and it would probably include a “life-story”, so…I’ll spare you and your readers. High school and college football were a part of the southern culture where I grew up in N. Alabama. The boys who played on our local team were my friends; we played pick-up games on Sunday afternoons in the fall – all of us, boys and girls. We played “powder-puff” football, coached by these guys (we wore pads-it was tackle). When I went to the University, several of my hometown friends played on the team- I was SO proud of them. I’ve followed it since then and my interest has intensified with age.

Mike:  I know you are an Alabama fan. Did you grow up an Alabama fan or did it come later?

Charlsa: Nope. I have never been any other than an Alabama fan. My parents/grandparents were as well and my great uncle was the team doc back in the 1930’s…now, a friend from my hometown, Dr. Les Fowler fills that spot.

Mike: You probably know more about football than any woman I know. Not only do you know Alabama but from talking to you I can tell you really know football. How did you acquire this knowledge?

Charlsa: Well thanks for that! I appreciate that a bunch. I learned about football, most likely about the same way that you did. I played it some when I was young, watched a lot of games and listened to a lot of sports commentators. In recent years, I’ve actually studied it more by looking up remarks, plays, catch phrases, etc. when I didn’t understand. I have plugged in to the current happenings via Sports Talk Radio, ESPN and TWITTER. I am also a subscriber to several football websites like ESPN Insider and others.

Mike:  I have been to your website and it’s very nice. Where did you get the idea for the website?

Charlsa: Thanks. The answer to this is simple: I saw a “chick flick” 2 years ago called “Julia and Julie” in which a young woman began to “blog” about something she was passionate about – gourmet cooking. Not being passionate about that, I said to my husband, “I could write about football, from a woman’s point of view”. He was excited about it and encouraged me and…, helped me get started.

Mike:  Have you seen any other sports websites that are for women like your?

Charlsa: Nope, but I have really looked. Have you?

Mike: Nope and I did a quick search.

Mike: You have your e-book on there Southern Girl’s College Football Guide. What can a girl or guy for that matter expect to learn from your guide?

Charlsa: The SGCFG e-book takes the reader from basic to more complex. The beginning assumes “zero knowledge” but builds throughout. And, it’s done with a bit of humor and with an effort to simplify. It’s an excellent reference source as well.

Mike: I also understand you put on an event where women come in and learn about football. Tell us about your event.

Charlsa: We do a workshop, complete with power point and handouts. The highlight is actually assigning the participants to a player position and standing up to simulate standard plays and the roles of the positions on offense and defense. This “role-playing” part is a great way for the participants to solidify their learning experience and it is a lot of fun (especially for the down linemen).

I will do it as often as I’m asked (and paid)

Mike:  Do you have any other plans for your site?

Charlsa: Sure. I’m in the middle of some interviews with former players and other standouts in southern athletics.

I try really hard to maintain a “non-denominational” approach on the site and so far have succeeded. I don’t want my followers to feel like we are biased because as women, we all have the “underdog” mentality when it comes to football “legitimacy” – you know, no one expects us to know anything about what’s going on. So it’s all a step UP!

I’d like to include more ACC info and get some more ladies interested from that fan base.

Mike:  Now on to this year. Most people are picking Alabama to win the SEC West. What’s your breakdown of the West?

Charlsa: It’s easy to pick winners before anyone has played and I’d say that Alabama is a legit favorite. The recent setbacks (arrests) for LSU put Jared Lee in the QB role-I don’t feel very trusting of the success of this move. But, I haven’t seen him play much since his “interception mania” days. I believe Arkansas will be a threat even with the loss of Knyles Davis-there DLine is scary but the secondary a question. The Razorback’s offense will be good, I think.Right now I’d say: Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Miss State, Auburn, Ole Miss.

We will know SO MUCH more after this weekend, when we see what LSU does against Oregon and from the East, what Georgia does with Boise State. (I sure wish they could beat the Broncos and stop the inevitable Boise in the BCS chatter in 2011)

Mike:  What do you feel is the strong point of the Alabama team?

Charlsa: As always, Defense and defensive depth.

Mike:  What could be a problem area or two for Alabama? Or do they not have any weaknesses?

Charlsa: They have weaknesses and a lot of unknowns. The kicking game always worries me and of course, the new QB/QB’s. And, there’s the lack of proven wide receivers.

Mike: What’s your take on Nick Saban?

Charlsa: Love him. He is a good man with a good heart and…he’s terribly out of place addressing crowds and in dealing with the media, he’s plain awful. He is an introvert in an extrovert’s job.
His daughter lost a sorority sister and close friend in the tornado. He loves his children and he watched her go through that. We are seeing a different kind of Saban in Alabama the last few months – off the field, not “on”.

Mike: Anything you would like to add?

Charlsa: Thanks for the opportunity, Mike!

Below I have a biography of Charlsa. By itself it’s very fascinating. She is or has been an opera singer and rides Harley Davidson. Her husband David is a big Harley guy and they ride together. Like I said earlier she also knows more about college football than any woman I know and most men.

Charlsa began blogging in 2009 at the site, www.southerngirlscollegefootballguide.com . Her blog is featured on the website of local radio stations such as 690 The Sports Animal and JOXfm. She has been delighted by the following of wonderful women (and men) of the South on Twitter and the blog site.

 Charlsa is a native of North Alabama, but lived most of her adult life in Atlanta, Ga. Charlsa’s small town roots fostered a love of football and a fierce loyalty to her teams. A “self-taught” football enthusiast, she has helped educate her friends and acquaintances through the years to the basics of college football. Charlsa readily admits that her devotion to the sport is “over the top” and defies logical explanation.

 Her blog is totally fueled by questions and concerns voiced by the women of the South. “Let’s Kick it Off, Ladies” is the first in a series of 3 e-books for Charlsa and is now available online. The second installment will be out this at the close of this football season.

Professional Bio

 Charlsa Taul Perdew served as a music educator in metropolitan Atlanta for more than eighteen years and held the position of Adjunct Professor of Music at Georgia State University. Charlsa holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the Universities of Alabama and Georgia State. She received undergraduate training and two Bachelor of Science Degrees from The Universities of Alabama, Illinois and Kennesaw State.

 Charlsa was employed by the Atlanta Opera for thirteen seasons and served as mezzo soprano soloist with the Atlanta Opera Studio Program for two seasons. Her solo work also includes performances from the standard oratorio repertoire. She was also under contract with the Atlanta Opera’s Artist/Mentor Program and wrote the curriculum guides for their summer music camp sponsored by Atlanta’s FOX THEATRE.

 Her students have participated in record numbers in All-State events, The Governor’s Honors Program and State Literary Meet. She has directed eight State Champion vocal ensembles and her choral groups consistently received superior ratings. Choirs under her direction have performed at Carnegie Hall and Westminster Abby and have been featured on demonstration recordings by SHAWNEE PRESS.

 Currently, Charlsa maintains a private vocal studio, conducts a professional women’s choir, and operates a music consulting business.