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.

The Victors Walk

/

​A new tradition begins this year with a weekly "Victors Walk" prior to each home game.  The team will be delivered via bus from their Friday night hotel a few hours before game time.  The players and coaches will be led from their busses to the locker room by the Michigan Marching Band and anticipate large crowds waiting to greet them and "fire" them up.  This is a popular tradition at many schools and I think it is a great idea.  Not sure if many of us will make the jaunt to the drop off point at Crisler Arena from the UMTailgate location but I am just keeping you informed.

Weekend Roundup, IT'S GAME WEEK!!!! Edition: August 24, 2008

/

The largest grill ever to adorn the tailgate has been assembled.  If I can drag it behind my car, I'll have no problem getting it to the corner of Stadium and Main.  I can't even figure out how to properly dispose of the packaging.  Can't wait for Johnny Cleveland and The Hammer to life it into the Sequoia.

In other news, the addition of the Big Ten Network to Comcast is the bain of my existence.  I can't turn it off.  This afternoon, I watched Michigan State's last victory in the Big House (circa 1990), and despite already knowing the controversial outcome, got pissed all over again...just like I did in 8th grade.

Anyway, here's what happened this weekend while I fired up 8 burners with two propane tanks within my apartment....

Back to Business

/

​There's been some requests for tailgate theme information, which was previously posted back when we had the spring meetings, but probably should be summarized and become a part of the front page. So, here you go (permanent link now on top of the page under "Schedule and Themes"):

Utah: August 30th, 2008

  • Time: 3:30pm

  • TV: ABC

  • Theme: All American

  • Attire: American flag stuff

  • Food: American classics like hamburgers and dogs would suffice, but I think were looking at a corned beef hash breakfast...baby backs, cornbread, and baked beans for lunch.

  • Music: Real American (Hulk Hogan entry music) on repeat


Miami of Ohio: September 6th, 2008

  • Time: 12pm

  • TV: ESPN or ESPN2

  • Theme: The 80's Tailgate

  • Attire: Collar popped... anything that you've seen the Godfather wear.  Get creative and dig out your old Rose Bowl gear from 1981.

  • Food:  Looking for ideas here outside of pop rocks and coke.

  • Music: Jesse's Girl, Come on Eileen, etc etc


At Notre Dame: September 13th, 2008

  • Time: 3:30pm

  • TV: NBC

  • Theme: Party at the Godfather's

  • Attire: Anything other than a t-shirt from previous parties

  • Food: FryDaddy will be doing it up in Stevensville


Wisconsin: September 27th, 2008

  • Time: TBA

  • TV: TBA

  • Theme: German

  • Attire: Lederhosen

  • Food: Kraut and what not...reuben egg rolls???

  • Music: Polkas


Illinois: October 4th, 2008 (Homecoming)

  • Time: 3:30pm

  • TV: ABC

  • Theme: The Carnival

  • Attire: Clown costumes

  • Food: State fair food

  • Music: Circus instrumentals


Toledo: October 11th, 2008

  • Time: TBA

  • TV: TBA

  • Theme: Western Theme

  • Attire: Cowboy gear

  • Food: Chuck wagon favorites

  • Music: Country


At Penn State: October 18th, 2008


  • Time: 4:30pm

  • TV:ESPN

  • Theme: Winnebagoes

  • Attire: N/A

  • Food: TBA


Michigan State

: 

October 25th, 2008

  • Time: TBA

  • TV: TBA

  • Theme: The Formal Tailgate

  • Attire: Formal attire. Suits, dresses..Sunday best.

  • Food: TBA


At Purdue: November 1st, 2008

  • Time: TBA

  • TV: TBA

  • Theme: TBA

  • Attire: TBA

  • Food: TBA


At Minnesota: November 8th, 2008

  • Time: TBA

  • TV: TBA

  • Theme: TBA

  • Attire: TBA

  • Food: TBA


Northwestern: November 15th, 2008

  • Time: TBA

  • TV: TBA

  • Theme: Wild Game, Soups and Stews

  • Attire: Hunting gear

  • Food: Uhhhh...Wild Game and Soups and Stews

  • NOTE: POSTGAME BANQUET AT DAMONS


At Ohio State

  • Time: TBA

  • TV: TBA

  • Theme: Survival

  • Attire: Nondescript clothing that won't get you killed

  • Food: TBA