Tuesday, September 15, 2009

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

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