UMTailgate.com http://umtailgate.com Outdrinking Your Tailgate Since 2000 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:00:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en How to Tailgate with UMTailgate.com http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/how-to-tailgate-with-umtailgatecom http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/how-to-tailgate-with-umtailgatecom#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:00:29 +0000 The Webmaster http://umtailgate.com/?p=1006 These are normally found using the link at the top, but are re-posted yearly before the season, usually with an update or two.   They mostly apply to the privileged few that are a part of our group…but can be somewhat universal if you use your imagination.  So here you go:

Here are some suggestions (Big 11 of them) to make your tailgating season fun and exciting:

#1: Bring Something. I don’t care if it’s a steaming bowl of poop, although bonus points go to those who surprise us with unique cuisine, unique drinks, unique outfits, unique decorations, or unique personalities. Bringing something is your pass to enjoy everything we have to offer at the tailgate.

#2: Eat Something. Dual reasons for this. First, we’ve got too much food, I promise…just stay out of Godmother’s cheesy potatoes. Second, you’ll need something of substance in your gullet if you want to follow tip #3…

#3: Drink Something. The tailgate is BYOB, though occasionally a specialty drink makes it’s way onto the menu for all to enjoy.  Bring a giant mug and fill it with a cocktail of your choosing. Bring a cooler of beer and empty it into your belly before kickoff. Take a tug on the bowl of Yucca. When it gets cold, sip a mug of spiked coffee. In short, get drunk, because you’re a lot cooler when you’re drunk. And let’s not forget, the best tailgating stories always seem to include…(insert person here) had a lot to drink, and then he/she fell down (into the bushes / on the stadium steps / into that girl’s chest). Later (he / she) groped the (daughter / son) of (insert former tailgater here). We found (him / her) passed out (on the grass outside the stadium / in their car / under their car).

#4: Hug the Godfather. Why? Because we said so. Especially if you have no idea who he is. Because the Godfather loves to get himself some “strange”. Even better, if you liked it, you can do it again the following week…because the Godfather never remembers you the first time.

#5: Respect the Hall. The members of the UMTailgate.com Hall of Fame. Recognize them, respect them, honor them. Don’t know who they are? Check the flag.  We’ve got people here that have not missed a home or away game this century…seriously.

#6: Learn to Love. Respect all of the tailgaters, even those from the opposing team that are visiting us and wallowing in our dynasty and tradition. This applies to everyone except…

#7: Learn to Hate: Michigan State and Ohio State.  Don’t mistakenly wear their T-shirts, their hats, and in most cases, their colors. This applies to tailgating and gamedays only…however, big bonus points if you apply this rule in your daily life, like me.

#8: Go to the Game. And try to make it there before kickoff.

#9: Go to an Away Game. Ya, we tailgate there too. Some long drives are in store for this season, but there’s nothing like Saturday Night Football on the road, so quit being a candy ass and put on a white jersey.

#10: Ask Goody To Show You His Tattoos. It’s not imperative for your enjoyment, but it makes me laugh.

#11: Follow the Theme. Yes, each tailgate has a theme, and the theme is posted with each game on the season schedule.

]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/how-to-tailgate-with-umtailgatecom/feed One last Thanks to LC http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/one-last-thanks-to-lc http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/one-last-thanks-to-lc#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:15:12 +0000 Johnny Cleveland http://umtailgate.com/?p=1007

Last night the BTN premiered it Legends of the Big Ten, Lloyd Carr edition.  The show was good but I thought this quote was important for all of you to remember:

“First, you as a Michigan Man, are a part of something that is bigger than you are. And if you don’t understand that then you don’t understand what it is.  It starts with being a team guy, a guy that is going to give everything he has, he’s going to play for his teammates, he’s going to play for Michigan, he’s going to try to win for Michigan and in a nutshell that’s what it means to me.” - Lloyd Carr

Even as things change: new offense, new pregame entrance, new Victors Walk, new muscle mass, new stadium, new tailgate equipment… whether you are a student, a player, a fan or more importantly a UMTailgater, remember…

IT’S ABOUT THE TEAM!!!

GO BLUE

]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/one-last-thanks-to-lc/feed I Can’t Wait http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/i-cant-wait http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/i-cant-wait#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:02:58 +0000 The Webmaster http://umtailgate.com/?p=1001 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.

]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/27/i-cant-wait/feed Behold the Power of “OR” http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/26/behold-the-power-of-or http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/26/behold-the-power-of-or#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:10 +0000 The Webmaster http://umtailgate.com/?p=999 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.

]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/26/behold-the-power-of-or/feed The Victors Walk http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/25/the-victors-walk http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/25/the-victors-walk#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:06:49 +0000 Johnny Cleveland http://umtailgate.com/?p=997 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 Umatailgate location but I am just keeping you informed.

Detroit News Story here

Coach Rodriguez Press Conf. on MGoBlue

Michigan Sports Center Reports it too

]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/25/the-victors-walk/feed Weekend Roundup, IT’S GAME WEEK!!!! Edition: August 24, 2008 http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/25/weekend-roundup-its-game-week-edition-august-24-2008 http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/25/weekend-roundup-its-game-week-edition-august-24-2008#comments Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:26:11 +0000 The Webmaster http://umtailgate.com/?p=996 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 existance.  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….

]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/25/weekend-roundup-its-game-week-edition-august-24-2008/feed This not That http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/20/this-not-that http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/20/this-not-that#comments Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:41:49 +0000 Johnny Cleveland http://umtailgate.com/?p=992 This week we have a Umtailgate do’s and don’ts.  Throughout history, Umtailgate has had many great innovations and some super duper ideas.  However when you have a group as big as ours and with such a long history, undoubtedly there will be some not so good ideas as well.  This weeks example involved two Umtailgate Hall-O-Famers and a hairbrained plan.   These two numbnuts decided to invite a group of cyclers to the tailgate.  Now I have nothing at all against riding bikes, but the last thing anyone needed at the party was a large contingent of middle to old aged men in short pants spandex with at most tank tops up top.  The two Hall-O-Famers were scolded and life went on, but it didn’t make for a great tailgate sight.  So to new comers and veterans alike, our lesson this week is:  Think before you invite!  Now on the other hand if you have a bike like the one below, feel free to ride on in, just lose the spandex please.  There is a fine line people, only the expert Umtailgater knows which side of the line to be on!

]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/20/this-not-that/feed Back to Business http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/18/back-to-business http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/18/back-to-business#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:27:57 +0000 The Webmaster http://umtailgate.com/?p=990 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
]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/18/back-to-business/feed Boiler Up!!!!! http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/15/boiler-up http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/15/boiler-up#comments Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:54:34 +0000 The Webmaster http://umtailgate.com/?p=988 This is an interesting power-i formation out of West Lafayette (courtesy of Boiled Sports):

3 Deep Zone

]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/15/boiler-up/feed Put This In Your IPod and Smoke It: Week -2 http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/15/put-this-in-your-ipod-and-smoke-it-week-2 http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/15/put-this-in-your-ipod-and-smoke-it-week-2#comments Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:00:56 +0000 The Webmaster http://umtailgate.com/?p=987 This week’s mix from UMTailgate.com:

  1. Miami - Will Smith
  2. Spread - Outcast
  3. Tipsy - J-Kwon
  4. Flava In Ya Ear - Craig Mack
  5. Return of the Mack - Mark Morrison
  6. Real American - Rick Derringer
  7. Damaged - Danity Kane
  8. Your Love - The Outfield
  9. The Sweater Song - Weezer
  10. Drunken Lullabies - Flogging Molly
]]> http://umtailgate.com/2008/08/15/put-this-in-your-ipod-and-smoke-it-week-2/feed