The Navarre-Ending Story

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In the End, It Comes Down to Steak or Fruit

No clock problems, no blocked field goals...just an old fashioned ass-whoopin' at the hands of the Buckeyes. At the end of the first half, it was 23-0, and despite making a valiant effort to make a comeback in the second half, 5 turnovers at the hands of #16 were ultimately the demise of the now 8-3 Maize and Blue, losing 26-20 to the unranked Buckeyes. The horrible second half of the season came to a close and the Wolverines are left with an uncertain bowl picture. Something is out of sync in Ann Arbor, and the Wolverines have a little over a month to work things out before facing the SEC's 2nd or 3rd representative in either the Outback or Citrus Bowl.

GO BLUE!

Birthdays and Buckeyes

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The Big Day

One year ago today, I sat down to scan two photo albums filled with pictures and build UMTailgate.com. I remember sitting in front of my computer with Bill at my side, scanning pic after pic for hours on end as Bill created his yearly collage. Never in my wildest imagination did I think UMTailgate.com would become what it is today. For the first few months of off-season time, we would get 20 to 30 hits a week, all from the close knit family that makes up our tailgate. We used the site as a means to stay in touch, make some off-season contacts and events, and just to say 'hi'. Now in its first full season with weekly updates from all home and away football contests, UMTailgate.com averages over 500 visitors a week from all over the United States, and all over the globe. I have been approached on numerous occasions by tailgaters and fans that recognize people from our tailgating family, many of whom I have never met, that are impressed by our persistence and our passion, and enjoy seeing just how much fun we have.

And so on this the 1st birthday of UMTailgate.com, I want to remind you all that this is not about me. This is OUR birthday. WE make UMTailgate.com what it is...together. I can't thank you all enough for all of the support I have received, the suggestions that you've made, and the messages you have left on the board. UMTailgate.com continues to grow, and it will get better and better as years pass. I dream of the day where every game has a "Previous Meeting" to look back on to spark a memory of a great game, great tailgate, or great friend.

In addition, with your help I continue to strive to make this a better website...and I am far from done. UMTailgate.com is slowly becoming a part of Michigan Football, and I refuse to stop until it is something that every Michigan fan knows about. It is our legacy, online, and no one can take any of the images, prose, or poetry away from us.

Again, I thank you all for making UMTailgate.com another way to GO BLUE.

310 Days Go By Fast, eh Jim?

Each year there is one thing you can count on. Michigan and Ohio State play their last game of the regular season against each other, and it ALWAYS means something. Countless Big Ten and National titles have been decided in Ann Arbor and Columbus in November, and this year it is no different. Make no mistake, Ohio State is coming to town this weekend to stop Michigan from claiming the Big Ten championship.

In addition, Michigan vs. Ohio State occurs on Thanksgiving weekend in Ann Arbor for the first time since 1985. There is no place I would rather be to celebrate all that I have to be thankful for...starting with the fact that I was not born in Columbus, and I've only had to visit that cesspool one time in my 25 years of existence.

Not to be forgotten, there are several other birthdays to celebrate this weekend, highlighted by that of Tuba and Captain Michigan. Both will most likely be too drunk by gametime to remember, so be sure to wish them a happy birthday before 9am.

GO BLUE!

Cheesy: Michigan 20, Wisconsin 17

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Behold the Power of Special Teams

I had more fun grasping the udders of a 20 foot tall cow with my mouth full of cheese curds than I had watching the brutal performance of the Wolverines on Saturday. Two blocked punts and a bouncing ball gave the game to the 8-2 Wolverines, 20-17. The post-game catch phrases included 'a win is a win' and 'we were owed one'... sounds like BCS material to me. The Wolverines were leap-frogged by the Illini in both polls, and we just are not the same team that beat up the Illini 45-20 in the Big House back in September. Are we getting worse every week? Or is just John Navarre getting worse every week?

In any case, we need to take everything we know about the 2001 Wolverines and throw it out the window. It's Buckeye week, and a little rookie coach made a prediction 10 months ago. Time to take care of business.

GO BLUE!

Owning the Jug: Michigan 31, Minnesota 10

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Little Brown Jug
The oldest trophy in college football remains in Ann Arbor as the Wolverines beat the Golden Gophers 31 to 10 in front of 110,000+ fans at the Big House. Michigan 'established the run' gaining 300 yards on the ground as Coach Carr played a little game of musical quarterbacks bringing in Jermaine Gonzales for several plays, including one where one of the slowest men in college football, John Navarre, went out for a pass.

New Inductee
UMTailgate.com inducted its 2nd member into the tailgating hall of fame as Dennis "The Godfather" Moore was selected by the secret board of directors. The updated UMTailgate.com flag was unveiled ceremoniously on the golf course. We went on to celebrate the induction and the birthday of the Godfather at the private invitation-only annual UMTailgate.com dinner.

GO BLUE!

Fuct

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MSU 26, Michigan 24 (In Magical OT)

How can I screw thee?...let me count the ways
The game ended at Spartan Stadium in dramatic fashion. The weird thing is that the game actually ended more than once. The Spartan's game winning drive included controversial penaties, game clock fraud, and possibly the most terrible no-call on a holding penalty ever on a play that shouldn't have even occurred. In the end, the Michigan players walked off the field disgusted, cheated, and unsatisfied. Lloyd Carr on Michigan Replay said he expects a call from the Big Ten apologizing for the disgrace.

The horrible thing about it is that it should have never been that close. The Wolverines were out-rushed and basically out-played by their weaker neighbor. TJ Duckett ran for over 200 yards on a defense let up an average of 54 yards for the first 7 games of the season. Even more stomach turning is that fact that Michigan State has the class of an XFL franchise... several times during the game, the Spartans put on a dancing exhibition both on the sidelines and on the field to the early 90's cult-favorite, "Jump Around". In the end however, they prevailed, throwing a short pass to TJ in the end zone as the clock expired (again). Reached for comment, Daris Dewberry of Phoenix, AZ said "I hope he didn't lob... did he lob?".

Field Passes Marred by Upset
Just want to drop a quick thank you to Bill, or MTraveller as he likes to be called, for acquiring sideline passes for the game. I must admit, I have never been closer to the action and felt closer to the Michigan team. The downside of that is the fact that I had to accept this loss from that new perspective...and it sucks real bad.

Where we stand
Essentially, this just takes away the possibility of the Rose Bowl and the National Championship...which isn't good. However, Michigan still controls its own destiny as it pertains to the Big Ten Championship and a BCS bid. They hold the tiebreaker against Illinois, and if they win out, they will get the Big Ten #1 slot in the BCS....again....if they win out.

Happy Birthday
UMTailgate.com would also like to wish a happy birthday to the little girl that got lost in East Lansing... We hope the rest of your birthday week goes a little better.

GO BLUE!