Monday, November 09, 2009

Um, the sights of Iowa - the worlds largest truck stop. Allrighty then.
THIS ^^^^ is what I expect to see in Iowa!


Sunday, November 08, 2009

Our road-game set up
The Iowa fans are a hearty bunch - its been snowing most of the morning but the tailgating continues.

Kinnick Stadium






Senior punter Zoltan Mesko

Kirk Herbstreit
Freshman QB Tate Forcier

Brandon Minor
DC Greg Robinson
Wright
OC Calvin McGee and HC Rich Rodriguez

Bryan Wright
The team is ready
Here comes Herkey the Hawkeye - apparently he can't walk.
Herkey x 2


Here come the Wolverines
The first series - Donovan Warren intercepts and runs it back for a TD!!
The PAT is GOOD!
Kirk Herbstreit and Brent Musberger call the game for ABC
Touchdown Michigan!!

Okay - seriously. This is the Rancheros "Pump Up The Burrito" that fans are to participate in. Um, yeah. We did NOT participate. Clearly the Iowa fans had nothing better to do during the time out. The Michigan contingent couldn't help but stare and imagine what the Michigan fans would do if they did something like this at Michigan Stadium. Needless to say, it is something we will never have to worry about as I'm sure they will never do.
Trying to tackle a slippery QB Stanzi

Denard Robinson is in at QB






Too little, too late. We lost 30-28.

UM vs. Indiana University 26 Sept 2009

Well, the quest for the Big 10 title begins today. 11 teams are still in the hunt - primarily since we haven't played a game yet ;)

We are 3-0 coming into the game with wins over Western, Eastern and a huuuuge victory over Our Lady. We have equated our entire 2008 campaign victories in our first 3 weeks. The future is looking up. We feel that we are invincible.

Indiana has been off of our schedule for the last 2 years and we're looking forward to playing them once again. Their program has been in a bit of a turmoil as well with the untimely death of their coach Terry Hoeppner in 2007.

It was a very close game - but we were finally able to win. We are now 4-0 and have had a perfect September. Something that hasn't happened since 2006 and before that you have to go back to the 1999 season captained by Tom Brady, Steve Hutchinson and Rob Renes.

Here's to our first road game next week in East Lansing at Michigan State. We have a very young team and to go into a very hostile environment such as that in Spartyville will be a test for our youngsters.
Newbies get to play the game
Reggie let someone else work the grill! Holy cow!

Group shot!
Laura examines her jaegerbomb - closely

Cheers!
Trouble x 2
A little something for our little Wolverine on the way - Ariana
At least they're watching over us.
The MMB and the Alumni Band


Here comes the team!
The alumni captains
Check out the alumni cheerleaders! Awesome!

The alumni cheerleaders still have it!
Forcier back to pass
The defense moves in on the IU QB
Zoltan in to punt


Michigan SuperFan keeps the fans riled up with the cowbell

Tate working his way towards the endzone
Forcier works his way to the endzone
Forcier airborne to get into the endzone

Touchdown Michigan!!


We pulled it off - but wow what an exciting game!

Who's a good boy? Austi poses for me.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

UM vs. Eastern Michigan 19 September 2009

Today's opponent features our Washtenaw County rival - the Eagles of Eastern Michigan University. To understand this game a little better, you must realize that many Michigan fans are, in fact, Eastern alums. Michigan's former defensive coordinator, Ron English, is the head coach for the Eagles. He was let go after the departure of Lloyd Carr, and I'm sure he feels that Rich Rodriguez is in his parking spot. There are signs all around town about how EMU football is back. Hmmm....really? If you say so.

I'll keep this short and sweet. We kicked their ass. 45-17. End of story. We are now 3-0 and we have managed to equal our win record of last year which took the entire season. Its been a while since we've been 3-0.

Next up: The Indiana Hoosiers for Homecoming. The Big Ten season is ready to open - and the future is bright.
Breakfast of Champions - Jaegerbombs
Working on our eye-hand coordination


Group shot with Austi.
Lora & Bill

The Field Commander - walking on air!


Kickoff by Bryan Wright - an Ohio boy

#4 Brandon Minor with a little power running





Robinson in at QB
Almost blocked by the Michigan D

Robinson TOUCHDOWN!!!!



Another record setting crowd of more than 100,000!


Take that EMU and Coach English!













































Thursday, November 05, 2009

Sunday, September 27, 2009

UM vs. Notre Dame 12 Sept 2009

We are 1-0. Happy days are here again. Its been a while since we won a home opener. 2006 to be exact. Wow. Next up - Our Lady. Our former pupils of football, the Irish of Notre Dame. One of our most hated rivals. We hate everything about them - the school, the team, Jimmeh Clausen their QB and of course their coach - the one, the only Charlie Weis. The guru of the offensive scheme. Ha! I laugh at you.

We are short some of our tailgate crew this weekend. Bill is at his cousin's wedding and Laura and Chris are at Josh's wedding in Baltimore. Bonne plans on sending Chris score updates as often as possible and Bill is coming back to the tailgate after the wedding so he'll only miss a little of the game. However, we are joined by a friend from summer camp days at U of M - Anne is joining us - haven't seen her in a looong time! Looking forward to it.

3:30. Its game time. The little leprechaun and his team come out with their coach. We hate them. Have I mentioned that yet? To sum up the game, its back and forth, we have a lead, they have a lead. Back and forth. Back and forth. The team is looking better when Bonne is not in the stadium - so to take one for the team, she spends a lot of time out watching the game in the concession area. Also got to visit with the UM Wrestling Coach for whom Bonne had worked camps for in college. Bonne was actually stopped from coming back into the stadium as they kept doing well when she wasn't there! Taking one for the team, she obliged. The stadium was absolutely rocking. It was the loudest any of us had ever experienced! The structures add a whole new dimension making the stadium intimidating when 110,000 people are screaming as loud as they can! We finally have home field advantage!

Fast forward to the last 2 minutes of the game. Michigan is down and is on offense. Our Freshman QB Tate Forcier leads the team down the field and throws a game-winning TD pass with less than 20 seconds to go! We leave them 11 seconds on the board and it is sooooo loud there! Clausen has enough to get one play off after the kickoff. He throws the ball down the field - and the game is over. The game is over. Michigan has beaten Notre Dame 38-34 in the highest scoring game of their series. What an incredible feeling! We WON!! So wonderful! The fans in attendance probably won't be able to talk until later in the week - it was so loud!
A little game playing...
Dennis & Reggie
Anne and Brady

Group shot!

Beware of Wolverine!!!

Family time



Bonne & Anne











Here comes Michigan!
Honorary Captains

Go Blue!!



Koger in for the TD!!!



Another tiny crowd, LOL!

The team celebrates with the students

HAIL TO THE VICTORS!!!!

Yeah!





Saturday, September 26, 2009

UM Football Home Opener vs. Western Michigan 5 Sept 2009

Well, well, well. It is that time of year. For a football fan, welcome to Christmas Morning. 10:00am began our season with College GameDay. Love it! Now, if you asked a Michigan fan that morning how we were going to do (i.e. starting a frosh at QB) today, they would have to say they were cautiously optimistic. You see, the beginning of a new season is absolutely beautiful. Beautiful. The slate is clean, you're no longer 3-9, your coach is no longer a first year coach. Its beautiful. STUPENDOUS! Like putting the Halloween candy out when you're a kid and you can eat the whole damn thing. Wonderful!

Our day started in typical fashion - breakfast at Denney's at 6:30am. Sheryl had our drinks on the table and our food was out in short order. Then it was a quick stop for ice on our way to the house to change cars, meet Chris, Laura & crew and then we're off to tailgate!

We got our gear set up and our first (of many) Jaegerbombs was bright and early at 8:00am. Keep in mind that our gametime is 3:30. We have to go slow - this is not a sprint, its a marathon.
We were soon joined by our dear friend Dennis who always enjoys the "Call to Jaeger".

Game Time. Feeling giddy - have to meet John & Judy to do the ticket pickup. Football is upon us. We head inside The Big House. New this year - piped in music. LOVE IT! Guess what else we love? WINNING! We really enjoyed the game - what's not to love with a 31-7 victory. Guess what else we love? Our freshman quarterback duo of Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson. In no way, shape or form last year could one of our QBs fumbled a snap and pick it up then run it - UNTOUCHED into the endzone. AMAZING!! Unfreakinbelievable. Looks like this year should be interesting to say the least.

Next up - our former pupils in Notre Dame. The second or third winningest program in NCAA history. You wanna guess who's numero uno? Yeah - Michigan. Stick it in your ear ND. We may have taught you how to play the game, but Rich Rod is getting ready to re-write the manuscript. Should be an interesting matchup. Love being the underdog I do.
Sunset after a perfect day
The Michigan Marching Band - they turn their hats around after a victory. How many years did we watch them and just recently learned that?

The first year Drum Major

LOVE IT!

Mary & Bonne. We love you Mary!!!





Sheriff Laura taking a picture of me while I take one of her
Austi

A little game we like the new people to play

Boyz 'n the hood

Bonne & Dennis





Dennis "helping" Reggie
Jason has his "Rally-Cap" on for a quick game

Jen tries to get Donnie's attention

"TEAMWORK"
Craftiness with the Jaegerbombs!





CHEERS!
Laura & Jen

Jay is losing the game - apparently to Jen's delight!

Jen loses

Group Shot!





The Drum Major getting it done
Here come the Wolverines!

Honorary Captains:
Joe O'Donnell OL '61-3, Erick Anderson LB '88-92 and Mercury Hayes WR '92-5

Denard Robinson fumbles the snap and will run it in 43 yards for a TD!


Davis is so cute!





Sunday, September 13, 2009

The defense steps up



Denard Robinson

Zoltan Mesko



Attendence for the afternoon








The team celebrates with the students.






#86 Koger makes a fantastic one-handed grab!




Friday, August 28, 2009

Pictures of the stadium renovation

Yummy!
The west side of the stadium




The east side of the stadium

Comparing the size of the stadium renovation to Crisler Arena




Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Michigan Football 2009

'Tis the season to be jolly....

Football is right around the corner!! I'm ready! I'm VERY optimistic about this season. Lets face it - it can't get much worse, right?



9 Days to Go...

GO BLUE!!

Our newly married friends!! =)

Chris & Laura
Mark & Amber

Michigan at tosu 22 November 2008

Here we go - its the last game of the season. Michigan is at ohio state. (Yes, I realize that I didn't capitalize it. In my opinion, they don't deserve it.) Anyway - we are gathering at Chris and Laura's house to watch the game. We know the season has sucked, but frankly, its almost over! One more game. I could go on and on and on about the firsts for the season, but I won't. Its like beating a dead horse. Its been said before, and it will probably be discussed during the off-season so why do I need to say anything?

We had a great breakfast - waffles with kick-ass syrup, fudge, bacon. What could be better? Lunch was our favorite hearty cold-weather food - chili.

Lets say we went through a few bottles of jager - much to the dismay of some of us. (Note that MOST of the pictures aren't on here - they are not fit to put on the blog.) It was a great time with great friends. Our next feat - seeing our dear friends Chris & Laura tie the knot in January.



See you next season.
Chilling in the kitchen





Spongebob Squarepants!!




Lora & Bill
Chris cooking

Breakfast! YUM!


Don's hat









Don teaching Laura a few self-defense moves
Cheers!


Game Time!













Yes - that's 3 empty bottles of Jager

Playing a little football



New hats for Chris & Reggie







Don styling
Mmmmm....Jager


Reggie, Laura and her mom Sandy


Laura and her mom



Chilling after the game




Sunday, November 16, 2008

UM vs. Northwestern 11/15/08

Today is the last home game. We are still in shock over the loss of our friend and fellow tailgater, Dennis. We spoke with Dennis Jr. during our tailgate, and he wanted us to do some jagerbombs for his family. Done. Also had to give the "Call to Jager" which made him laugh. Hang in there. We're here for you.

Today's weather report - CRAP. And cold. What ridiculous conditions for spending the day in the great outdoors. Today is the first day of deer gun season in Michigan - I'm sure many fans would bail to go hunting - not that the weather was better for that either. We set up our gear - both tents on our tarp. One problem - the wind was so bad that it kept picking up the tent. We took down the smaller one (our 10x15) and confined ourselves to the 10x20 with walls. Reggie did the best he could with cooking - it was really hard to keep anything dry. Our generator had sat out last night (as we load up the car on Friday nights) and did us the courtesy of not starting. Thank goodness that our heater is propane fueled.

As it turns out, Laura and Lora would head to the mall during the game since we didn't have a TV. We made the decision to break down the tailgate and would go back to the house for our post-game meal. So...before heading to the game we did just that. It was probably 35 out, with a constant steady downpour which only worsened and windy. What a lovely day. Did I mention we were soaked? We broke down, the girls went to Briarwood, we headed to the game. We missed most of pre-game because it took so long to break down. We endured the first quarter and the weather continued to get worse. We were soaked through 4-5 layers each - some of which included Goretex and "waterproof" pants. About halfway through the 2nd quarter we considered leaving the game at the half. I vetoed the idea. Then it got colder and colder. And colder and colder. I spent part of the first quarter in the bathroom trying to get my electronics (camera, Blackberry) situated into the closest layer of my person to keep them as dry as possible. We called the girls and they met us back at the tailgate at the half. We sat through the NU game 2 years ago in weather very similar to this. But this was just too much. As we were pulling out of our lot, the thermostat in the car said 35. It began to snow as we were leaving. We could have tolerated plain snow, but not that much rain. It was ridiculous.

We arrived home, unloaded the cars - why not, we were already soaked. Then we had to load up the dryer with our clothes, coats, gloves, socks, etc. We enjoyed the rest of the game with the food Reggie had prepared - all comfort foods. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, chicken, veggies. YUM! At least we were dry. Attendance for the game: 107,856. Yeah, right.

We ended up losing the game 21-14. Surprise, surprise. Nothing at this point surprises us. We're just glad we didn't sit there in misery until the end.

Next up - the Bucknuts of Ohio State. Will we tailgate in C-bus for the game. Uh, hell no. We're heading to Chris & Laura's for the game. More dance lessons for their wedding reception will be practiced - it was highly entertaining. Learned how to do the Cupid Shuffle today - and we'll work on some more surprises next week. Oh yeah - and we'll watch a game as well. It is a sad state of affairs when the marquee Big Ten game next week isn't The Game, but the MSU vs. PSU game. Hmm....how far we've fallen. I'm sure next year will be better. Hells bells, it can't get any worse.
The Army ROTC guys sell programs for the game
Bill, Reggie & Chris hang out by the food

Our Sheriffs - Laura & Lora

Reggie & Nate

Our neighbors huddled in their tent





Laura, Lora & Bill hang out by the heater
Reggie & Bill

Laura & Bonne

Reggie

Nate & Chris





Bill & Lora
Bill & Bonne

Lora & Bonne
Reggie & Bonne

Nate & Bonne





Chris & Bonne
Laura, Lora & Bonne

One of several rounds of jagerbombs. Most of them were dedicated to our friend Dennis and his family.

Reggie & Laura

Playing "Shock"





Laura helps Chris put her rain pants on for the game
Nice!

The Michigan Marching Band
Wolverine Seniors

Here come the Wolverines!






Saluting America

Enough said!

Those poor people look miserable

Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald - we lost 21-14




Chris takes a nap
Laura & Bonne

Reggie & Laura practice dances for the wedding reception

Oh boy...







Thursday, November 13, 2008

God Bless You Dennis

We are saddened to hear about the death of our friend Dennis (Sr.). We will remember him for his salsa, his cooking skills, his humor, his dedication to his family and to Michigan Football.

Mary, Dennis and family, our hearts go out to you. We love you and if there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask.

Mary and Dennis 2007

Dennis with his dad, Dennis Sr.


Michigan vs. Minnesota 11/8/08

Here we go to Minneapolis! WOOHOO!! Road trip! We all flew into Minneapolis on Friday and headed to The Mall of America. Bonne is referring to it as Valhalla. What an amazing place!! And I got some pretty new jewelry =)
Then it was off to find something to do that night - WE FOUND A BAR THAT GIVES AWAY FREE ALCOHOL FROM 9:30-10:30!! Good Lord!! We took advantage - tried some new beer and then settled on our regulars.
We did our tailgating in the warmth and comfort of our hotel room. Jagerbombs were done for Amber who was walking 60 miles for breast cancer. You go, girl! The least we can do is drink for you =)
We wandered to the Metrodome - it was nice knowing we'd be inside. It was VERY cold outside.
Story of the game - WE WON!!!! 29-6! WOOHOOO!!!! I'll cut to the chase. Michigan put 4 quarters of football together in the same game. Hallelujah. We looked good in all facets of the game. Our only quandry was we couldn't complete an offensive drive and punch it in for 6. Settling for FGs isn't good when you're the underdog.
We went out Saturday night - this time to the Hard Rock Cafe. Good times. Then we got stuck with a drunk Minny fan at Applebees - tool.
Bring on the Wildcats of Northwestern!!


Downtown Minneapolis
The bridge (repaired) that fell

Minny's new stadium


The Mississippi River
Welcome



Bonne's drink of choice this weekend

One of 3 jagerbombs dedicated to our friend Amber - she was participating in the 3-day walk for breast cancer this weekend. You go, Amber!!

High-ho, high-ho, its to the Dome we go...







The Metrodome
The Minnesota Band


Hmmm....







Going through warm-ups


The Beer Man

The Minnesota FC copies the Michigan FC





The Minnesota Band plays the 1812 Overture
The "M"

Goldie Gopher makes his entrance

Here come the Gophers







Honoring our Veterans
Way to sell out the tickets















Dueling cowbells
Entertainment during the commercials








TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!





The police in our area - not sure why...

One of Minny's two scores





That's it?
Bringing the Jug to the fans










Singing "The Victors"


Here come the Packers

At the game







Sunday, November 09, 2008

Michigan vs. Michigan State 10/25/08

Well, here we are up against Little Brother - who's favorite football team is App. State - someone who can actually beat Michigan. Michigan State hasn't beaten UM at the Big House since 1990. 18 years for those of you who aren't too quick in the math department. Its been 6 years since they last won.

Anyway, if State is going to beat UM, this is probably their last best chance to do so for a few years. Michigan is certainly down, but you can never discount them.

This game was full of ups and downs - people in our section fighting, some getting ejected for a while, it was just a bizarre day. We had great food (naturally) and good times - even with our Sparties.

I won't rag on Sparty too much - this is their year to beat Michigan. Along with Utah, Notre Dame, Illinois....well, you get the idea. Its a down year - we know that.

Enjoy your time in the win column, Sparty. We'll be in East Lansing to collect our trophy next year.
The Backyard Brawl
Chillin' (literally) at the tailgate
We even let Sparties come to town
Reggie warming up the grill
Our parking peeps





Trying to keep warm on a football Saturday
Bill, Al & Chris
You act like its cold out, Chris.
Mmmmm....jager
One of many rounds

Our man on the grill
Mom says you must eat your veggies! Also on the menu, chicken rollotini

Playing the shocking game
Why so hateful, Reg?
Lora & Jung





Saturday, November 08, 2008

Group shot!
The Original 4
What a Motley Crew

Chris sporting Bonne's glasses
Chilling at the tailgate





Heading to the Stadium
Cody Martin does his thing
The players will be surrounded by Michigan letterwinners on their way into the stadium
The alumni line up
Here comes Michigan





Here come the Wolverines!!

Remember - 4 quarters
The Flyover

The Captains meet





Sam McGuffie
Honorary Captains

A little rumble in our section
MSU Coach Mark D'Antonio




A little fingerpointing in our section
AMSU player is tended to

UM at a time-out
Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez





TOUCHDOWN MINOR!!
Lopata kicks the PAT
The combined bands of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University

SACK!!!!





Michigan Superfan gets the crowd into it.
TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!
Supporting the D

Sparty
Nice kick!!





Michigan State takes the Paul Bunyan Trophy over to their fans
The final score


Our Sparty friend with his festive hat


The largest crowd anywhere watching a football game in America.








Thursday, November 06, 2008

UM vs. Toledo 10/11/08

Well folks, this normally would have been a gimme. Toledo? Come on. No problem, piece of cake.

Yeah, right. This is 2008 - the ultimate year of change. Nothing will be easy this year - if you haven't figured that out, I'm not sure what planet you are living on.

So, for your friendly tailgaters, it is truly all about the tailgate. Period. We go for a buzz-kill in the afternoon (i.e. the game) and come back to the tailgate and continue to get our drink on.

Back to Toledo. A MAC school -a conference that Michigan has never lost to. But this is 2008 after all. We lost. The first time in 24 games and we lost. 13-10. We struggled to put points on the board against a MAC team.

I have nothing else to say.
Reggie is so animated first thing in the morning...
Our tailgate shirt - signed by all attendees

Doing a jagerbomb

Here is ingenuity at work. Our generator cover has cool bumper stickers on it - it tooks us a while to realize it was UPSIDE DOWN! That was even before we started drinking...


Bonne and her vodka

Playing the game





Bonne takes a shot - is that a win or a loss?
Chris gets a turn

And so does Chris

Lora holding down the fort at the grill



Continuing the game





Does that hurt?
Playing the "Shocking" game




What a Motley Crew!



Superfan revs up the fans





Drum Major Cody Martin


Here come the Wolverines!



4 quarters...





The captains meet
The defense gets to work

Threet hands off the ball


Threet passes

Minor in for a TD






The Michigan Drumline








Our most favorite player, punter Zoltan Mesko




Davis and Reggie
The construction

The flags shadow on the field


Davis posing for the camera



Bonne and Davis





Another loss - the first to a MAC school. Ever.



The press box and construction

The construction



Hail!





Bill and Austi
Officer Brian who directs traffic at Stadium and Main

Stadium construction


God Bless you Bo.



Our Heisman Winner





The Toledo "Jambulance"
Reggie cooking up our post-game meal
Hanging out at the tailgate


Bill's on the phone - shocking...



Murphy the dog - what a sweetie





Monday, October 27, 2008

UM vs. Illinois 10/4/08

Okay - I know I am a little late blogging this...not terribly motivated.

This is the one game that Bonne would miss. Not that I'm still bitter or anything...my grandmother's estate was being auctioned off the same day. Yeah - did I mention bitter? Mark and Amber were coming in for their one and only game this season and I get to miss it because this was a "night game for tuos" and it would be the best date for the auction (for some people - which is why most of my family wasn't there). Who cares about the Bucknuts? Nevermind the fact that my heritage was being put up for bid to the highest bidder in a downtrodden economy. Did I mention bitter?

So, onto the game. Illinois comes to town with their spread offense and their all-everything QB Juice Williams. Oh - they also bring Benedict Zook (see October 2007 posts for the sign) I'll make this short and sweet. (Aside from the fact that for me that this game didn't occur - I didn't see it though I did DVR it I just didn't bother) This is our Homecoming Game, one we should win. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. They put up 501 yards of total offense to our meager 319. Juice set a Big House record for completions (I think - all I know is that it wasn't us!) or rushing...one or the other. Lets just say it was a long afternoon. Thank goodness for the tailgate and Jagerbombs!!

Final Score: Illinois 45 UM 20

Next up: The Rockets from Toledo.

PS - sorry the pics are out of order - I had them in order until posting. Not sure what happened.
Bill and Mark chill at the tailgate



Another shot...




Yummy - salmon with black beans and corn!!




A view of the construction of the west side of the stadium
Another shot




Group photo!!



Reggie working on a masterpiece





Another shot...

Mark & Amber at The Big House














Saturday, October 04, 2008

The 500th Game


UM vs. Wisconsin 9/27/08

Wisconsin comes to the Big House today for the Big Ten Home Opener. Today is the 500th game at the Big House and we are honoring our Olympic Athletes - including some guy named Michael Phelps. You may have heard of him - I guess he's big in Japan.

Our food theme for today is the "Dirty South." The menu for today's feast includes: biscuits & gravy and pigs in a blanket for breakfast and for our main meal - BBQ ribs, greens, mac & cheese with bacon and fried chicken wings. YUMMY!!

Reggie managed to get a new game - one that is "shocking" and we made it go with rumrunners. Always a good time.

We were all almost dreading this game - Wisconsin is always a solid team, one not to be taken lightly. PJ Hill is their star running back who is always tough - he hasn't done much against us, but he is not to be overlooked. Our offense is still less than productive and after a week off, who knows how they're going to do. Our defense is still a little questionable - we can't fault them for all of the errors during the ND game - most of that came off of turnovers with short yardage. So...onto todays game.

The tailgating was fun - as it always is. We had the opportunity to meet Denise Ilitch - she's running for the UM Board of Regents. Yes, I said Ilitch - you may have heard the name before if you live in the Detroit area. She was nice - stunned that I'm from C-bus wearing my UM gear though! What else would I wear?

My friend Todd finally arrived with his friend Aimee - she's a huge Phelps Phan and wanted to see him. He arrived in time to grab some grub and then onward to the stadium. If it weren't for Phelps, I don't think I would have gone in.

We arrived in our seats, watched the team warm up and bring on the band. They did their customary pre-game and then the Olympic Theme was played. WOOHOO!!! Bring on the Olympians! Peter Vanderkaay and Michael Phelps got standing ovations - Michael was sporting a "8" jersey - I finally figured out that it was for the number of Gold Medals that he won. Duh. I just thought he was friends with the current 8 Jonas Mouton.

I will keep the first half simple. It was the ugliest display of football I've seen in a long time. I mean U G L Y. Flat out nasty. It was terrible. 5 turnovers, -7 yards of passing and not much more rushing. The team was subject to questionable review calls - we should have had some overturned but they stayed with the ruling on the field. Damn. Lets just say that the team was booed off of the field at the beginning of halftime. I am not one to boo my team - I just said some really foul words - once the kids around me had gone.

The beginning of the 2nd half it looked like a different team. They finally gave up running the ball up the middle, Threet made some good reads of his receivers and the defense even scored a TD. After being booed off at the half to the fans making the Big House the loudest I've ever heard it, it was quite a turn around. I tell you - the Big House was rockin'. I personally hold us responsible for the false start on Wisconsin due to the crowd noise. It looked like Wiscy couldn't get a handle on anything and our defense was absolutely outstanding. They were able to minimize the damage in the first half by holding Wiscy to FGs instead of TDs. In the second half though, they were able to hold Wiscy to one TD in the latter aspects of the game - and were able to force punts the rest of the time. What a great comeback. We were down 19-0 at the half. We won 27-25. It was the largest comeback in Michigan Stadium history. I'm so glad we stayed. Many people left at the half and the 3rd quarter. We didn't and were rewarded with the 2nd best game any of us have seen.

Congratulations on winning the Big Ten home opener and the 500th Game at the Big House.

Bring on Illinois, "Juice" Williams, the spread O and Benedict Zook.

Always
Remember
Benedict
Zook!
The Jager Station


The first jager of the day
The UW Alumni Association Van

Friday, October 03, 2008

Bonne & Dennis try not to burn the biscuits
There are 2 college grads working the grill - you'd think one of us would know not to use plastic utensils on the grill
Betty & Reggie
Betty, Bill, Laura and Chris
Dennis, Reggie & Chris

Playing tailgate games


Corso picks 'Bama and Herbie brings up UGA VII
What a great fan!

Passing out coupons to the fans
Denise Ilitch (yes, I said Ilitch) stops by our tailgate
Playing the game
Taste testing
Laura helping our Reggie

Laura gets a drink, Aimee & Todd eat and Chris watches the game
Mmmmm....jagerbombs
Group shot: Front - Austi & Lora
Back: John, Reggie, Bill, Chris, Laura, Bonne, Todd & Aimee
The Blimp
Why thank ya.

Bucky Badger leads the Wisconsin Marching Band
Cody Martin works his magic
8-time Gold Medalist Michael Phelps



Michael Phelps





Here come the Wolverines!!
Michael Phelps and Rich Rodriguez


The coin toss

Honorary Captain Anthony Thomas
Zoltan Mesko punts it away
The Drum Major takes the day off
Taking a sack
"JUMP AROUND"

Another game with > 100,000
Setting up the "O"
TOUCHDOWN BRANDON MINOR!!!

INTERCEPTION JOHN THOMPSON!!

Thursday, October 02, 2008

John Thompson #49, scores a TD for the Defense!
Threet puts on the wheels and runs for 58 yards
TOUCHDOWN McGUFFIE!!
Gingell kicking the PAT
The defense gets to work

Zoltan Mesko punts
Wisconsin's last TD
Threet takes a knee as he closes out the biggest game of the season!
The team and students celebrate
Several of the players go into the student section to celebrate!

WOOHOO!!!!
Reggie & Austi
Bill, Chris & Laura
Laura tries to get warm
We see you sneaking into the candy!

Monday, September 08, 2008

Michigan vs. Miami (OH) 6 Sept 08

Well, its game #2 of the season and we're facing the Miami University (OH) Redhawks. Woohoo. I'm having a really hard time getting excited for this game. I'm not really sure why, but I'm not.
Anyway...Miami is also 0-1 coming into this game, and as we learned last year, its best not to overlook a small school just because they're a small school. MAC, 1-AA - they have absolutely NOTHING to lose if they go to a Big Ten, SEC, PAC Ten or ACC school and hand it to them.

I can't help but wonder - WWBD? What would Bo do? Who would he root for during this game? He went to Miami and coached there as well, prior to coming to UM. Would he root for his Alma Mater or the school he devoted most of his adult life to? I'm guessing he was looking for great defense from both teams and he would have been happy!

So...onto the game. Our theme this week is "Burgers Gone Wild" with an array of different types of burgers after the game - chicken, hamburger, turkey. Along with "fire fries" it will make for a great post-game meal. Our buddy Dennis and his cousin came by - time to give the "Call to Jager" just for him! It was great to see him - we miss him and the others from our old 'hood.

While tailgating, we saw men with briefcases, wearing suits and carrying laminated charts with both teams listed on them. I figured they must be important so we offered food and drink (which they politely declined) and I took pictures of them. As I'm taking photos, I hear Reggie say "That's Andre Ware." Apparently the ESPN2 crew had to go through the tailgate area to get to the stadium - not sure how that happened, but it did. Anyhoo...we were joined by Scott for pre-game and for post-game by Sarah and David and Scott as well.

We were able to establish a running game this week - we had double the yards of last week by the end of the first quarter. We're going to need that when we go to South Bend next weekend. Too bad our passing game isn't as effective...could we hit an open receiver for the love of football? For goodness sakes! Anyway...our offensive line is...well, offensive. Could we make a block? Could we not have to have our QB scrambling for all he's worth? We also need someone to return a punt. To our next punt returner, please run north/south - NOT EAST/WEST!!! You're not getting too many yards by running in place and running SIDEWAYS TO THE SIDELINE! Thank you. I think if we can hit some receivers, get some good field position and some protection to our QB and RB I think we have a shot at ND. However, if we continue to play in the fashion we played during the first half of the first game, we'll come home on the losing end of the game. That being said:
"TO HELL WITH NOTRE DAME." Bo Schembechler
Bill FINALLY gets the satellite working - it was having technical issues
The food area

The Michigan Stadium construction
Group shot: Lora, Bill, Reggie & Bonne
Andre Ware rolls by the tailgate. He declined our food/water/gatorade offer
Someone other than Reggie helping out on the grill
Reggie & Scott work on the pre-game food

I wonder what time it is...
Group shot! Front: Austi, Lora, Bonne & Reggie
Back row: Dennis' cousin, Scott, Dennis & Bill
Reggie & Dennis chatting it up
Bonne & Dennis
Our Boy Scout plays a "Let's Go Blue" chant for us!

Reggie makes like The Captain
Austi looks spiffy in his UM bandanna
Superfan uses the cowbell to get the fans riled up

Here comes the Michigan Marching Band

The Field Commander starts the day off right
The team takes the field
Michigan is ready

Wright kicks the ball


Threet makes a run for it
TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!!
Mesko punts
The MMB gets down during halftime to the Boy Bands of the '90s music


The defense gets to work
Getting a big cheer from the Big House - our archrival is LOSING to a MAC school
The student section looking good in Maize
A balloon floating above the stadium - ribbed at that.
The Michigan D at work

Swoop the Miami U mascot
The 210th game of attendance greater than 100,000!
Today's Attendance: 106,724
Handoff to McGuffie
Handoff to Minor to set up the TD
Lopata misses the PAT

Handoff to McGuffie
Rich Rodriguez gets his first Michigan win!!
The team sings "The Victors" with the students
Andre Ware walks by the tailgate...
...and he missed out on "Burgers Gone Wild"

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

The Beginning of the 2008 Season - A Season of Change

Well ladies and gentlemen, we are on the cusp of the 2008 football season. This is going to be a season of change for the University of Michigan Football Team. We have a new coach for the season, Rich Rodriguez (formerly of WVU) and we have lost some of our players (Henne, Hart, Long, Manningham, Arrington, etc.) Some to graduation, some to NFL opportunities, some who became traitors to our rivals in the south. (Yeah - I'm talking about you Boren.)

Not only are there changes on the field, there are changes with our tailgate as well. We have moved from our location at Hoover and Division to Pioneer High School - right at gate 5. We had concerns about the move - would we like our neighbors as much as before? How would the environment be? What's the bathroom situation? We needn't fear - things look well for us. We made friends with the security guards at our gate - feeding them and providing drinks as well. We also began to make friends with the people around us. They seem nice. That doesn't mean I miss doing the "Call to Jager" for our neighbors to join us - though I did give it via phone to Dennis!

We had most of our core group this week - Reggie, Bill, Chris, Laura and me. Lora was attending the Tigers game and she didn't make it this week. We were also joined by Chris' friend Al and our friends Mike and Sylvia from London, Ontario. They joined us last year for the Minny game - it rained then and for Saturday's game it was hotter than Hades - maybe it will be nicer for the Toledo game...We were also joined by Dan (The Hat Man) and his girlfriend Dana and intermittent Utah fans. See, we can play well with others! To the Utes - you are more than welcome to join us anytime. Just leave your offense at home, 'k?

The game was a matchup of a defensively strong Michigan team versus a Utah team that was returning around 20 players from the season before. Our QB hadn't thrown a college pass and most of our receivers and backs were new as well. It had the makings of a very long game. They didn't disappoint! The defense needs to realize there are 4 quarters in a game - not 2. They did make adjustments in the second half - which is what we wanted to see - but if they'd done it the entire game, we may have won! Anyway, we lost 25-23. The team lost the fans in the 2nd quarter but got them back (those who were still in the stadium anyway) in the 4th. Too little, too late, but hopefully they will continue with their never say die attitude and improve throughout the season. What else can you ask for?

FWIW - Chris officially hates RR and wants Coach Carr back. Yes - had to put it down and see how he feels at the end of the season!

We are 0-1 heading to the Miami (OH) game. AKA The Cradle of Coaches, Coach Schembechler's alma mater. Hopefully we will have enough adjustments to bring it this week. Hey - a girl can dream, right?
Laura receives her very own Sheriff Badge
Howdy Sheriff Laura!
The Bar Area - complete with homage to the Captain, Jager and Red Bull - our 3 staples for tailgating!

The food tables
My birthday cake
Sitting in the "living room" watching Sports Center
Our new sign
We continue to honour our servicemen and women fighting for the freedoms we enjoy daily.

Reggie cooks breakfast as we ALL look on
Our new nifty little jager station
Our corner at Main and Pioneer
Laura - you crazy gal!
Our lovebirds - Chris and Laura

Dan the Hat Man
Another round of jagerbombs

Laura "wo" manning the grill
Laura steals Chris' cigar
Chris & Al
Really? You don't say...
Reggie warming up the buns for our pulled pork sandwiches
MAN DOWN!!!

Making nice with the Utah fans


Reggie & Dan show off their 'dos and the Jager
Yet another round.

Reggie & Laura
Our Canadian friends, Sylvia and Mike
A whole lotta cheese going on.
Sylvias smart enough to put herself in front of the fan!
Reggie & Bonne

A round of jagerbombs for our visiting fans...
Cheers!
Al finally joins in on a round.
WTF? Are you kidding me????
Mike (from Canada) and I in front of the jagerbomb decor

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Catching a nap before the game
The West sideline
The drum major taps his head
The Michigan Marching Band
The team comes out

Monday, September 01, 2008

Coach Rodriguez hits the banner
Getting ready for the game...
God Bless America!
The flyover








The Coin Toss







The Coin Toss
The Flyover
The Drumline performs - the cymbal players tumble
Blocking the PAT!!

Lloyd Carr receives the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year award.
Wright kicks off
Sacking the Utah quarterback!!
INTERCEPTION!!!
The defense celebrates the interception by Ezeh
Handing the ball off
Kicking the ball away
Trying to block the FG
The crew from the pre-game flyover
Another game of attendence of more than 100,000


TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN!!!
Hitting the PAT.
Sheridan scrambles.....
...and takes the sack.
NOOOOOO!!!!

TOUCHDOWN SAM McGUFFIE!!!!!!!

Celebrating his first (of many) collegiate touchdowns!!



Our opening season loss.
Sylvia, Mike, Al, Laura, Dana, Chris and Dan getting ready to watch the next game.
Reggie taking care of our bellies...
Grilling up parmesean crusted pork chops, pork tenderloin and veggies.

One man down.

Sunday, August 24, 2008










8-23 test run at new location


Sunday, August 03, 2008

Everything must fit just perfectly!
Looking from Bonne's seat at the grill and food cooler.
There is NO room for anything else except blankets and pliable items!

Looking towards Hoover and Elbel Field
TV set up by the solid wall on the right. It will change to where Reggies's chair is.
Grill to the right, TV to the left. This set-up will change for the season. The TV will go back where the chairs were.
The grilling area
The food tables
Our kitchen/dining area. The bar is to the right.
Looking at the tent from Hoover
Our tent set-up. This picture is from the angle of where Craig parks. Hoover is behind us.
Looking into the main entrance of Michigan Stadium
The Construction on the East side of the stadium (Press Box side)

Saturday, July 19, 2008

4th Annual Taste Test

Football must be in the air because its time for our Annual Taste-Test. This is where we do a test run with our stuff and see how we want to set it all up for the fall. It saves us a lot of trouble for the first game since we know where everything is supposed to go. We also trial-run a majority of our food - we need to be absolutely sure it is entirely grill-able since we won't have access to a stove while we are tailgating. Its also a reason to get together and have a few drinks (like we need a reason for that!) and to eat. It is nice to get together and discuss some of our concerns and improvements for the upcoming season.

So, here are the pictures of our 4th Annual Taste Test...
Setting up the tents (in the rain, of course!)
The TV area in front of our window

Arranging our "living room"

The tents side by side - the one on the right with the zipper door.
"Let there be light!" Changing the zipper-door to one with windows - we're going with this one!
Under the window - beverages, to the right (grey table) is where the food will go.
On the outside looking in
Our meeting is complete with our customary Jagerbombs!!!

Chris helps Reggie with the Parmesean Crusted Pork Chops
Grilling
The Master at Work
Pork Chops, Turkey Burgers and Crab Cakes
The business meeting is adjourned!

Pork Chops, Crab Cakes and Turkey Burgers
Ready to eat!
Turkey Burgers