So I Had This Idea...

​...that I was going to be the cool guy again and show you a picture of the new field turf, but MVictors spy is better than my spy.  That being said, here's a nice one from before the letters were added:

Also, in case you were wondering where the website went all weekend...we were once again hacked.  Some enterprising bastards tried to use dark corners of my server space to spoof monster.com, trying to trick folks into giving out personal information.  According to the powers that be, no one took the bait, so that's good.  The bad?  A good portion of trickeration in the form of spoof code was hidden in the photo module.  So, ya, the photos are gone for a little while.  I think I'm gonna go with a more reputable host this time, in the hopes of not having to reload all the photos for a 4th time...that host will be the fine folks at google.  So look for that sometime before kickoff.

BTN Awards

The Big Ten Network's midwest-centric repackaging of the ESPY awards happens tonight...and the marquis matchup is Giant Douche vs. Turd Sandwich for coach of the year.  Seriously, Michigan State playing Ohio State in an athletic capacity turns my stomach enough, but when Tom Izzo faces off against Jim Tressell, we all lose...so let's hope that Illinois men's gymnastics coach Justin Spring pulls off the upset.

Also of note, the Michigan Men's Gymnastics team is up for team of the year...vs. MSU hoops, OSU hoops, and OSU Football.  Michigan also appears in pretty much every entry into the "game of the year" category...all on the losing end....so, um, yay for being competitive?

Anyway, tune in tonight at 7pm to see Dave Revsine and Gene Keady wear tuxedos.

Know Your Goals: The Big Ten Bowl Lineup for 2010-11

With realignment around the corner, this could be the last we see of some of these matchups...at least in their current form.  But for now, it's important that we recognize the urgency surrounding the program with regards to making it into one of these games.  There may be some debate on what the number is that Coach Rodriguez has to hit to keep his job....be it 7,8, or 9 wins...but there will be no debate if Ohio State is the last game we play.  No bowl....hello Jim or Les.

The selection order is as follows:

#1  Rose Bowl vs. Pac-10 (1/1/2011)

#2  Capital One Bowl vs. SEC (1/1/2011)

#3  Outback Bowl vs. SEC (1/1/2011)

#4  Gator Bowl vs. SEC (1/1/2011)

#5  Insight Bowl vs. Big 12 (12/28/2010)

#6  Texas Bowl vs. Big 12 (12/29/2010)

#7  Dallas Football Classic vs. Conference USA or Big 12 (1/1/2011)

#8  Little Ceasar's Pizza Bowl vs. MAC (12/26/2010)

"The Cove" Secured for Saturdays This Fall

I might be jumping the gun here, both because it's only June AND because I haven't received final confirmation from our newest landlord, but I'm fairly certain that it is safe to say that the tailgate has secured new digs for the 2010 football season.  I have affectionately branded it as "The Cove" for it's relative privacy.  It's tough for me not to hype it up, as it is a ridiculous amount of space...like, the kind of space where you will visit different places within the space throughout a tailgate.  For those that endured the tight fit of the 2009 campaign, I think you will definitely enjoy our new wide open spaces.  There's also a ton of parking for guests relatively close by.

Again, this is not a public venue, so just as we did last year, if you think you should be "in the know" then shoot be an email to me at frank at umtailgate dot com and I will provide you with the location.

The party begins in 10 weeks...gotta get back to planning!

Really Pete Carroll? Really?

​Just taking it all in here.  Izzo on the brink, conference realignment, and USC-ya.  Honestly, does anybody like Lane Kiffin?  Are the USC faithful sitting over there in L.A. saying to themselves "this is our guy"?  The sick feeling I get when I see Kiffin speak...is this how all the haters feel about Rich Rod here in Michigan?

But if you want to formulate a definition of slime ball liars, allow me to suggest as your poster boy one Pete Carroll, who dropped this gem on us LIVE on PETECAROLLTV.

"I'm absolutely shocked and disappointed at the findings of the NCAA"

I also can't believe that Herbstreit is giving these ass-clowns a pass on Sportscenter.  Whatever.  Shut 'em down.  2 years no bowls...and we're taking your girl's tennis wins away too.