Go Red, White, AND Blue

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Following Tragic Incident, University Makes Right Decision

At 3:30pm EST on Thursday, September 13, the University of Michigan announced the postponement of this weekend's football contest against Western Michigan University. I don't think you'll find a more dedicated group of Michigan fans than the ones you can see by scrolling through the pages of this website. However, I think I speak for all of us when I say...'It's just not time for football'. To show up at the golf course at 8am for the purposes of imbibing and celebrating the football team that I love would be, at this point, disrespectful to the victims and their families, and my heart would just not be in it. I only wish there was another reason to gather and embrace the friends that I miss and share our thoughts and feelings. My suggestion to all is to spend time this weekend with your friends, your family, and reflect on what is really important.

As I updated this page, I looked back on the statements I made following the loss at Washington. "We move on... We continue to tailgate" I remember at the time I thought that our now blemished record was the most important thing in the world, as if the world was coming to an end. Now it just seems funny and insignificant. In due time, Michigan football will continue, and perhaps it will be just what we all need to get us away from the television coverage of the attack on America or the impending war on the bastards that facilitated the attack, and enjoy a college football game. I for one cannot wait to join 110,000 Americans in the singing of 'The Star Spangled Banner'. But it will just be a football game, which is what it always should have been.

We are the lucky ones. Despite the inconveniences that we have endured and will have to endure, we can all take a moment and thank God that we are alive, our family and friends are alive, and that next Saturday, we can still say "Go Blue".

Thank you for stopping by UMTailgate.com. 

God Bless America and Go Blue

FD-WM

Gone in 60 Seconds

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Rick Neuheisel has the honor of being part of two of the most dissappointing losses in Michigan history. In both instances, one of which is probably airing on ESPN Classic right now, Michigan was clearly the better team, but ended up with the 'L'. Michigan was unable to seal the deal in picturesque Seattle, Washington, and headed home to Ann Arbor with its first loss of the young season. In less than 60 seconds in the 4th quarter, the Huskies blocked a kick and returned it for a touchdown, and returned a Navarre tipped pass for a touchdown 2 plays into the ensuing Michigan drive. It could have easily been a 15-6 Michigan lead...instead, shocked road fans looked up at the scoreboard finding the Wolverines down 20-12. Play calling was suspect, and the lack of a big play quarterback made THIS Michigan fan want to head down to Columbus and beat up a baseball player.

Either way, what's done is done. We move on. We fix our mistakes. We continue to tailgate.

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We stayed in good spirits and had a great time in a great city. The pictures on some of the later pic pages are from a trip we took up near Mount Ranier.

The Enemy Infiltrates the Road Tailgate

Notable guest at the post-game tailgate was Tyler Krambrink (left), Husky linebacker and a relative of the Godfather. On the shelf with a broken arm, Tyler will be ready to play for the Pac-10 season opener...and down the road when we rematch the Huskies in the Rose Bowl. Rumors around the Michigan program say that someone tipped off the Huskies to our complicated offensive gameplan. Could it be the Godfather that told his cousins...we run left, run right, then throw 4 yard out patterns on 3rd and 7?

All About the 'M': Mayhem, Milestones, Marriage, and Miami (OH) at Michigan

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Over the Hill: 50 Straight For 2 Tailgaters
Those who stay will be champions. Bubba and Stephan W attended their 50th straight Michigan game on Saturday, enduring what may have been the most boring Michigan victory ever. The Godfather presented several of us with commemorative champagne with personalized labels marking the boys place in history.

Not to be outdone, Bildo presented all of us with new Michigan Nike hats, and Goody presented several of us with personalized Michigan hats. The gifts, speeches and hugs...the season is starting...the family is together again.

Finally, several message board regulars were able to put faces with message board names. It was nice to meet some people for the first time... even though I already felt like I knew them.

The Captain Drinks Some Captain...Then Goes the Way of Jordan
About half way into the tailgate, our friend Larry dissappeared. Minutes later, Captain Michigan appeared with a duffel bag full of yellow socks and passed them out to the tailgaters. He announced that he was ready to leg wrestle again...right now. He quickly disposed of Goody, Tuba, and Brian.  I warned you all...don't ever count out the Captain. He'll be leg wrestling until his 6 feet under...and then he'll wrestle God.

It Doesn't Get Any Bigger
No doubt, the Michigan vs. Miami of Ohio tailgate was the biggest ever. I am pretty sure that everyone that I've ever known was there. Noticibly absent were the Bolivians, who I thought might make the trek from South America for the game. A quick shout out to those that travelled from far away to make it to the game... Bildo and Tuba flew in from New York, and UManiac came in from Wisconsin. I tip my Michigan hat to all of you that come to the tailgates despite the fact that every game is an 'away' game for you. I want to thank everyone for attending the first real tailgate since the creation of UMTailgate.com. People know us, people know this website, and the support and thanks I received throughout the day (especially that which came from people I have never met) is enough motivation for me to keep this thing running forever.

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Up Next
The Wolverines travel to Seattle for their next game against Washington. Washington has some of the same issues that Michigan has...new QB, new Offensive Line. It should be an interesting matchup. It would really SUCK to fly all the way out their to watch us lose, so cross your fingers for the Maize and Blue and the travelling tailgaters.

Coaching Mecca To Face Blue

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Know Your Enemy

Well, we're less than a week away. Miami of Ohio, former home for such legends as Woody Hayes, Ara Parseghian, and our own Bo Schembechler, will come to Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 1 for what should be a warm-up game before the Wolverines head to Seattle the following week. Of course, Ohio State took the Redhawks for granted last year... Miami had the game tied up 10 to 10 at the end of the half before going on to lose 27-16...much closer than I would feel comfortable with.

Lunch With the Yuppies

I attended the Victor's Club lunch on Saturday with Bubba, Stephan, Old Frank, Bubba's Dad, and Tears. Lloyd spoke...and made reference to a certain team 'south of here' that is 'counting the days'. He also gave us a BCS lesson and made a Freudian slip, saying 'we' when referring to this year's Big Ten Champion. All in all it was a fun event. The team took off pretty quick after our private practice, so I was only able to get a pic with Chris Perry.

Retirement

At this time, UMTailgate.com will not be commenting on the supposed retirement of Captain Michigan from leg wrestling. A full report will be available after we talk to him at the tailgate.

Are You Ready For Some...Alcohol?

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The Tailgate

And so it begins. A group of people that have seen each other only a few times in the last eight months will soon be congragating every Saturday through Thanksgiving...plus a Bowl game (god willing). At 8am on Saturday, September 1st we will begin a ritual known as the Tailgate. Stronger than any religion, deeper than any bond, and often more exciting than the four hour contest that it precludes...the Tailgate is a time to drink in excess, eat in excess, gamble on the last digits in the score, catch up with old friends, and make new friends... all while wandering around in a constant buzz.

The Participants

Fame used to be contained by the confines of the golf course. Now, with every aspect of our tailgating life being displayed to the entire United States (and Bolivia) there is no doubt that The Godfather, Captain Michigan, The Madhatter, Bubba, and Stephen W will become household names by season's end. I can barely contain my excitment at the prospects of the first UMTailgate.com Tailgating action.

The Streak

Shall I compare them to Joe DiMaggio? ...or perhaps Cal Ripken? Among our tailgating crew there are a few of us that plan to attend each and every game this season. But there are two individuals that will reach a pivotal milestone on September 1. Bubba and Stephen will be attending their 50th straight Michigan game (that's home and away). I can't begin to express the respect I have for their endurance. They've dealt with wins, losses, and bringing their wives on road trips. Their travels have taken them to the Rose Bowl, Hawaii, and Florida...among countless trips to the universities of the Big Ten. So, when you see these guys on September 1... be sure to tip your Michigan hat in their direction.

Just Who Do I Think I Am?

Well, I'm not a sport's analyst...that's for sure. I am always happy to offer my opinion on The Team...most of the time in an optomisitic manner, and especially when Tuba comes to town and fires me up. So, for the purposes of this website, I will be using a complicated simulator (NCAA Football 2002 for the Playstation 2)to make predictions on the season instead of my biased heart. This is what the simulator came up with after I ran through the whole 2001 season (this assumes Spencer rides the pine):

Michigan finishes the seaon 8-4, tied for 3rd in the conference. They win their bowl game against Georgia Tech, and end up #14 in the coaches poll, and #12 in the AP poll. Chris Perry and Tim Bracken combine for 1300 yards, 13 TD's, and just 1 fumble. John Navarre throws for 2382 and 12 TD's.

Miami wins the National Championship. Heisman Trophy: DeShaun Foster - UCLA (runner-up Tico)

Down To Business

First and foremost...you're all invited. I can't guarantee a parking spot, but I can guarantee you a beer and some chex mix. Stop by and see us, get your picture taken, and you might even get your grill depicted on UMTailgate.com.

Thanks for stopping by...

-The Webmaster