Tailgate Review - The "Emma Boully and Ball State" Edition

It's always fun to have new visitors to the tailgate, and it's even better when those new visitors are family.

Last weekend, we were able to finally have Robert, Jennifer and baby Emma come by for a game. I could not wait to see my niece again, and I must say that she is growing into a heartbreaker. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of our visit with the Boullys was when the three of them stopped by on Sunday before we left town and we got to see Emma interact with Trooper. Even though Trooper got restless after a little while (he had to potty something fierce), it was good to see him being so gentle and just allowing Emma to pat him continuously.

But, back to the tailgate. We had a solid group for the Ball State game, especially considering that we were taking on Ball State. It was nice to go into a game not wondering if we'd find a way to lose and enjoying the win for what it's worth (of course, none of us were happy with the defensive effort, but apparently neither was Antonio Coleman: http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=995722).

For the first time, we featured a burrito bar with homemade salsa, rotel, white cheese dip and birthday cake. The cake, and I hesitate to say this with Andrew not being able to join us, was a double-doozy chocolate chip cookie cake, much like those that Robert, Andrew and I enjoyed from the cookie store at the mall during our AU tenures.

Joining in on the fun were: Robert's parents, Nancy and Bob as well as Evelyn (one of my favorite folks); Jennifer's brother Joseph; Andy Shores plus a brief appearance from his woman; Tammy and Summer; Brad, Amber and Jarrod Gregg plus Caleb; and the three of us. We were able to watch lots more football than I had done so far through the first three tailgates, and as stated before, it was great to have so many first-time visitors for 2009.

Katy Braden was sorely missed, but those of us at the tailgate understood her reasons for not being there. Tailgater of the Week goes to Emma just because she's that awesome. Honorable mentions go to Brad and Jarrod for all their help during the setup outside on Saturday morning as well as Amber for her continued assistance in the kitchen with Super Rita. Amber, you should know how much that means to her and to me.

Looking ahead to Tennessee this weekend, it's going to be nice to get on the road and see what kind of team we have in the face of a hostile environment. While I'll never feel comfortable knowing that this is our first road game and we have to go somewhere like Neyland, if we play like the better team, we will win because we are the better team. Simple as that. Regardless, Calhoun's on the River is calling my name, and I can't wait to get back to Knoxville - somewhere we always have a great time.

Tailgate will not be big in number of people but it will be huge in effort. Frank Buttler will be taking his RV to Knoxville, and we plan to meet up with him. All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk and I will travel to Brad and Amber's Friday night, and the four of us will head to east Tennessee Saturday morning. There is no official Tiger Walk, but I plan on having our group at Gate 7 when the team leaves the buses to go into the locker room. Hope to see you there if you are making the journey.

Do what we do and War Eagle.

Chris

P.S. Congrats to Ben and Ashia Good for the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Austin Rivers Good. You guys had better send me some pictures soon and have her meet me soon.

Tailgate Plan to Win: The "It's My Birthday and Ball State" Edition

So it's my birthday, and I could do a run-down of birthdays past.

In 1994, we had my birthday party (a rarity, it seems, throughout my childhood) a couple of weeks early so that some of my friends who played fall baseball in Madison wouldn't miss a tournament. The highlight of this one was basically ignoring most of my friends to watch the fourth quarter of the Auburn-LSU interception game. It was awesome, although I learned a lot about being a good host that day.

In 1998, I turned 16. My parents had hinted at a big surprise for what seemed like an entire month. What does every 16-year-old expect if his parents say that they have a big surprise for them? I got a Playstation and NCAA Football '99. Yep, I was surprised.

In 1999, Auburn played host to Ole Miss, Tommy Tuberville's first game against the Rebels. I got my first taste of being in the press box for a game, and it was the first conference game I witnessed in Jordan-Hare Stadium. While the Rebels won 24-17 in overtime, I was able to be down on the sidelines and on the field following the game - pretty cool gift in itself. Meanwhile, my mom chatted up David Housel's wife, forming a lifelong friendship between our families.

In 2001, I was volunteering at Macon First United Methodist as a Youth Counselor, and the entire youth group surprised me in Starkville at Harvey's for dinner that night.

In 2004, Auburn once again played on my birthday, this time against The Citadel. Robert's family came down from Arab, and Megan was in Auburn from Tuscaloosa. We all had a great time, and I spent most of the evening just chillaxin' and watching TV.

In 2007, I got to spend the entire day getting estimates on my truck after some crazy dame ran into my back fender in a parking lot. She was hammered and fled prior to the cops getting there to give a DUI test. It definitely made things much more interesting. The real highlight of this birthday was taking the week off and spending Wednesday-Sunday in Gainesville, watching Auburn topple Florida 20-17.

Now, I sit here in the camper with Trooper at my feet and my mom getting ready to go hang out in town. We're going to have a great tailgate this weekend, featuring the first appearances by Robert, Jennifer and Emma Boully plus the return of some of the Hipp clan. The menu is a Mexican burrito buffet, and the plan is to break out the mammoth Margaritaville blender for the first time this season.

Also expected here are Brad, Amber and Jarrod Gregg; Bryan Bowen, his son Carter plus a couple more; Andy Shores; as well as Tammy and Jacob. We're saddened that Katy Braden won't grace us with her presence, but she will be here in spirit (and at least she now knows that the game is televised).

Brad's group is in charge of individual bags of Doritos, etc. The Boully trio will provide a few more tortilla chips for the homemade salsa and cheese dips. (Yes, Coach, THAT homemade salsa.) Everyone else, same as old - ice, chairs and drinks.

My phone has been acting up the past 12 hours (what a day to screw around - the one day where people come from every direction to call and send texts), so if I miss a call it is not on purpose.

Call or text if you need anything. Do what we do. And, finally, I'm sittin' on G, waitin' on O. War Eagle.

Chris

Pictures of Trooper

Tailgate Review – The “Trooper came home and West Virginians stink” Edition

What a win. I tweeted Sunday morning that it was in honor of all of us who made that godforsaken trip to Morgantown last year, which was detailed in the Tailgate Plan to Win. I stayed true to my guns – I did not seek out any WVU fans, but the ones that interacted with me found a surly Auburn fan refusing kindness. I hate to be blunt, but…they just did not deserve it.

There were several Mountaineer supporters sitting around us. Throughout the game, an aroma would fall upon our section unlike any other that we had smelt before. I just chalked it up to them being West Virginians. Also, something else learned this time around with these hillbilly folk: if you have no teeth, your screeching screams are amplified.

But that’s neither here nor there. On the field, despite terrible weather conditions and an even worse start, the team did what it does and clawed back to get a win. How much fun is it watching a group of guys play with heart and backbone, despite any and all odds? Methinks they are starting to take on the personality of a coach who might just be improving week-to-week with his troops.

Speaking of troops…Prior to Mississippi State, I was heartbroken and football was a great distraction. To have 40 people at that tailgate, all of which are close with our family, was the perfect anecdote to losing Rudi. But, to go further into that heart-wrenching story, I give you this tale.

On Friday morning, not even 48 hours after we made the choice to put Rudi down, mom and I were in Big Blue Bookstore perusing. I found Shug, a 15-month-old golden retriever. Aside from Zoe, our German wire hair pointer, our golden Ginger has always been my favorite of the dogs (many, many dogs) we’ve had. Ginger and I were the best of friends, even though she was technically Jeanie’s dog.

Zoe picked up right where Ginger left off when we had to bury her. She’s the first one I pet when I get to Macon and the one that got most all of my attention. When I brought Rudi to mom and dad’s for the first time, Zoe was angry with me. She had an attitude like, “What the heck? Aren’t I a good enough dog for you?”

But, back to Shug. He was just chilling on the floor and got excited when the store manager, his owner, came by and followed him diligently around the floor. I conveyed with mom how cool a name Shug was, and some of the Ginger memories came rushing back.

When we got back to the camper, we started to set up for the tailgate the next day. While we were putting up some of the tables, we came across a chocolate lab pup named Shug also. I felt as though, despite never hearing this name for a dog before, to have two dogs in 12 hours come by with that awesome name, it was a sign. I had decided on the name for my next dog, whenever it would come along.

But not until after football season, after all. I still had to mourn Rudi and get her stuff put away at some point. My family, however, had different ideas as to when a good time would be.

I learned that Sunday following MSU mom and dad spent hours trying to figure out how to get me a golden retriever. They searched high and low, even called Shug’s owner to find out if we could get one of his brothers or sisters. Finally, they found some golden retriever puppies in Iuka.

Thursday, mom and dad went to Iuka to pick Trooper up. They weren’t going to look at him, necessarily, but one of his two brothers. After telling the vet Rudi’s story, she insisted on Trooper. He’s the pick of the litter and is already housebroken despite being just nine weeks old. The vet’s plan was to keep him and keep working with him.

Mom tried out Shug, but Trooper was the name that stuck. The entire campground got to meet Trooper before me. Mom sent out pictures all day Thursday and Friday to people here at work.

I had no idea what awaited me in Auburn. I felt as though I had done something wrong, though, because mom wouldn’t talk to me all day and some people here at the office were avoiding me. After picking up Robert and Jeanie, we headed towards Auburn through the monsoon-like conditions and nightfall. We had to get several updates to mom and dad (and Trooper) on the road.

I must write here that I was under the impression that my dad had gone into Best Buy on Thursday during their drive to Auburn, and anyone who knows All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk knows that he can’t leave Best Buy without a major purchase. My thoughts were that he had bought a plasma television. I even told some of the people here at work that knew about Trooper that he had gotten a TV. They fed that theory with all sorts of questions.

When we finally got to Auburn around 11 p.m., I was trapped inside the truck by dad. I asked him where the TV was as he finally let me get around the bed of the truck. He looked at me, smiling, and said that he didn’t go to Best Buy and didn’t buy a plasma. I wondered what was up with the lying, but I kept on towards the door.When I got to the first step to go inside the camper, Jeanie blocked me from going in and said, “Mom has someone she wants you to meet.”

Then mom appeared in the doorway with him. It didn’t dawn on me at first that Trooper was mine, the only thing I could think was “Why did mom and dad get ANOTHER dog?” Then all the dots came together. Finally, I had my own purebred golden retriever. I found out about the elaborate plan to keep him a secret, and I could do nothing but commend everyone on their secret-keeping abilities.

He’s perfect. He’s awesome, as you would expect from anyone named Trooper. He somehow knew instantly that he was my puppy. I’m amazed and humbled by everyone looking out for me through this. I didn’t think it was enough time, but Trooper is helping with the adjustment.

As far as the tailgate goes, we had a solid 17 including a few first-timers (Paul Crane, Katy’s friend Janis, Bryan Bowen and his son Carter) to go along with Andy Shores and his dad, Katy Braden, Brad, Amber and Jarrod Gregg, Robert, Jeanie, Super Rita, All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk and myself. It was a good group. The menu was tequila lime turkey (which will make a reappearance at a later tailgate, perhaps for Thanksgiving), pork chops and pork tenderloin.

Tailgater of the Week is Amber. She took over in the kitchen when Super Rita went to the back to lay down with Trooper, and her efforts were very much appreciated. I’ll try to get the Tailgate Plan together for Ball State in the next 48 hours, but we’re looking forward to a smaller group as well as the first appearances of 2009 for Robert, Jennifer and Emma Boully. Stay tuned.

Do what we do, War Eagle and stay dry.

Chris

More from West Virginia fans...

"Hey gang:
Remember, when you leave for the game in Auburn, Ala, they are on Central Time. Set your vcrs one hour behind our time.
Game here is at 8:00 ESPN2
Therefore, set yours at 9:00 pm.
Am leaving in about one hour.
Go EERS"

Yea, you can't make this stuff up.

Also coming to the tailgate this weekend:

Katy Braden (plus one)

Paul Crane

Of course, whoever the guy Joe Schad is talking about in his latest Tweet ("At Niffers in Auburn. Person at bar on why there's dirt on field at Dolphins Stadium: "They tryin to grow grass?") needs to be tarred and feathered.

Tailgate Plan to Win: The “John Denver can keep his country roads, Manjorette and West Virginia” Edition

By popular demand (and by that, I mean one request), I will take a look back at one of the scariest road trips of my life. Editor’s Note: This could very well be the most stereotypical prose I’ve ever written.

Last October, I got a lot of funny looks when I told people that I was going to West Virginia for vacation. After having visited West Virginia, I’ll give myself those same looks if I ever decide to go back. What am I thinking – I would have to be in dire circumstances to ever venture there again.

The welcome sign says “A little piece of heaven.” I sure hope heaven’s not anything like that place. The people are frightening, the air is cold and the landscape is void of anything but scary cliffs – especially when the wind is blowing you from side-to-side on a 95 degree incline in a seemingly weightless RV.

Then again, every story has a beginning. Here’s our tale’s starting point.

Andrew Monroe, Frank Buttler and his buddy Jim met me in Douglasville early Wednesday morning at Frank’s crib as we headed northeast on I-85. Pleasantries were exchanged throughout the drive, halted only for gas stops and a bite at Five Guys. The first gas station we stopped at just outside the WV border was…interesting, to say the least. I’ve never seen so many vile comments misspelled on a bathroom stall in my life. Highlighting the ride up to Morgantown was Andrew trying scotch for the first time then licking the couch cushions to rid his mouth of the taste. HI-larious.

But that was only the beginning. Andrew and I had a hotel in downtown Morgantown that night, so we departed the RV after scarfing down some fantastic steaks grilled by Jim. The cab driver had us kissing the ground upon exiting the taxi after our adventurous ride through the sleepy mountain town. The bad driving from the cabby was just a foreshadowing of things to come. There’s not enough bad scotch in the world that will get me into a West Virginia cab again. He made Paul Crane look like a fantastic driver.

Andy Shores and his brother Matt joined us sometime around 3 a.m. in the hotel. Like the good hosts Andrew and I were, we left them to sharing the foldout in the living room portion of the Fairfield “suite” by Marriott. We all know how much Andy enjoys sleeping with dudes, and I know he was ecstatic to enjoy a small space for Matt to escape his advances. Yep, Andy was really getting into the true West Virginia spirit: sleeping with dudes and advancing on his brother.

Thursday morning…game day. Spirits were high amongst the four of us as we ventured around the northern part of the campus. The hotel was a few hundred feet from the stadium, and we all marveled at the fact that we’ve probably seen high school facilities better than those of WVU in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. Numerous WVU scholars screamed obscenities and gestured with one finger at us throughout our stroll. Pure class, those ‘Eer fans.

You know the scenes in old Westerns where everything stops when an outsider walks into a bar? You can hear the music halt and the whirl of everyone’s heads as they turn towards the doorway. We had our own experience like this at Mario’s Fishbowl, a Morgantown eatery recommended by the six or seven West Virginians that had Internet access. Considering that we almost died several times thanks to the traffic and bends that were tighter than 90 degrees, the food was less than stellar after the long wait.

It wasn’t all bad, though. We had a lot of laughs when we were passed by a Chevy Blazer with a WVU School of Dentistry sticker across its back windshield. We figured this driver was tops in his class of one and hoped, for his sake, that he charged per mouth and not per tooth operated on in his future endeavors. We went to a bookstore (which was more merchandise than books – remember, we’re talking about West Virginia). We bought some souvenirs. I have no idea where my souvenirs are, nor do I care to find them, today.

When we got back to the RV, it was time to gear up for the game. Brooke Patterson and her family found us and enjoyed the tailgating festivities. We played cornhole with some AU fans and got destroyed by some WVU fans. I’m pretty sure that some WVU “alums” tried to get Brooke to try some moonshine, but I’m a bit fuzzy on that memory.

The ride to the stadium was in one of those half school buses. You have to realize that I went to private schools. We did not have school buses. It was the first time I rode in a yellow chariot since 1992. These are considered luxurious charter buses in Morgantown (or at least that is what we were promised via the MSNetwork when we found the parking lot accommodations for Frank’s RV).

The WVU student population is none too kind to visitors, although some Auburn students had some good comebacks. My favorite two: “You have a dead squirrel on your head. I win.” – Andy Shores and “Just tell them to spell mayonnaise. They can’t do it.” – Random AU student after our 1,000th “F-AUBURN!” greeting by some kid dressed up like a cross between the Joker and Davy Crockett (wasn’t he from Tennessee, by the way?).

The game…well, we won’t go there. It was not good for the Auburn Tigers that night, and I care not to rehash a lot of those memories. Some of the more disparaging facts are that our boys lost to a school whose fanbase cannot spell “Mountaineers” without the help of the endzones (thanks, Old Mountain Lady for confirming that after the game) and a school whose band is highlighted by the talents of a manjorette.

You aren’t reading that incorrectly. They had a manjorette (aka a boy majorette). It was quickly decided amongst our group that he did not grow up in West Virginia (pretty sure the locals wouldn’t approve of his career path or his sexual orientation), but that kid could twirl his baton with the best of the other girls on the dance line. For photographic evidence, I’ll need to get a picture or two from Frank since I have since lost all the pictures I took on this nightmarish journey.

The highlight of all this was that we all got to come back to the Southeast and get away from those banjo-pickin’, Country Road travelin’ hillbillies. John Denver can keep those country roads, and to borrow the famous line from Dumb and Dumber: even in death, he’s still “full of…” Well, you know the rest.

This weekend, the hillbillies invade the Plains. I’d say I hope we show them a better time than what was shown to us, but I’d be lying. I want to give them no reason to ever want to come back to Auburn. Many improvements have been made to campus over the past few years for these folks to soil our campus’ beauty.

Not all WVU alums or natives are bad. Mendy Nestor is one of my favorite people I’ve ever come across, and I’m sure she will be livid if she reads this. You can’t paint a broad picture because of a handful of individuals, but the experience wasn’t great. And the people we came into contact with there were awful.

On to this weekend…

We will have a much more toned down tailgate with around 15 people coming. It’s been hinted that an authentic coonskip cap-wearing WVU former football player will be in attendance, and there is that alluded Amber Gregg Tailgate Haircut Special possibility. I won’t jinx AU’s record when Amber cuts someone’s hair before a game, but just know it’s very good.

Super Rita will prepare a pork tenderloin and some fixins to go along with it. Amongst those expected Saturday are, in no particular order:

* Brad, Amber, Jarrod Gregg (plus one)

* Tammy, Jacob and Tommy Holmes

* Bryan Bowen plus friend and two sons

* Robert Miller and Jeanie

So as you can see, we’re expecting between 15-18 people. Funny how this has grown to where 15-18 is a “low” number…We just gotta do what we do – no assignments for this weekend, just bring what you want. We have plenty of Dr. Pepper, Fanta orange (for All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk), Pepsi and bottled Cokes. We are low on water supply, so if anyone wants to bring bottled water, it’d be much appreciated.

Watch out for any manjorettes wearing navy blue and maize this weekend, and War Eagle. See you at Jordan-Hare and (hopefully) Toomer’s Corner following the game.

Chris

Tailgate Review - The Mississippi State Edition

Can you believe the offensive production the first two games? Wow. Just wow. The numbers are even more staggering when you see the national averages through two weeks - which you can find on CollegeSportsMatchups.com.

That being said, its time for that which everyone (and by everyone, I mean the four or five of you) comes here: the tailgate review. Hopefully, I can get on a better schedule, but I will give fair warning: between writing for CSM and this, I'm starting to get a little writer's block. But that too shall pass.

We nearly surpassed the 40 mark this weekend at the tailgate with a good mix of AU and MSU brethren in attendance. If you count Andy plus one at the end of the night, the number was 41. In-sane. We have come a long way from the fields of Donahue and being down near the intramurals tailgates of 2007.

Making their 2009 debuts were my sister Jeanie and her fiance Robert. Their help with the setup and breakdown of the tailgate was phenomenal, and we are lucky to have their continued attendance for select games not interfering with Robert's desire to attend MSU home games.

Barry Cox and his lovely wife Jane were just two of my BancorpSouth people in attendance over the weekend. Prior to their March marriage, Jane was living in Auburn and I tease Barry for finding himself a nice Auburn gal to spend the rest of his days with. Of course, Jane was dressed in maroon Saturday, but we all know where her heart TRULY was on the field. Just kidding, Barry. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the steak.

Yes, you read that correctly. Super Rita's steaks were the menu item along with green bean bundles and sautee'd potatoes. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure the main reason for Dr. Braden's arrival out at University Station was thanks to that steak. It was awesome to have Katy and her dad with us, as I have stated in the La Tech review - Katy is a staple and its just not the same without her.

My defacto boss, Jimmy Ward, made his first visit to the Plains over the weekend. Jimmy and our family go way back due to his long-standing working relationship with Super Rita. Jimmy brought his 14-year-old son, Harris, who happened to play for me this baseball season. I am pretty sure these two had a wonderful time, and I know that it was a lot of fun for us to host them.

Rounding out the BXS Crew were Chris Hussey and his better half, Amy. We had the pleasure of sitting with these two at the game Saturday night, and Chris was worried that the score would end up like the only other AU-MSU sporting event we attended together (Auburn's MBB thrashing of his Bulldogs in the Hump back in February). Don't worry, Hussey - you are more than welcome to sit with me at an Auburn sporting event any time in the future if those results remain forthcoming.

A former branch manager for BXS in Columbus, Miss., Reggie Hankins brought his wife as well as her sister and husband to Auburn for the game, and we were extremely pleased to have them tailgate with us. Upon their arrival, Reggie just looked at me and said, "Wow." That was a common reaction throughout the morning and early afternoon as folks continued to stop by.

I would be creating a disservice to not mention the Hipps in attendance: Brent and Carol brought Joseph's girlfriend down from Arab, and Amanda traveled from Starkville on her own even though she was a member of the Famous Maroon (pep) Band for the game. Joseph is a freshman at Auburn this year, and to think that he's grown up that fast in the seven years I've known this family...Thanks for stopping by and please know that you are all welcome at any time (something the Rushing clan cannot reiterate enough).

Hopefully, Brad Gregg and his party (Amber, Jarrod plus one) can avoid traffic meltdowns on the remaining Saturday mornings so that we can get to spend more time with them. They've been with us since the very beginning, and it's always a pleasure - especially when you can dissect AU wins instead of bemoan AU losses with Brad and Jarrod. Rumors are swirling that the first Amber Gregg Tailgate Haircut Special will take place this upcoming weekend against West Virginia.

This whole thing is starting to get big, and we could not pull this off alone. Thanks to everyone for all their contributions, none of which are considered "small" by All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk, Super Rita or myself. From Chris and Amy traveling to meet up with Hunter to get the maroon canopy to all the chairs brought and deserts and salads (thanks, Katy) provided...this is what it is all about, win or lose.

The coaching staff keeps preaching the Auburn Family. I hope we were able to continue to grow and accept more into the Rushing Tailgate Family as the season goes on. If the first two weeks are any indication (both on and off the field), we need to hold onto our hats and enjoy the ride. It appears as though its gonna be a whole lot of fun.

War Eagle and I believe in Auburn (and our tailgate) and LOVE IT.

Until next time...

Chris

Tailgate Review – The Louisiana Tech and “What’s your dream Chris?” Edition

What a week last week. First, for those of you who are still unaware, I had to say goodbye to Rudi on Wednesday as she got too sick too quickly. That set off a whirlwind of events that included: a President’s Retreat all day Thursday in Memphis followed by flu-like symptoms during a rain-filled drive to Columbus to get my mom followed by arriving to a broken air conditioner in the camper followed by finding some of Rudi’s toys followed by a broken flag pole that had hoisted the RUSHING flag above the camper followed by a tailgate filled with close to 40 people followed by a flooded camper that pushed back our departure time yesterday.

So, please, accept my apologies in the delay to get these reviews up but you’re in for a treat – a double-dandy for both the Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State tailgates within the next 24 hours. So without further ado…

Coach speak informs us that teams make their biggest improvements from week one to week two, and I am beginning to think the same of tailgates. We’ve come a long way from the intramural fields and open grass of Donahue Ave. in 2007. At best count, I had 26 people for the Louisiana Tech weekend, a number thanks mostly in part to Carl and Ellen Monroe’s clan coming in full force. For Mississippi State, we came dangerously close to that epic 40 threshold. I know I had a great time both weekends, and I hope everyone else who was there can say the same.

During La. Tech –

* Katy Braden and I discussed the whereabouts of “Dream Chris” and were overheard by Andy Shores. What happened from there was an onslaught of comedy during the bus ride to campus. The topic: “What’s your Dream Chris?” For the record, “Dream Chris” and I have talked at length and no longer will he perform any activity to any song by the Black Eyed Peas.

* A special thanks goes out to Tammy and Jacob Holmes for going above and beyond with the fruit, leaving the cooler, gifts, etc. I can’t begin to tell you how handy the cooler has been and Jacob – you know your Auburn football, man.

* We’re going to have to be more careful when talking about plans for upgrading the tailgate in the future. All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk dropped a line that he was in search of another canopy to put up at the site to help with shade and cover from rain. The Monroes went above and beyond by going out and buying us another canopy. Seriously, thank you guys again from the bottom of our hearts. You did not have to do that, but it sure was nice to have this past weekend.

* Also making their debuts at a Rushing tailgate were Charles, Frances, John and Elaine Puckett. Between them and Jarrod Gregg, I think we have enough chips for the remainder of our homestand. Kudos and thanks to all of you.

* Meredith Brazzell was also in the list of first-timers (to my knowledge). It was nice to repay the favor after mooching off her family’s tailgates throughout college. Also, Meredith is one heck of a cornhole player (she has the ground skip down pat).

* Katy, as always, brought her wonderful personality and helped keep the mood light. Seriously, she’s grown to be a staple at the tailgate and I’d have a hard time imagining game days at the camper without her. I’ve gotten nothing but compliments on the peanut butter cup cookies, Counselor Braden.

* Unfortunately, with so many coming in for the only time this season, I didn’t get to spend very much time hanging out with Brad, Amber, Jarrod, Bryan and Gina. Luckily, we were able to make up for it (a little bit) on that Sunday.

* Andrew was accused of cheating at cornhole by All Auburn, All Orange, All Facebook, All Kirk because of his over-handed throws. Research is being made, but I have yet to find any rule against the overhand toss. A final ruling is pending, however.

* Andy brought his beer and his A-game when it comes to hurling insults during cornhole. One hundred percent of those insults were directed at your’s truly. That’s really one of only two or three things he’s good at in life. The others, you ask? Sleeping late and making people angry (specifically girlfriends). You thought I was going to say something else here, didn’t you?

* Andrew provided a second set of cornhole boards. We are in the process (and by we, I mean Andy) of sanding and painting those two for simultaneous games. Andy told me the paint scheme he was planning to use. I don’t want to say anything and give it away, but it will be glorious if he pulls it off.

* The menu was outstanding with BBQ chicken thighs, all the chips you could want, cookies, brownies, the aforementioned peanut butter cup cookies…Just an All-American effort from my mom, Super Rita. The chicken was the first of several spreads to be featured this season. You can tell the improvements in all facets of this tailgate just from the experiences we have collected over the past six-plus years.

Rest in peace, dear friend

We didn't get to spend enough time together, and that is my main regret. The five months you were in my life were some of the best ones I've known. Through sick times, you were there to comfort me. Every night, when I would get home, you would show your excitement and greet me with the only way you knew to hug me. It was me and you, kid, and that was supposed to just be the beginning.

From the moment we met, I knew we were meant to be a pair. The first time you got in the truck, your legs were a bit wobbly and you enjoyed falling down in the floor more than sitting in the chair. Your favorite place to ride for the longest time was my lap. Luckily, after a handful of trips to nana's house, you grew out of that.

Wednesday could very well be the toughest day of my life. They called to tell me that it didn't look good. Please know this: I trusted you with no one else's care better than the vets who looked after you. Nana promised to keep me up-to-date on your recovery. Except, there would be no recovery.

Around 10 a.m., I got the second-worst call I've ever received. They told me to make my way to say goodbye. Goodbye. Even a couple of days later, I can't keep from tearing up knowing that I had to say this to you.

I drove through rain and traffic as fast as I could to get to you. I hadn't cried in a long time, but I couldn't stop knowing that it wasn't fair. We had so many more memories to make together, you and me. It wasn't fair.

I passed the ASPCA building where we met. Needless to say, I won't be going by there any time soon. It's just too hard. When I got near the vet's office, where you laid sedated and helpless against the raging fever, I lost it again. It just wasn't fair.

We all agreed to meet at nana's office and go as one to say goodbye. There were hardly any words spoken. We weren't ready for you to leave us yet. You had become such a big part of our lives in just a short time. It just didn't seem fair at all.

When I walked back there to see you, my heart dropped. The shaking, the chattering...I still can't get it out of my head. You were hurting so bad that I could barely stand it. I just wanted you to feel better and to come back with me, but I knew we could only have one way to ensure this of happening.

This was one of, if not, the hardest decisions I've had to make in nearly 27 years of living. I love you so much that I couldn't let you go that easily. I know you were fighting to come back to us, but hope was fading fast. It's just not fair.

When you woke up, I saw the hurt in your eyes. I saw the longing to get up and shake it off as you had done with every single antic and laughable moment you had in your too short lifespan. The pain was just too much, and I couldn't bear to have you feel it again. That's when I knew it was time to make the choice.

I just don't want you to hold it against me. I can't walk by your cage, and every time I see one of your toys (hidden or otherwise) I break down. You changed my life in so many ways and all of them for the better. The void I have right now will not be easily filled and the time it will take to get past the hurt...I can't figure that part out yet.

So, please know, Rudi, that I love and miss you more every minute. I know you are in a better place, and I long for the day that we can be together again - making the memories we didn't get the chance for here. Sleep well, sweet girl.

Rudi

February 2009 - Sept. 9, 2009

Note: I had every intention of putting up the tailgate review and tailgate plan for this week by Wednesday before a couple of things got in the way. I have a lot written, just haven't put the finishing touches on it. We had a great opening tailgate filled with 26 guests (at my best count).

This week, we'll have a strong group again in the neighborhood of 30. Thanks to everyone going above and beyond in Week 1, we're set for this week without anyone having to bring anything. Most won't get to read this until after the weekend wraps up, but please come by if you are around tomorrow. We'd love to have you.

You can check out my brief thoughts on the Auburn-Louisiana Tech game as well as a couple of observations concerning tomorrow's game with State at CollegeSportsMatchups.com - click on SEC Forecast - Week 2 and notice my archive on the right. Or, you can click here: http://collegesportsmatchups.com/commentary/5/

Here's to making the biggest improvements (on and off the field) from week one to week two.

War Eagle forever and RIP Rudi.

Chris

Really???

Ever since 2004, one of the main storylines in the dull days of summer is what song the Auburn entrance video will feature. That magical season, the "Rise" video (seen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOjFrY2Ua2E) included an instrumental score from the main Passion of the Christ. Very effective and really personified that group well.

In 2007, a better effort than the previous two seasons had a video that used Saliva's "Welcome to the Show"...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NheZ96dTrdI - or you can just hear the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdaMvVzqvRA .

Then, last year's first video was so horrid (this one set to the track "Are You Ready" by Three Days Grace - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_KRMO2CYJ8) that they redid the video after two games and went back to Ladies and Gentlemen for the LSU game. At least they corrected their mistakes, but really? The same song two years in a row?

With a new coaching staff - one that is always thinking ahead in what appeals to 17- and 18-year-old boys, I thought we'd turn the corner and maybe get a little rap in the video. I know my dad would be all about sticking with some "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, but we're going to recruit any 50-51-year-old dudes who smoke and listen religiously to Sirius' 70s on 7. (Sorry, pops - you know we love you.)

Instead, the rumors have spread today that the song selected is Saliva's "Family Reunion"...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxmgJcim4I0

While it stays with the Auburn Family aura tha tthe coaching staff is trying to instill and it is light year's better than "Are You Ready," I can't say that I'm not a little disappointed if this is in fact the choice. It's a good song, and I can see some good hitting video footage during the "And the crowd goes..." portions following the chorus. However, you can't tell me that you wouldn't be more crunk if the music was http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7bQwj2fjIU .

Anyways, that's my rant for tonight. Let me know what you think about "Family Reunion" - yea or nay.

The Tailgate Plan to Win: The Jimmy Buffett and Louisiana Tech Edition

So, I think what I’m going to do is update you on all the goings on with me from my last post back in March with a little each week during the football season. Sound good?

First, I’m going to talk about the Jimmy Buffett concert since we’re heading into a three-day weekend and I’m all about some frozen concoctions to help us all hang on…and a whole lot of salt, salt, salt. Brad, Amber, dad and I went to see Buffett on April 16 in Atlanta. Now, I saw Buffett last year at JazzFest, but this performance blew that one away.

“Summerzcool”: The tour was aptly named “Summerzcool” after his newest single, and it was a pretty cool night up in the ATL. I saw old boss Meredith Jenkins, AU soccer coach Karen Hoppa and their spouses. Never knew they were Parrotheads until that night. Meredith was taken aback from the news that Josh had gotten married. Yes, that Josh Jackson. It’s too bad Josh and Katie couldn’t go with us, but they’ve had their own Buffett experiences, at least.

“We all live in a yellow submarine”: I kind of feel like, as an AU fanbase, we have all been living in a yellow submarine and keeping a sunny outlook on what could be a very tumultuous 2009. This road schedule isn’t going to be easy to maneuver, folks, and we still have a lot of depth issues. After getting excited beyond belief last year and claiming that we’d be “thinking of championships” with a 4-1 record in September, I’m toning it WAY down this year. As for the correlation to the concert – the Coral Reefer’s final encore with Jimmy was this song. I’ve got it on my XM receiver if you’d like to listen.

“Recession? What recession? I refuse to participate!”: In a tour sponsored by his beer and his liquor, Buffett put on one heck of a 150-minute performance. He ain’t hurting in this economy because, as he so eloquently put it, “I’ve been spending your money foolishly since the 1970s.”

Now, on to the important part – the first tailgate. Now, I hope you don’t freak out when I spill some of these details. We’re looking at between around 23 people this weekend and a similar crowd for Mississippi State. It is very possible we have more MSU fans at our tailgate next weekend than Auburn fans. But, that’s OK. We’re all about being good hosts, and I feel very confident in our abilities to make this happen.

For these first two weeks, we’re asking that everyone supply their own drinks (we can store in the refrigerator if needed between games). While we will have the basics (Dr. Pepper, Orange Fanta, Sprite, water, frozen concoctions), the best way we know to fill the coolers with enough for this contingent is everyone bringing their own beverages (adult or otherwise). Also, if you have lawn chairs, please bring those also. We have a few at the camper but not nearly enough for everyone.

The menu for this weekend is chicken. We’ll have a platter of wings from Buffalo Connection and all the grilled chicken thighs you could want. We will most likely throw some burgers on the grill also, but that may be a game time decision when the fire gets rolling.

With a group of people this large, we’re inching towards that noted goal of reaching the Coach Hal echelon. Will we sustain that number? Most likely not, but I’m digging the enthusiasm for the new staff and our fresh start. The camper is on a new lot with a bigger lawn, and the festivities will kick off around lunch on Saturday. I’ll be up and working around 6 a.m. so my phone will be on and I will be available to answer any and all questions. Just call 334-750-1735.

Assignments are as follows:

Brad Gregg (5): Fruit, at least two bags of chips (not tortilla)

Katy Braden (1): Dessert

Andrew Monroe (2): Cornhole set, BuffConn platter

Carl Monroe (7): Drinks, BuffConn platter with Andrew, Ice

Pete Keller (2): Chips & Salsa, Ice, Drinks

Andy Shores (1): BYOB, Ice

Tammy Holmes (3): Fruit, Ice

We’ll handle the rest.

See ya there. War Eagle.