Syracuse, N.Y. -- Scott Shafer arrived at the Carrier Dome Saturday afternoon for the umpteenth time, but this one was different.
This time, rather than being dropped at stadium control, he and the rest of Middle Tennessee State's players and coaches entered on the Irving Avenue side. He walked up a few dozen stairs and hugged Department of Public Safety sergeant Andrew Clary before making his way to the visitors' entrance.
Former SU linebacker and graduate assistant Siriki Diabate and Shafer's son, Wolfgang, are also on MTSU's staff and followed the older Shafer into the Dome.
Here's video of his entrance, which was viewed in person by a couple fans.