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