Tent Talk: The 5 Things to Know Before You Go (10/12 edition)

Let's get this out of the way first....I suck.  This past month of college football (and my blogging about it) started with a bang and quickly became a whimper.  Partial blame goes to Ole Miss's horrible schedule of road games, which did not inspire that tailgating spirit to shine.   I have not been able to participate in the traditional sense since our only home game thus far was "bogarted" by a funeral and equally apathetic tailgating compatriots.  And my Texas trip was hot and tiring, although so satisfying since we got a win! So, here I am again, attempting to re-energize after my horrible failure of last month.  But Ole Miss has a slate of home games for the remainder of the season, so I'll soldier on and get this party started!

Here are the 5 things that your fellow fans are talking about this week:

1.   Clowning Around:   So Heisman hopeful (or should I say former Heisman hopeful) Jadaveon Clowney (South Carolina) did not play last week in their game against Kentucky.  He informed Coach Spurrier that he wasn't going to play right before the game.  Uh....okay?  The issue is bruised ribs and he is still questionable to play this weekend against Arkansas, who isn't good but who also play with a lot of heart.  Coach Spurrier was quite snarky in his post-game comments last week but it appears the team is trying to now downplay this dysfunctional situation (team player, miscommunication, blah, blah).  My comment to Clowney:  Patrick Willis played with a broken hand his last year at Ole Miss and he is still "balling" in the NFL.  Just sayin'.

2.  Rice, Rice, Baby:   Condoleeza Rice (maybe you've heard of her) has been selected to be a member of the new college football playoff selection committee.  There's been quite the hub-bub about this pick with several (male, go figure) sports figures denouncing the fact that she's never played the game.  I don't get it.  She's intelligent, loves football, and has had several jobs that required her to make tough decisions and promote consensus among others.  As many have pointed out, there are head coaches in college football who have never played - Charlie Weis, hello?  And she's not the only one picked for the committee that has not played the game.  How many sportscasters and sports media guys have ever played the game?  Stupid argument - try again you misogynistic a-holes.

3.  Georgia on My Mind:   Poor Georgia.  You were blessed with the gift of Aaron Murray, but someone upstairs just doesn't like you.  Georgia squeaked out a victory against Tennessee last weekend, but they have lost two running backs/tailbacks and two wide receivers in the last two weeks.  Yikes.  Luckily, they're playing Missouri this weekend, but then again, Missouri has some threats on offense.  Let's hope Murray will continue his game-saving swagger for the rest of the season, but he needs someone to hand the ball to, so we'll see how this affects their chances for a SEC championship game repeat.

4.  Georgia on My Mind (Part II):  Seriously, did God have a bad layover in Atlanta's Hartfield airport!?  Because Georgia teams had a tough go of it the past few days.  Let's divert from college football for a moment and discuss how abysmal Monday night was for Atlanta sports fans.  The Braves got pummelled by the LA Dodgers in the NLDS playoffs and the Atlanta Falcons lost a heartbreaker to the NY Jets....the Jets!  Ugh.  That's gotta' hurt.  The Jets really stuck it to the Falcons.  The score may have been close, but watching that game was painful. 

5.  Homeward Bound:  Whew! Ole Miss has finished its brutal stretch of away games and will now play the remainder of its games in Mississippi.  The road has taken its toll on Ole Miss, with the team suffering defeat the last two weeks against tough SEC opponents.  But they have a tough schedule ahead still, with Texas A&M and LSU the next two weeks.  Let's hope they get re-energized by the home crowd and atmosphere because they'll need to play with a lot more attitude and less mistakes to pull a victory against these dynamic offensive teams.   

Unfortunately, our tailgating group has decided not to set up this weekend - late game and young children are a tough combination no doubt - so I'll be making the rounds like the social butterfly I am.  Hopefully, I'll have some great pictures of different tailgates to share next week. 

Until then, I'll share my favorite white wine sangria recipe - perfect for my tailgating festivities as the Rebs face Texas A&M this weekend!

WHITE WINE SANGRIA or SANGRIA BLANCO (courtesy of Emeril Lagasse)
serves 10-12

2 bottles of white wine (preferably a light crisp wine like an Albarino, Pinot Grigio, or California Sauvignon Blanc)
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1 orange juiced (1/4 - 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed OJ)
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
1/2 orange, thinly sliced
1 10 oz bottle of club soda

Combine the wine, brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice, and sugar in a large pitcher and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the fruit and stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours.
Stir in the club soda and serve the sangria in large wine glasses, over ice if desired.  (For tailgating and portable purposes, pour mixture in to large tupperware beverage container and then add the club soda as you pour each drink.  Keeps it fizzy and refreshing!)

Cheers!

Epic Fail

Well, my grand plans for the first week of college football sure did not transpire how I had hoped.  Frankly, I just caught up in the fun and festivities and forgot to share.  How selfish!  Suffice to say, the kickoff party was a success, but because I was too busy setting the table and entertaining, I did not snap decent pics.). 

And my five things post never transpired because all I could talk about was that the NCAA is still a bunch of .... [ ]ussies! (insert apprpriate letter there, depending on whether you want "G" rated or "PG-13" rated). 

I am trite and ashamed and I will try to do better in the future.  Having said that, I have already failed for this week since our tailgating group is not setting up (not my fault, I promise).  Plus, the husband & I are attending a funeral Saturday morning, so we'll be lucky to even have an extra hour prior to the game to visit other folks who are tailgating.  Next week (I hope) will be the piece de resistance though.  We are going to Austin and tailgating with some Longhorns' fans.  It will be interesting to see how the Texans do it, but I'm sure its going to be epic.  Everything's bigger there, right?

Football Season's Greetings Everyone!

It's Gameday Week!  No offense to Jesus or Santa, but truly this is the most wonderful time of the year.  All over the country, and especially in the southern region (a/k/a God's country), football fans are giddy with the enthusiasm of a five-year boy who has asked for a bike or pony for Christmas.  Granted, he may only get clothes or educational toys for Christmas, and your team might stink it up this year.  But at the moment, the potential for a truly amazing gift and a winning season exists.  Honestly, this is what I have felt like since early this morning.

Not your typical case of the Mondays!  This morning, I turned on my radio and two national sports hosts were actually talking about major league baseball!  I stared at my radio in disbelief.  Sacrilege!  Seriously, I feel for college fans in the Northeast, all ten of you.    

I hope to have my "five things you need to know" blog post later this week, but I am hosting a tailgate party at home on Thursday night, so I might be a bit tied up with being the ultimate hostess.  But I'll do my best!  I will also hopefully have my pics from the party posted later this weekend. 

Enjoy the anticipation, everyone!  And here's hoping you get your pony.

Football Season & Weddings: Dumb, dumb, da-dumb!

Thinking of having your wedding on a football game weekend?  Well, my first response is "Don't do it, girl!"   Look, I get it.  Fall is beautiful and perfect for a wedding.  The air is crisp, and the leaves are changing.  It's magical.

But, it's also football season.  In the fall, Saturdays are sacred, especially in the South.  The nephew of a couple that we are friends with is getting married on the date of a big-time SEC conference game weekend.  Our couple friend loves sports like we do - they travel to away games, have a condo where they can spend ball game weekends, etc.  Needless to say, many of her tailgating friends gasped in horror when we heard this.  Bless her, the wife told the husband that he could pass on the wedding and go the game.  I'm pretty sure she's bitter that she has to stay for the wedding. What's even worse is that the bride-to-be could have chosen another open date at the church (for a non-game weekend), but said "no."  Not a good way to ingratiate yourself into your new family, if you ask me.  That's gonna make Thanksgiving a bit dicey, don't you think?  The nephew, if you're curious, didn't care so at least it won't make the honeymoon awkward.  If I had made my husband get married on an Ole Miss game weekend...well, the wedding might never have happened.  Seriously.

On the other end of the spectrum, another couple we know is attending a wedding in a month.  It's the weekend of an "away" game (although still a big game).  The reception site?  In the club section of our stadium! That is all kinds of awesome!  I would also wager that if the time of the game and wedding festivities overlap (since the gametime hasn't been announced yet), there will be televisions all over the place. Gold star to this couple!

Which leads me to my next point - if you feel that you must have your wedding during football season, have it on an "away game" or "off" weekend.  Or if that isn't feasible (I know that sometimes your perfect venue is only open certain times), then try to time your wedding for earlier in the day.  One friend got married at 10 a.m. and then had a brunch reception.  Seriously, have a make-your-own bloody mary or champagne bar, and your guests will be all set for tailgating and game time later in the day.  And you will be considered the coolest couple ever!

So what if you can't get around it?  Despite all your best intentions, your wedding overlaps with the big game.  Have access to televisions available (see above).  And incorporate a little tailgate action into the reception.  You don't have to have sports-themed cakes or walk down the aisle to the fight song (unless you want to of course - that would be awesome), but maybe have some sports-themed party favors (drink koozies or pom-poms that they can shake and cheer on your exit) or have tailgate-type food.  Or if you decide to really embrace it, have a tailgate reception!  Have catered tents set up on campus and move that party.  Get personalized cups, napkins - have fun with it!

Seriously, this couple went all out!  They even had jars filled with flowers that had the upcoming dates for games on them.  And the bride wore rain boots with the team logo on them.  That's hardcore! 

I know many brides have the "it's my day" mentality.  But a wedding symbolizes the creation of a "team" - you, your partner, and your respective families.  So if you are contemplating a wedding in the fall, respect the gameday traditions of those members of your team.

Tent Talk: Setting the Tailgate Table

Now that we've discussed some gameday essentials, I thought now would be a good time to throw out some suggestions on how to set an inviting tailgate table.  Full disclosure: Being an Ole Miss fan & "tailgater", my point of reference is somewhat skewed. Tailgating at Ole Miss is an art form, and we are consistently ranked as a top tailgating spot in the country.  Probably because we tend to go a bit overboard (tents, chandeliers, bands, flower arrangements...you get the idea).  Well, see for yourself:

(Image courtesy of Southern Living)

Pretty impressive, right?  But the purpose of this blog is to educate and elevate your gameday experience, regardless of whether its from the back of a truck, in a tricked-out tent, or at your house.  And the following tips are to help you set the scene for the festivities.

First and foremost, you need something to contain your napkins, cutlery & extra serving ware.  You gotta' have something to eat with right?  Our "tent hostess" uses a set of pretty blue & red buckets.  Buckets are great for this task because they hold quite a bit, so you aren't constantly having to replenish things. You can get small galvanized buckets at your local hobby or home improvement stores.  I've also seen small ones at the dollar store.  If you want to go really fancy, Pottery Barn has this lovely set for $25:    http://www.potterybarn.com/products/galvanized-metal-three-section-condiment-set/?pkey=cgalvanized-entertaining

A bit pricey, but you'll get a lot of use out of them!  There's actually a website that sells nothing but galvanized products, in all shapes, colors & sizes!  So there you go!    http://galvanizedpail.com/ 

You can also use some small wicker baskets in the same manner.  Give it a bit more rustic look.  This is an area to be creative - hit the dollar store or Big Lots and be creative.  Just look for containers with a bit of height and 4-5 inches of circumference.

Serveware:

You'll be amazed to discover that when family & friends learn you have become a tailgating/sports fanatic, you'll start receiving platters/bowls/etc. with your team's emblem/logo for birthday/Christmas gifts.  Woohoo!  But in the meantime, I highly recommend going with simple white ceramic or silver serveware.  Glass trays/platters look too "blah" on a table; the white really pops and showcases the food, which is the star after all.  (I generally try to steer away from plastic trays.  Most of them look cheap, some cost almost as much as ceramic (but don't last as long), and take up just as much room as the other, although they are lighter to carry.  However, if you are doing a more laidback tailgate and concerned with breakage, Party City has some nice reusable trays/bowls, in awesome bright colors.)

Tip on finding affordable platters: try discount home furnishing stores like Home Goods (or its sister stores, TJ Maxx or Marshall's).  I bought a square white ceramic modern platter for under $20 from TJ Maxx, paired it with a white ceramic square bowl from Walmart for $4, and voila!  Perfect for veggie/dips or chip & dip and great for any occasion, fancy or casual! You can also use just the platter for sandwiches or desserts.  This is what it looks like:

See?  Nothing fancy, but elegant at the same time.  I've used it for everything from BBQs to bridal showers.  You can also help your older female relatives clean out their china cabinet.  My mother-in-law has been trying to pack up her home, and I just inherited A LOT of silver serving pieces (not complaining!).  You'd be suprised how many people get that stuff over time, but never use.  They'd probably love for you to have it or at least, borrow it.

Plates & Cups:

I already addressed cups in my previous post. Solo cups or personalized styrofoam cups are the easiest way to go.  As far as plates, colored ones in your team's colors are ideal.  Or you can do some heavy duty plastic plates.  It's important to take the tailgating menu into consideration.  If you are having chili, bring bowls and spoons. 

Lagniappe:

As you can see from the first photo, we love our centerpieces at Ole Miss. However, if table/tailgate space is an issue, food is the priority.  Without great food, the tailgate is bust - but that's a topic for later.  Even if you don't have table space, you can always be creative.  Hang battery-powered paper lanterns from your tent (or in your backyard trees if you're hosting a game-watching tailgate, which I am doing in 2 weeks - I'll be posting those pics afterwards!).  These are great for night games, when you have post-victory festivities.  Pier 1 has a 3 pk of white ones on sale for $9.  http://www.pier1.com/Battery-Paper-Lanterns---White/2343313,default,pd.html   I got mine from Bed, Bath and Beyond - a packet of 6 for $12, I believe. (sorry, I can't find them now)  They fold down so they're a snap to bring along.  You can use regular lanterns, but I think the risk of fire/burns and a trip to the first aid station isn't worth it. 

A big benefit to decorating & individualizing your tailgating spot is that it makes you easily identifiable to your tailgating guests.  When you have hundreds on tents in a concentrated area, that could be a lifesaver.  Cell phone service is iffy on gamedays, and all tents start to look alike.

See what I mean!   My friends at LSU, who don't fool with a lot of tents and fussiness, even have a tall LSU flag they put up for the game to make it easy to spot them. Have fun with it!  Like I said, take some time to peruse the discount stores.  Try a disco ball, Party City has some disco balls for less than $10.  

Tailgating is a communal activity.  If you create a inviting atmosphere with your tailgate table, you'll meet a lot of new friends!  Enjoy!

Mars & Venus: The Football Edition

Although my husband and I are both loyal and hardcore college football fans, our approach to fandom can often be miles apart.  If you think a guy isn't good at showing emotion, then you have obviously never been around him during a sporting event.  Men will cheer, cry, and cuss - all within the span of 3 hours.   The other day, my husband watched a replay of game that happened nine months ago. He was cussing and clapping at the TV!  This game has been decided . . . season over.  And, yes, our team lost the game.  It's a bizarre and amazing thing.  

Not that women can't be passionate about their sports.  But even though we might cry over a Sex & the City episode, we will rarely have a full meltdown over a bad play or a loss.  I think it's because women tend to be more sympathetic. We can't separate the young player from the botched play.  I like to think I'm sort of a "dude" when it comes to my personality:  not overtly sensitive, stoic, etc.  However, even I am befuddled by a male sports fan's behavior.  How many times have you said to your man:  "You know they can't hear you."  Screaming at the TV during a sporting event is apparently as natural to a man as shaving and scratching inappropriately.  Ladies on the other hand, try to be positive. We clap and scream "YEA!" when there's a good play; sit quietly and look dejected when there's a poor play.  Now, admittedly, I've thrown out the "WHAT?! THAT WASN'T INTERFERENCE!" on occasion.  But, a woman's intensity at a game rarely matches a man's.  Testosterone is a powerful thing.
 
Unfortunately, it's a cross we ladies must bear and learn to deal with as best we can.  The husband and I used to get into wicked "snits" at football games, especially when expletives start flying from his mouth.  So I am trying to learn how to not get all uptight over every negative thing that comes out of his mouth, and to keep my leg squeezing to call his attention to his behavior (you know you've done it too!) to a minimum.  For his part, he has tried to keep his bourbon drinking down prior to the game. Seriously, that stuff makes him weirdly aggressive.  Beer or wine, no problem.  A couple of Maker's and coke and, all of a sudden, it's "Knock his head off next time!"   I'd never ask him to give it up completely; it's gameday tradition after all!  Where's the fun in that? 

But sadly, I know some women who refuse to attend games solely due to this behavior. As in every aspect of a relationship, there must be compromise.  You're never going to make a man sit quietly or not want to watch every sports news show on TV.  Even I get bored with sports occasionally - wait, did I just say that?!  But, just like you've made him watch "The Notebook" or "Bridget Jones Diary", then return the favor.  Watch a 30 minute sports talk show or listen to one the radio on the way to the game.  As Dr. Suess said:  “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Only 16 more days to kickoff!

The 5 Things You Need To Know Before You Go: Pre-season Edition

My goal when I started this blog was to educate, enlighten, and expand my readers' knowledge regarding the world of tailgating and gamedays. To this end, I will be including a weekly post for those who don't have the time or inclination to read endless tweets, articles, broadcasts, or blogs from sports pundits concerning the latest sports news. Every Friday (hopefully), I will provide the top 5 stories or talking points that those sports fanatics in your life will be discussing, so you can join in on the fun and conversation. Seriously, you start talking to the sports fan in your life about Nick Saban's hatred of up-tempo offenses, and their face will light up. Unless, of course, they're an Alabama fan. Then you're in trouble because Bama fans don't criticize St. Nick. Again, most of the stories will be geared toward college sports, but I might also throw in some NFL or other sport if there is a good story evolving. With college football media days wrapping up and fall camps about to start (hallelujah!), I thought I would begin with a Pre-season edition. So here we go!

1. Targeting Rule:  In March, the NCAA (the governing body of college athletics) decided to allow college football officials the power to eject any player who targets a defenseless opponent above the shoulders.  The reasoning behind this new rule is attributable to one man:  Jadeveon Clowney, a defensive end from South Carolina.  Check out his hit from the Outback Bowl in their game against Michigan.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC44nP7ClxM   I've watched that clip several times and wince every time.  It's so awesome!  The problem is that the NCAA has instigated this new rule in reaction to that hit, but during media days, the officials from the various college football conferences all had different answers as to how they would have handled that play under the new rule, so it will be interesting to see how officials enforce this rule in the upcoming season.
2. Is the NCAA a doomed organization?:  A lot of discussion was had during the various media days regarding the frustration that the major conferences have with the current structure of the NCAA.  Currently, in the NCAA, every Division I school is equal as far as their voting power.  Which sounds nice in theory.  However, the reality is that there is a big difference in the athletic budgets of the University of Texas and Central Michigan University.  How this disparity will be addressed is still to be determined.  Some current thoughts/musings are:  (1)  creating a new division for the five major conferences or (2) establishing a new governing body.
3. Conference realignment:  The ACC has picked up Pitt and Syracuse.  The ACC has also struck a deal with "Holier than Thou" Notre Dame to play five football games per year, even though Notre Dame has only joined the conference for basketball.  (In case you didn't know, Notre Dame football has the distinction of being independent, i.e. never belonging to a conference.)   Additionally, a new college football conference was added this year - the American Athletic Conference - which is basically a revamping of the former Big East Conference.  Just reference When it comes to the new AAC, just reference Tommy Tuberville (former Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas Tech coach who is now at Cincinnati) or Teddy Bridgewater (talented QB for Louisville and possible Heisman trophy candidate), and you'll look like a football genius.
4. University of Florida's Football Class of 2008:   This summer has been a media firestorm for former Florida football players from the 2008 team.  First, former Florida QB, Tim Tebow, was traded to the New England Patriots.  For some reason, even though his reputation is clean as a whistle, he's always talked about by the media.  God, that kid is boring.  Then, the most shocking news was that Aaron Hernandez, who also played for Florida and the Patriots, has been charged with murdering a friend.   He is currently awaiting trial, and there has been new information that might link him to other murders.  Freaky.  Lastly, a former wide receiver, Riley Cooper, who now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, was caught on video hurling racial slurs at an African-American security guard during a concert.  
5. Johnny "Football" Manziel:   Unless you've been under a rock, you've probably heard of this wildly talented and controversial freshman Heisman trophy winner from Texas A&M.  (Wow, that's a lot of adjectives...sorry).   He's a known party boy and a month ago, he overslept at the Manning passing camp and had to leave early.  It was right before media days so he got a lot of attention, both negative & positive, about that.  Even more recently, he got kicked out a Univ. of Texas frat party.  Why would you go to a frat party at your major rival's campus?!  Dumb ass. Basically, everyone is waiting to see if he'll crash & burn this year with all the media hype.  But he's not making it easy to root for him when he does such stupid crap.  Much has been made in the last few days of the Wright Thompson ESPN article profiling the Manziels, but personally, I love the response to that article by Deadspin.com writer, Tim Marchman, who noted in his article:

"It is, of course, possible that Manziel is the very most important of the 50,000 unique souls who attend his school, and that what he does over the course of a few football games during the months before he turns 21 will prove to be what decides whether he'll spend his life as a boy or become a man. (Thinking of things this way will certainly keep us tuning in to ESPN to see how the story plays out.) It's also possible that he's just another kid with a drinking problem and an awful family who will take a long time to figure things out, getting fussed over because there is good money to be made fussing over young men who throw footballs well. Who can say? It's all very ambiguous."

I hope I have given you some insight into the various top stories of college football and something to keep an eye on and discuss as the season progresses.  Only 28 days left!