I Can't Wait

/

​It's been a busy day at the UMTailgate.com offices tying up loose ends.  I've received tons of email this week about where to go, what to do...how to tailgate.  The official rules will be updated tonight to reflect the upcoming season, and hopefully that will answer most inquiries in a FAQ fashion.

We've got three days.

The equipment has been dusted off, and the amount of space it occupies in my home is akin to the amount of space tailgating occupies in my life.  I'm excited about every aspect of the journey we are about to go on together....culinarily (not actually a word, but sounds good), socially, in the stands, on the field...

I can't wait for the domino run of brake lights as those in line for the golf course see that the gate to the tailgate has opened.  I can't wait for the look on Captain Michigan's face as I pop the rear door on my SUV and he sees the amount of equipment packed inside.  I can't wait for the sizzle of the potatoes that will hit the cast iron skillet, or the ribs as they meet 118,000 BTUs of grilling power.  I can't wait for that first (and decidedly too strong) sip from the mug of captain and coke.  I can't wait to greet the three people that attend Gar's tailgate.  I can't wait to feed Cooper.  I can't wait to see what everyone has brought.  I can't wait for that first burn-my-mouth bite of Pammy's cheesy potatoes.  I can't wait for what will likely be the largest group picture in our history.  I can't wait to wait in line at the corner to get out of the golf course and head to The New House.  I can't wait to get waived in at section 30 by the best security detail in college football.  I can't wait to make the turn to look up in the stands for Kevin and his cowbell.  I can't wait for the looks from the latest crop of freshman students wondering who the crazy fat guy is.  I can't wait for bandtakethefield.  I can't wait for the banner to be touched.  I can't wait for The Claw.  I can't wait for LeAnn to slip me some Henessey.  I can't wait for the wave after an insurmountable lead.  I can't wait for "it's great to be a Michigan Wolverine."

I can't wait to prove everyone wrong.

Behold the Power of "OR"

/

Hey, scrap that depth chart from yesterday.  The official chart has now been released along with this week's Utah pregame notes over at the worldwide leader in Michigan propaganda.  Lots of "or's" on the page.  Most notable?  McGuffie and Shaw, connected by an "or," sitting quiety ABOVE Minor and Brown at the running back slot.  Good or bad?  You decide.  The crowd will no doubt go apeshit as the offense trots onto the field for the first time with Mr. YouTube #2 in tow.

Cutting the excitement with a knife will be an understatement.  Seriously, whatever you are envisioning, double it.  Because the slightest success will be met with a raucous response in this new era of the unexpected.

Anyway, 9 "or's" have found their way on to the offense depth chart, while the defense seems shored up and "or"-less.  Some of them are bad, like one of the two starting offensive returnees, Carson Butler, finding himself in a three-way "or" with Mike Massey and freshman Kevin Koger...or the giant elephant in the room on the field that is the battle for the field general spot between Threet and Sheridan.  The remaining "or's" are more of an either-or situation.  Moosman at center or at right guard...wide receiver and early arrival Darryl Stonum at X or Y.

Hey, it's not so much the "or" itself.  It's the choice that is made. And don't forget that hindsight is 20-20.  Important to remember when you think back to old "or's," like Jason Gingell OR KC Lopata....or Tom Brady or Drew Henson.

In other news of note for you BTN lovers...it's Michigan week all week.  Big Ten Legends: Lloyd Carr airs tonight (Tuesday) at 6pm, followed by Michigan over Alabama and Shawn Alexander in the 2000 Orange Bowl.  MGoBlue has the details.  Also, don't forget about the premier of the Michigan Replay replacement on Thursday night at 6pm on FSN.

4 freakin' days.

Mark Your Calendar: The Return of the Utes

/

​The Wolverines have rounded out what will most likely be the worst home slate since, well, 2006.  The 2008 Wolverines will open the season with a spirited contest against the Utah Utes on August 30th.

This is the non-conference showdown you've all been waiting for.  I'm sure you recall the amazing seasaw battle between these two elite programs back in 2002 that ended 10-7 in favor of the Maize and Blue.  No doubt the Utes will be out for revenge...or perhaps they're just out to get some new uniforms.  A quote from the Salt Lake Tribune:

Utah will receive a guarantee of $800,000, up from the $500,000 it received in 2002 to play at Michigan.

Wow.  And an even better quote...

"A chance to play in the Big House, what more can you ask for?  That is college football, that is the the essence of college football." - Kyle Whittingham, Utah head coach.

Awwww schucks.  You guys...you are my favorite mormans outside of the cast of Big Love. 

Not So Hot

/

Utes With Heart

The Utah Utes, with their small corner of fans within Michigan Stadium, did everything they needed to do on Saturday. They hung around until the very end, getting within a field goal late in the fourth quarter before the Michigan defense forced a turnover to seal the victory 10-7. Just watching the game was brutal, and we can only hope for improvements as we move into the Big 10 season next Saturday in Illinois. Special thanks to Gar of Garsworld.net for his post-game hospitality.

I apologize for the brief update, I'll get back into the swing of things after next week's game. Hope to see you all in Champaign.

GO BLUE!!!

The Webmaster