All of it. Forever. Michigan 34 - Washington 13. The National Championship Pictures.

Nearly two months have passed without these photos. Sometimes life gets in the way of things, and that has definitely been the case. Thanks to all that reached out over that time to check in on me, share a laugh, and make me smile. All is well as can be over here now in the UMTailgate Home Office, and it is time to re-ignite the celebration of what was the greatest season in our history. Houston was the ultimate reunion of the UMTailgate fam, with so many different faces from so many different time periods, and it culminated with the ultimate result that we have waited so long for. The pre-game at the bar, the concourse pre-party, the game itself, the postgame celebration, the concourse after-party, and the late night family pizza party…it was all perfect. And it always will be. I cry a little easier than I used to these days, more out of happiness and nostalgia than out of sadness, and that being the case I can spontaneously well up at the thought of the faces of the family around me when Sanristil made that pick to seal it. I shared a hug with an old college buddy who somewhat sarcastically said in my ear “A life’s work” referring to the time and effort I put into this hobby over the last 30 years. Probably sounds silly, but call a spade a spade, it has been my life’s work. And while that work will continue on Saturdays in the fall with amazing tailgates and the greatest home schedule in Michigan history, the work won’t be the same. It will forever be approached in a casual Friday manner, as from what I’ve been told, the Business Is Finished.

Love all of you. A little over six months until the reigning National Champions take the field. Go Blue.

Happy New Year: Michigan 27, Alabama 20 - ROSE BOWL CHAMPIONS

The most watched non-NFL sporting event in the last 5 years was a sloppy, mistake-filled mess that contained a laundry list of reasons to point to when Michigan fell short. Except they didn’t. Utter domination by the defensive line, a superior gameplan, and Blake Corum’s giant heart led the Michigan Wolverines past the Alabama Crimson Tide, 27-20 in overtime, adding “Rose Bowl Champions” to the list of accomplishments and securing a spot in the National Championship game next Monday. Great to see so many old friends from out on the west coast…and made about 10000 new friends in the stands. We will see you all in Houston.

Bama is on the Clock: Michigan 26, Iowa 0

An amazing day of shrimp cocktail eating, bar hopping, and not letting Iowa score a single damn point. Michigan continued their historic dominance over the conference, winning its third straight Big Ten Championship, shooting up to the top of both polls, and securing the #1 seed in the College Football Playoff. 2023 came and went without a single Michigan defeat. But the job’s not done. To be the man you’ve got to beat the man. Michigan vs. Alabama in the Rose Bowl on January 1. LFG.

End of Days: Michigan 30, Ohio State 24

It’s probably never going to be like this again. Not exactly, at least. Michigan-Ohio State will give way a bit to new team arrivals from the West Coast, a division-less 1 vs 2 Big Ten Championship game, and a 12-team CFP. So while The Game will still be The Game, the future team on the losing end will have a lot more options. Lower stakes for sure.

But on Saturday, on the biggest stage with everything on the line, including public perception of 3 years of team legacy, Michigan took the best shot from a very talented squad from Columbus and sent them home empty handed. Michigan defeated Ohio State for the third consecutive year, 30-24, in a decidingly TEAM manner. No superstars, no standout player of the game, just a win. Onward.

Way Back When-sday is Going Streaking!

November 22, 1997: Been holding on to this one for a while. This is Captain Michigan, Today is his birthday. 26 years ago today he agreed to run naked down the main drag in Manchester if Michigan beat Ohio State. He is nothing if not a man of his word. This picture was taken just after Michigan defeated Ohio State for the third straight year, locking in an undefeated regular season and a trip to the Rose Bowl en route to a National Championship. More from that day and beyond on the game page.