He'll Walk

Rich Rodriguez has a strict policy that he will only talk about players that play for Michigan.  He never commented on Terrell Pryor.  He didn't discuss Mallet's departure.

The exception to this rule is Brock Mealer.

Brother of Elliott Mealer, he was paralyzed from the waist down in a car crash.  That crash resulted in the tragic death of Elliott's and Brock's father and Elliot's girlfriend.

I've personally talked about this several times, but it is definitely a story that has flown under the radar locally despite it's appearance nationally on E:60 a while back.  Today, the Angel updates the inspiring story in the Detroit News.  This kid from Columbus is going to lead the 2010 edition of the Wolverines on to the field on September 4th...because of Rich Rodriguez and his staff.

"He'll walk," Barwis said firmly as a statement of fact, not as a hope or dream.

There was no agenda here.  This happened right when he got hired.  This isn't snake oil or a publicity stunt.  This is a good guy folks.

Go Forth and Prognosticate

There are many signs that alert you to the dwindling time before first kickoff.  Freshman arrival, first practice, first AP/coaches poll...and the arrival of the famed football helmet schedule.  It is no longer the technological marvel it once was, as any schmuck with excel can do this these days, but it is beautiful in its simplicity, great for a quick glance, and the Big Ten sheet looks nice hanging on the wall of your cubical.  Thanks to Purdue Josh for sending it my way.

You can download it here.

Jordan Walsh Knows More Than You

Maybe it takes a teenager to tell you about your coach...albeit a 6'4'', 270lb teenager, but regardless...

"We talked a lot about (different) stuff, and not always about football. He told me about the new additions to the Big House, the town, and everything. I like him. I guess you could say he's different from how he is portrayed. He's a really cool, laid-back person. He's always smiling, and the way he talks about things, you kind of just feel good talking to him."

Exactly.  Kind of a cool story too, with his parents being Fab 5 fans and Jordan "verbally declaring" to Michigan when he was still in diapers.

Dude. Suite.

​I made the trek early this morning to Michigan Stadium for the "Stadium Tour," otherwise known as "the ONLY time your going to be allowed in the rich folk area," and let me tell you, I'm totally sold.  I had convinced myself way back when the the suites were just a twinkle in Bill Martin's eye that I would not be enticed by such a luxury, that I would only sit (stand) in the section I was raised in, good old 30, surrounded by the common folk in an area fueled by passion, belittling our enemies, and pouring our souls into a group of young men in winged helmets.

And then I saw them.

Now I want air conditioning, a big comfortable seat, and a waitress.  I guess I will just have to go from not wanting a suite...to not having any chance of ever getting a suite.  But I will tell you this:  The stadium tour today will without a doubt get them closer to having the suites and club seats sell out.  Once you see them with your own eyes, you're done.  My advice is to get over there today and take a look at what we've built together...with every ticket and t-shirt we've bought.

There used to be a question (outside of Ann Arbor of course) on what the best stadium in college football was, back when we were just Big.  Now there is no question.  The most beautiful, modern, classy....and still the largest...college football stadium.  The Leaders and Best?  Absolutely.

The suites are only located on the top floor of each of the structures...the 5th floor.  Here are the suite level pics:

[sthumbs=549|544|543|551|545|546|547|548,144,2,y,center,]

4th Floor is the club level...

[sthumbs=552|560|558|557|556|555|554|553|561,144,2,y,center,]

The 3rd floor is very similar to the 4th floor...

[sthumbs=564|563,144,2,y,center,]

So ya, get down there...it's open today from 6am to 8pm.

Your 2010 UMTailgate.com Home Game Tailgate Themes

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We're less than 8 weeks from embarking on the most important season in the storied history of Michigan Football.  Okay, okay, maybe that's going a little too far.  Isn't the most important season for any team the next season?.  Of course, our situation is a bit different, as the future of our coach and a system that I desperately want to have work hangs in the balance.

But let's not lose site of what we're doing here....tailgating.  Our crew is on the move for the second year in a row, hoping to find a stable home in the shadows of Pioneer High School.  The spot is a little further from the playing field than last year, but it is also orders of magnitude larger, as we hope to spread out and breathe a little easier.  Again, if you are someone that thinks they are worthy of getting an invite or directions to our spot, be sure to email me as we approach the showdown with UCONN on 9/4.  And if you're stopping by, be sure to follow the theme for that week.  Without further ado...

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September 4th, 2010, Michigan vs. UCONN:  The Caddyshack Theme

Last year's first game started what might just end up being a tradition of first games with movie themes.  Last year it was the Step Brothers inspired "Boats, Ho's, and the Catalina WIne Mixer."  This time, we're taking it back 30 years, celebrating the classic film "Caddyshack."  What does that mean?  No idea.  But some light brainstorming brought me visions of goofy golf gear, deep fried baby ruths, and the Godfather "stepping on a few ducks."

September 18th, 2010, Michigan vs. UMASS: The Christmas (or Festivus) in September

Hopefully a little cooler temperature-wise than Christmas in July, this theme is fairly self explanatory...though I'm not real excited about the color scheme.  They do sell Michigan Santa Hats at MDen if you are so inclined.  Can't wait to decorate the trees in "the cove."

September 25th, 2010, Michigan vs. Bowling Green:  The Bacon

This tailgate will center around the finest cut of meat you can purchase, smoke, and cure...pork belly.  And while this theme is food centric, don't hesitate to snag yourselfsome bacon gear to wear.

October 9th, 2010, Michigan vs. Michigan State:  The Urban / BBQ / Grafitti

This theme seems to pop up every season, combining soul food and southern BBQ with 40's of malt liquor.  Grafitti T-shirts are also rumored for this event.  More on that later.

October 16th, 2010, Michigan vs. Iowa:  The Carnival (Homecoming)

After disappearing in the 2009 season, the carnival returns with elephant ears, cheesesteaks, games, and prizes.  Plus, it's homecoming.

October 23rd, 2010, BYE WEEK....Vegas

November 6th, 2010, Michigan vs. Illinois:  The Thanksgiving Tailgate

Traditional Thanksgiving fare will be on the menu, only the turkey will (of course) be deep fried.  Dressing, green bean casserole...and I really want to get a turducken.

November 20th, 2010, Michigan vs. Wisconsin:  The German

We welcome the Badgers by celebrating their culture of meats in casings and giant beers in das boot.  Bonus points if you show up in liderhosen.