Week 10 CFB 2011 (Eagle Up and Beer Pong Rain Delay)

Tailgate Update – A big weekend for the Tailgate! First stop was Chestnut Hill, MA for the Thursday night ESPN game featuring the Boston College Eagles hosting the Seminoles from Florida State. I was invited to tailgate BC style with legendary BC fan and athletic department supporter, “Bob “Pops” Leblanc. I was instructed to wear a bright yellow T- shirt with the words “BC Super Fan” maroon lettered on the front. I follow instructions well, and did what I was told. Bob is a friend of my sister Patsy and brother in law Barney. I learned that night, that Bob is on another level as far as loyal fans go. A 1971 graduate of BC who now lives in North Carolina, yet still goes to all BC home games as well as all the away games. It's not just the game for Bob and his crew, consisting of his wife Peggy and friends Nick Nickerson and Rick & Cilla Gagne, its living the Tailgate dream in style! It’s experiencing all the accoutrements that make Division 1 college football so enjoyable (Read my earlier posts from week 4) Bob and his crew epitomize all that is right with college football. Their Tailgate has the most choice spot in "The Heights" reserved for each home game just a few short steps from the north entrance to the stadium. They treated me to a tailgate like none other: cold beer, bacon wrapped scallops, and bacon wrapped beef, kielbasa, hand carved prime rib sandwiches and the coup de gras, lobster tails grilled in garlic butter! This crew has the program down to a T with each person performing the same job each week for 13 -14 weekends during the college football season. I am told that the menu varies from week to week but it never drops in quality or quantity. Having never met the BC gang before that night, they could not have been more hospitable to this outsider. They were beyond awesome as they treated me as if I had been doing this for the past 40 years with them. 30 minutes before kickoff I participated in their ritual called “Eagle Up” where all participants grab a flavored shot of their choice (I believe mine was Lemoncello) and raise a toast to the mighty BC Eagles. I look forward to repaying the ritual to you all when you are on my turf in the future. I believe I will see you all in 2013 at the USC game in LA and the Clemson game in South Carolina.

The BC campus was beautiful, decked out in classic East Coast style college architecture. I took pictures for my 16 year old daughter as she is interested in the school. Anyone in Boston want to adopt her? She is self sufficient and was raised on college football. The stadium (Alumni Stadium)was awesome and decent sized as they have recently completed the closing in of the North end zone. My seat was on the 42 yard line 20 rows up from the field. I couldn't ask for much better. Although BC is having a down year, the fans were loyal, knowledgeable and respectful (Unlike some poser institutions I have been to). Clearly this is a school with a loyal following and great tradition. The only downer were the obnoxious FSU fans (About 5,000) doing the damned tomahawk chop! Although BC’s defense was stout, it’s offense did them no favors starting with a turnover on their own 3 yard line early in the first quarter. This resulted in the first of 4 touchdowns in the first half. The offense struggled to get going forcing their D to spend more time on the field than they would have liked. A change in QB’s brought new life into the game for BC as they drove down the field to the FSU 1 yard line only to fumble with 40 seconds left in the first half. The second half was more evenly matched nonetheless, the final score, FSU 38 – BC 7. I will be back!

Back at Tailgate HQ on Saturday for the game of the century ("GOTC") we were joined by veteran Tailgate members the Casteleins (C2 fresh off his Big House/Horseshoe double header last weekend) and Tailgate newcomers (but old friends the Whites). Tailgate Amy (my lovely wife) whipped up some mean chili and baked potatoes as the main course, coupled with plenty of draft beer and good wine. Would the game live up to all the hype that has been building up for almost 2 months? Remember, I had an offer to go to this game live with Alabama Al but had to decline and get my card stamped for more events in the future. I know this is hard for most of you that are envious of my seemingly countless supply of hall passes. However, contrary to popular opinion, Amy owns my ass! Speaking of Alabama Al, he was kind enough to ship me the Beautiful T shirt that Says College Gameday live from Alabama on it (See picture of me). He did not like to hear that I owned a “Geaux Tigers” purple and gold T shirt and insisted that I wear the proper colors for this game. So anyone out there that is not sure what to get me for Christmas I wear XXL and I pretty much look damned good in all your school colors. Hey what, you think I write this blog for free? This is your payment for the annual subscription. To kick off the festivities prior to the “GOTC” we participated in the Tailgate Olympics at Dan's bar & grill (DB&G) AKA my man cave, gals vs. guys. 5 events all involving beer, the girls won the soccer kick, the boyz won the bean bag toss, the girls won the balls on a string toss (quite fitting) and the boyz won the flip cup relay. Beer Pong was postponed due to rain. We will have a makeup day for that to decide the battle of the sexes. I still rule at flip cup! The big game lived up to its billing in some regards as these two defenses are far superior to any other defenses in the country. I am not surprised that the combined point total was 15. Neither QB looked great but that will happen when you are matched up against the athletes that each team possess on the other side of the ball. In my view, the difference in the game was clearly the play where the LSU DB wrestled the ball away from the Alabama receiver as he was falling to the ground on the 1 yard line. Bama would have had 4 cracks at putting the ball in the zone but it was not to be. I still think that these two 2 teams may very well meet again in the BCS Ship if certain scenarios play out.

Around the rest of the country: NIU over Toledo 63 -60 on Tuesday night! 17 Touchdowns, are you kidding me. This game was a great start to an outstanding 5 days of CFB! Brother Billy, you drinking that lite beer yesterday was the second unmanly thing you did this week. What was the first unmanly thing you did, you ask? Shall I let your brothers tell you? Do you need one of my hall passes? The Tribe has voted, you are out!!! Congrats to Kellen Moore for setting the all time wins record for a starting QB at 46 and Case Keenum for setting the record for Yards and TD’s for a QB. Outstanding achievements for two outstanding young men! Both Boise and Houston had decisive wins to go along with the records to stay perfect on the year. Perhaps the best game of the day was televised head to head with the “GOTC” and probably had a fraction of the viewers. However, those that did watch it saw a game go down to the wire with OK State pulling out a 52 -45 win over an inspired Bill Snyder K State Wildcat team. OK State now sits solidly in the 2nd slot for the BCS with their destiny controlled by themselves. The Bedlam game this year will have dual national championship implications. I believe my boy Shoelaces has a flat tire, as he appears to be running out of air again for the Wolverines. Iowa, seriously? Sparty gets another win but in ugly fashion. My nephew, Nate, was just accepted to attend MSU next fall. Your favorite Uncle will be there to check on you, in the Fall of course! The fighting Brian Kelly’s eked one out in Winston, Salem against the Demon Deacons. Hey Brian, how are Charlie's boys working out for you now? And a “Not so fast my friend” out to Northwestern for plucking the Cornhuskers out of their home turf and discarding them. I know Arkansas taught the Ole Ball Coach a lesson yesterday but I still don’t think the “Backs” are all that. Grunt grunt, snort snort, soooooheeeee! And just when we thought little Ricky was down and out in Beverly Hills, he has UCLA in contention for the PAC 12 South title slot after knocking out the Vontaze Burficts from Tempe. Hail to the Falcons for capturing the CIC trophy by beating Army yesterday and having dispatched the Middies earlier in the year. And last but not least, all is right in the Dan From The Tailgate world again as I rooted against USC Friday night and they still won. I know all my faithful SC fan readers would be worried if I didn’t take a jab at them each week! Love your passion but someone has to be my enemy. "Boulder" Bo was in attendance as a plant for the Tailgate to report back on enemy activity. See pic of him and his daughter with Ralphie the Buffalo during pre game festivities.

Football History lesson – The Big House and Hail to the victors!

Gripe of The Week - Poor commentary – Specifically I am going to single out Brent “Day late dollar short” Musberger. You see, ole Brent was calling NFL games on CBS when I was a wee lad, and he was already middle aged back then. I am no longer a wee lad, through deductive reasoning that makes him no longer middle aged. Apparently he has not heard about the mandatory retirement age yet (I think it is 85 for announcers). He is no ageless Keith Jackson. His comments are usually wrong, they are typically late (Like 10 seconds after a play) and they always lack merit or cred. His side kick Kirk Herbstreet is pretty good. He would be even better with a partner who could actually see the game and know what the hell to say. Sometimes I think BM (Nice initials by the way, quite fitting) is texting people during the game or doing a crossword puzzle and periodically looks at the field and makes a dumb comment. Brent, you are like Brett Favre or an aging heavy weight boxer now hanging on way past your prime (not sure you ever really had one by the way) and making a fool of yourself. Hang it up Huckleberry Hound Head! Yes you do have a face for radio but a personality for solitaire. I am not sure why ESPN/ABC gives you the prime spot every week. David Pollack or Chris Fowler would be better suited for the role. Thank you for your service to the sports world, now run along little doggy! What was that Coach Bennett? No Brent won’t play like a dawg…MEowwwwwwww!

Next Week the Tailgate is heading to Boise for the big match up with TCU. Tailgating starts bright and early since it is a 1:30 PM Mountain kickoff. We will be joined by fellow Danville Boise Parents the Griffins and Ricarts. And of course my lovely daughter Rachel will be my guest of honor! I believe Bloody Marys and breakfast tailgate food will be on the menu.

Happy Tailgating!

Week 9 CFB 2011 (BCS Shuffle)

Tailgate update – A low key weekend for the Tailgate as the main event was an “Occupy Back Yard” movement at DB&G Saturday for the USC – Stanford game. I am after all the other 1%! And what an incredible game it was, maybe game of the year so far, and I have seen some great ones. I was joined by Dave “I don’t look like Wannstedt” Quilici for the event. For the first time in my life I was pulling for SC (purely for the purpose of helping Boise in the BCS chase) and of course they let me down. As they say “when you dance with the devil…..” If not for the SC defensive back who took the cheap shot on the Stanford receiver in regulation on a 3^rd and 10 with less than 2 minutes to play, drew a flag and extended the drive, SC would have won. Lame Kitten would have been the toast of tinsel town….but no, the undisciplined SC style turned out to be the difference. Damn thugs, last time I root for them! We did see Major Mark Trojan Rodrick USMC, USC, USA, waving his flags on ESPN Gameday Saturday morning at USC as well. Did you get to meet Erin Andrews? I did manage to watch parts of about 20 games from Tuesday through Saturday. Guest Tailgate reporter Craig “Let’s do shots” Castelein watched games at the Big House (Field Passes) and the Horseshoe under the lights on the same day! Quite a feat C2. You earned another pass to hang out with me on Gameday!

Around the country, the Vandy missed chipped shot field goal (Shades of Brotzman AKA Ray Finkel) and the untimely fumble cost the Music City Miracles a win against the much overrated Pigs from Fayetteville, AR. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEY. Congrats to Joe Pa And his 409^th win as the all time winningest coach in Division 1 history. Your feat will never be matched by anyone. You are a living Treasure (when you are awake). Brian “I have to retrain these kids” Kelly got a much needed win over an outgunned Navy Squad in South Bend. Northwestern & Marshall putting up minimum retirement age numbers on the Hoosiers and UAB respectively (fiddy nign). The BC Eagles put the Terps in their Talons quite easily and soared to new territory... A win! When is Coach Tedford going to bench Zach Maynard G Krebs and put in a QB that can throw again? You made Little Ricky Neuhiesel look like Pop Warner hizzzzzself! The Black Shirts gave Sparty a very rude reception in Lincoln. That is not very nice hospitality from the Cornhusker State. Gramps Weeden & Mr Blackmon and the Ok State D proved me and others wrong that they are more than just a potent offense and can play D against a good O. Sorry RG III, it just was not your day. OU got their Mojo back and renamed Snyder Stadium “Stoops Field”, at least for the day. The Dawgs have quietly crept back in to the top 20 and took another bite out of the Gators at the world's largest cocktail party. Wisconsin Coach Brett Bielema was heard petitioning the NCAA to get rid of plays going under review. Gordon Gee and his bow tie are quite pleased with themselves these days. And Dabo, we want to thank you and the Clemson Tigers for participating in this year’s race for the Ship. Your post game interviews have been choice! Better luck next year.

Gripe of the week– Long hair, long not beautiful hair! With role models like Troy Palamalu, Clay Matthews Jr and Al Harris, college football is full of unoriginal posers who spend more time primping on their hair before a game than worrying about executing fundamentals. They want the world to see their locks, mains and trains as if we are to be impressed. Guess what? We are not. All you metro men should have your damn hair yanked on every play and your scalp should be full of bald spots by game’s end. Cut your damn hair, get a crew cut and looked like a flippin ball player, would you? This is easy for me to say as I personally don’t have the opportunity to sport one of these dos!

This week the Tailgate will be in Chestnut Hill, MA for the BC- FL State game Thursday night. I am told I will be met with a tradition called “Eagle Up” at the Tailgate before the game. I am looking forward to rubbing elbows with the folks that grill up lobster tails at their gate! Saturday night we will be back at Tailgate HQ at DB&G to watch the game of the Century – Bama –LSU. Nuff said. Oh yeah, check out the new Heisman poll on the left hand side, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite team in the favorite team poll.

Happy Tailgating!

Week 8 CFB 2011 (The house that built me)

Hey folks, see that ad to the left? Click on it as many times as you can because I actually get paid by Google if you do. This money will go toward my travel expenses for tailgating as well as the three weddings I will have to fund for my daughters.

Another outstanding weekend of College football that served as a reminder of why the game is so special to us fanatics. We will break down the action shortly but first things first, the Tailgate Update:

The Tailgate was on the East Coast again on business and was able to tie in a visit to the towns I grew up in (Rockville & Gaithersburg, MD) prior to game day and of course miraculously, I was able to partake in some serious Tailgate action and a game at the Naval Academy. Whenever I get back to the area, I try to take a trip down memory lane and drive by and visit many of the places that shaped me as a person (Not speaking about the pubs in Frostburg as my oldest brother would insist). On this trip I drove by all the fields that I played pick up and organized sports on, the schools and Church I attended, houses of many childhood friends, locations where favorite restaurants and stores once stood, the cemetery where my parents are laid to rest, popped in on several old friends that were influential to me during my early years, and visited the house I grew up in until I was 14. I have been by my house on a number of occasions since we moved in 1978, but never had the courage to knock on the door and ask if I could come in and have a look around. On this occasion, something came over me and I was moved to get out of the car and go to the door, I did and I went in. Of course nothing looked the same and everything felt smaller, but it was quite a moment for me as I have had dreams of the house ever since moving away. My sister reminded me that there is a country song by Miranda Lambert called “The House That Built Me”. This song was very apropos for the occasion. Now I can check that off my bucket list. Enough of the old guy remembering his lost youth crap now… let’s talk about some football!

I was joined by all three of the Brothers Donnelly, Chuck, Billy, and Brian and nephews Sean & Joey. This was only the second time that all the Brothers have tailgated at a CFB game together so it was a special weekend for the Tailgate. Brian and Billy grilled up a feast of ribs, wings, and chili cheese burgers. We also had prosciutto & cheese and of course a cooler full of adult beverages. Great stories and tales were retold and family humor was on full display. The weather in Annapolis was great East coast Fall football weather, overcast and a crisp 60 degrees with leaves changing colors. The tailgate lot was festive with Navy fans as well as those supporting the Pirates from East Carolina. Many charcoal flavors filled the air from neighboring tailgate camps. We were also visited by my Fraternity brother from Frostburg Jerry “Buck” Hampton (see pic above of me and the skinny guy with the Gatorade). I even held my nose and sported a Navy hat for the day much to the chagrin of my Army buddies. The stadium was amazing. This being my first time at Navy - Marine corps stadium for a game, I tried to take it all in. I was able to see numerous plaques commemorating many of the great naval battles in U.S. History, visited the different pavilions sponsored by various graduating classes, and viewed the structural magnificence of this compact but perfect cathedral. The flyover by 2 A-18’s, the Brigade of Midshipmen marching in to the stadium in formation, the PA honoring our men and women currently in harms way and the band playing “Anchors Aweigh” made this more than just another CFB game for me. This was America at its best. The game had all the elements of a classic, and Navy battled back from an early deficit to take the lead in the 4^th quarter only to lose the lead with less than 2 minutes to go. The Midshipmen had one last chance as they drove down the field and scored what appeared to be the game winning touchdown only to be nullified by the review booth. They then set up for a field goal attempt only to have the kick bounce off the goal post and land harmlessly back on the field as the clock expired. Final score East Carolina 38 – Navy 35. The event was concluded when the players sang the Alma Matter to the student section. I almost forgot to give mention to the one they call “first down Freddy” as he did a little dance ritual attired in his kilt after every Navy first down (See pic of old dude in kilt).

We packed up and headed back to the hotel to catch all the late games after picking up a bag of the best crab cakes anywhere in the world, G&M’s near BWI airport (Seriously, I make a point to go there whenever I am in the area). All of us being Notre Dame fans crammed into my room and watched in dismay as the Trojans and boy Lame (the understudy of my all time favorite snake in the grass Cheat Carroll) managed to turn BK bright red on numerous occasions while thumping the Irish. I have several bets I must now pay off because of this utter humiliation. Even though I had to get up bright and early to catch a 6:30 flight back home there were still many games to keep watching, and I did until 1:30 AM Eastern time. The Michigan State – Wisconsin finish was perhaps the most exciting ending of the year with a controversial Hail Mary pass that resulted in the game winning TD for Sparty and a major upset over the badgers. The other late intriguing game had the Tuberville Red Raiders and the inclement weather stormin in to Norman to take on the Sooners. After nearly a 2 hour storm delay, TTU pulled off the biggest upset of the year hanging on to beat the Brothers Stoops and Boomer Sooner on their home field. Tubberville and the boys were heard singing as they headed back to Lubbock: “OKLAHOMA, where the winds come sweeping down the plains and the Red Raiders embarrass you at home”. Boise had their tightest game of the year as the Falcons from Air Force grounded out over 400 yards of offense on one of the nation’s top defenses on the smurf turf. But good teams always find a way to win even when they don’t play their best. Clemson, K-State, Houston and OK State continued their perfect Cinderella seasons with blowout wins. Andrew Luck and the Mensa boys from Palo Alto answered any doubts as to whether or not they could beat a quality team by harnessing the Huskies and sending them back North whimpering. Cal finally woke up to get a win over the struggling Utes (What the hell is a Ute?). Alabama and LSU have now set the stage for the game of the century on 11/5 as both won in convincing fashion over quality SEC rivals and will enter the game undefeated ranked #1 & 2. However LSU was without star player Tyrann Mathieu as The Honey Badger was caught dipping in the “Honey Pot” down in Baton Rouge last week and was suspended for a game. I can’t wait for this game and truly wish I could be there. We will have live updates on game day from Tailgate vet Alabama Al. Oh yes I almost forgot to thank Coach Neuhisel for his fine work at his Alma Matter. Good luck in whatever new endeavors you seek next year Ricky! Lastly, does anyone think WVU is ready for the SEC after having their bubble burst in the Carrier dome Friday night?

Gripe of the week – My brother Brian pointed this one out: Why do colleges feel that they need to blare out head banger and hip hop music at the game when they have their marching bands in attendance? Personally I can turn on XM radio anytime I want and hear the crap they insist on playing over the speaker system. However, I can only hear the bands play when I attend a game. The marching bands, dorks that they may be, are one of the Key ingredients that make college football special. So as they said in American Pie 2, “Let Petey Play” and the rest of the flute toting band dorks as well. It is their right as Americans to be heard.

A special shout out and props to another Fraternity brother and Rugby teammate Greg “Shock” Shockey as he was inducted into the Frostburg State University Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday for his prowess on the football field. And to think I taught you everything you know about Rugby Shock!

After 3 straight weekends of Tailgating at different venues, the Tailgate will be grounded and watching the action from the cozy confines of DB&G. Come by and have a cold one if you are in the area!

Happy Tailgating!

Week 7 CFB 2011 (2 Pigs on a spit!)

Faithful readers of this blog, I have created a new poll on the left hand side of the site that asks you to vote for your favorite team. I am trying to gauge from the viewership where your rooting interests are, so I can make sure your team gets a mention periodically when they deserve it. Please vote today so I can give your team props or abuse!

I have been revered in the circle of men who do not get the same allocation of hall passes for college football entertainment as I do (believe me there is a price to pay). I have been loathed by the wives of friends who I encourage to attend tailgates and games with me and blow off family and spousal responsibilities. Nonetheless I was taught as a kid no matter how good you are at something, there will always be someone better than you. And Friday night at the San Jose State tailgate, I met tailgate royalty, and I bow down in humility in his presence. I was introduced to the man who is hitting 30 games in 30 different stadiums this season! 15 stadiums already down with 15 to go. Several triple header weekends and double headers all accomplished over 15 weeks. We at the tailgate conferenced and decided one of three things: A - He is a multi millionaire with no financial worries, B – He has no job and this is what he does for kicks and hitchhikes around the country, mooches food at tailgates and sneaks into the stadiums. C – His wife has disowned him or shortly will, and he doesn’t care. Whatever the case, you have my utmost respect Mr. CFB Traveler! Send us an update as you hit each stadium and we will track your progress.

Tailgate update – Friday’s annual “Men of Laurelglen” San Jose State tailgate and game vs. Hawaii was pure EPICNESS (Is that even a word). My day started off with getting a prescription for muscle relaxers for upper back pain. I thought it was a great idea to pop of few of those prior to hitting the Tailgate. I have pictures from the rest of the day so I have been able to re-create the events as they are a bit fuzzy to me from 2 PM on! I highly recommend doing this, as I was purported to have a permanent smile on my face all day. In all seriousness, only professionals should do this, it is dangerous. Classic tailgate grub with Tailgate Tom’s brisket and ribs, I brought Sis’s beer brats, we also had kielbasa and chicken sausages, beans, potato salad and a keg of Fosters! Homecoming at SJSU is a must every year. The tailgate lot was rocking like never before. The weather was perfect, 80 degrees and blue skies. We were paid a visit by Meister Jaeger around 4 PM then all hell broke loose as usual! Next thing you know all the coeds are doing keg stands on our keg, I was goaded into playing cups with them again (And of course I still rule at the game), and we made new friends who I believe went by the names of Luscious, Gorgeous, Awesome, Delicious and Hotness. They even entertained us with a female wrestling match…way cool. The family across from us stuck two small pigs on a pole and hand cranked them over an open pit for 5+ hours, and the skin tasted great! We even had Random Guy number 2 hang in our camp and drink our beer and eat our food all day. I think he was taking a break from the occupy Wall Street protests. Several live bands were playing, San Jose’s finest were patrolling, and the cocktails were flowing and the food was sizzling. But clearly, meeting the guy who is Tailgate royalty was the highlight of my day.

The tradition of this annual event is that we all become rabid Spartan fans for this one game a year. And what a game it was. SJSU is much improved this year as Coach McIntyre is shaping things up in the South Bay. The stadium was rocking with their largest crowd in 4 seasons. A third of the crowd was adorned with Hawaii green. The SJSU student section was unusually large and vocal. 6 turnovers by each team kept this game more than interesting. Each offense racking up over 400 yards in production. A blocked extra kick returned for a 2 point score which turned out to be critical in the outcome of the game. With the Spartans down 5 points with 36 seconds left, they scored on a 37 yard TD pass to take the lead and hold on for victory. We had decided we were rushing the field with the students if they won…and we did. Classic moment was seeing my daughter’s friend on the field in the masses with a surprised expression on her face as if to say “Aren’t you a little old to be rushing the field with the student section?”. I plan on growing up when I hit fifty, I am clearly not ready for that commitment yet. For those that watched it, it was definitely the most exciting game of the weekend. I should know, I watched most of the other 50 games.

Around the rest of the country – We at the Tailgate would like to thank the following teams for participating in the BCS hunt for half a season after losing their first games: Michigan, Illinois and Georgia Tech. Better luck next year. LSU, Bama and OU solidified their grip on the top 3 spots. The next tier of undefeated teams all had impressive wins: Ok State, Boise, Wisconsin, Stanford, Clemson and Kansas State. Oh, and I must give props to Ohio State for finally playing Buckeye ball and pounding Illinois. AZ State went down in Eugene in a spirited attempt to knock off the juggernaut known as the quack attack without their two lead ducks on the field. Just good coaching Chipster. In the battle of the Glove State there was no “Hail to the Victors”, it was all Sparty as Mr. Shoelaces had his worst outing of the year. Big game again next week in East Lansing as the Badgers come knocking. Navy lost another close one to the Scarlet Nights in New Jersey. Question, is the “Honey Badger” Tyrann Matheiu of LSU the most exciting defensive player in CFB since Deion or Hugh Green? I am so impressed with this kid every time I watch him. I can’t wait for the LSU – Bama game on 11/5. This could be the game of the century.

Arizona’s Mike Stoops joins New Mexico’s Mike Locksley as the only coaches of major college football programs to be fired since this season started. Good thing your brother is in a position to take on a charity case! Just to go on record, this was predicted by the Tailgate several weeks ago. When the “desert swarm” became the desert mirage we knew his time in grade would be short. Who is next?

Hit of the week - Watch how this beast wraps up his target and drives him to the turf!

A get well to good friend Tailgate Terry Kernan who suffered a mild heart attack this week. Wishing you a speedy recovery bro! Terry has 2 sons currently playing college football. See pic of him above.

Gripe of the week – Players have forgotten how to tackle. As a kid in Rockville, MD playing youth football, one of the first things I was taught was how to wrap a player up with your arms, hit low and drive them into the ground. These days, thanks to Madden, players take the more spectacular and dangerous and ineffective route of launching themselves like missiles and trying to ram the ball carrier with their shoulder or helmet. The result is often an injured player and a ball carrier that is still upright and gaining yards. Who is teaching these kids? I remember my coach Perry in 8^th grade was a former college football player for Arkansas State. He did not like the way we were hitting in practice. He proceeded to demonstrate by tackling every kid on the team with proper technique while in his street clothes. Most of us went home bruised, battered but with the knowledge of proper tackling techniques tucked away in our brains for life. This technique served me and my shoulders well during my collegiate rugby playing days. Of course nowadays, if Coach Perry tackled a player at practice there would be a slew of whiny parents with lawyers ready to lynch and sue!

Next week the Tailgate is heading back East to Join the three Brothers for the Navy- East Carolina game in Annapolis Md. The grub is going to be fantastic!

Happy Tailgating!