New Faces, New Team, New Season

 If it were possible to recreate the atmosphere that surrounds a Michigan Football Saturday, I'd do it everyday. I'd take all of the seats out of my car and pack it to the hilt. I'd set up the tent, the camp kitchen, the grills, and the fryer. And I'd invite everyone over to eat lunch food for breakfast, and breakfast food for lunch, and have them wash it down with alcohol at an hour that would make any self-respecting human cringe. But it wouldn't be the same. You can't simulate the anticipation of the game. It's the game that gathers us together, and it's the tailgate that brings us together.

There are countless things that go into a great tailgate. The level of preparation and participation is just as important as great food and great drinks. The way our tailgate comes together each week always amazes me. There always seems to be enough food, enough drinks, and enough decorations. Everybody contributes, and we work well together...which means we also play well together. And the rewards far outweigh the work. Each year, new faces emerge, joining us in our little corner of the golf course, adding to the size of our group. They bring with them new ideas, unique personalities, and family recipes. They start out as strangers, but find themselves quickly welcomed into a group of people that remember that, at one time or another, they were strangers too.

Then We Celebrate

At around noon, we honored our two tailgaters that attended their 100th straight home-and-away Michigan game, Bubba and Stephen. Hall of Famers Captain Michigan and the Godfather gave the induction speeches and presented awards. An amazing feat that deserves great recognition...Congratulations to Bubba and Stephen on their induction into the Century Club and the UMTailgate.com Hall of Fame.

And Michigan Dominates

The Michigan offense piled up 447 yards of offense, including a 20-31, 227 yard performance from QB Chad Henne and a 117 yard game from RB Mike Hart en route to a 33-17 thrashing of Northern Illinois. The Michigan defense did allow over 400 yards of Husky offense, but covered it up by forcing 5 turnovers at opportune times. Alot of work needs to be done, and if Lloyd Carr's Monday press conference is any indication, the defense will be seeing some personnel changes before ND on Saturday.