FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Yep, another week in the less-than-stellar Big 10. Sure, the football is down this year in the midwest, but somehow Michigan was still playing to go to Pasadena, so spirits remained pretty high in Ann Arbor. That said, I'm pretty sure I've been watching the same Michigan team that Wolverine fans have been all year, so the end result may not have been all that shocking. Also, it turned out to be Lloyd Carr's last game coaching against OSU (as everyone had anticipated), which gave the game even more meaning, and wow, Buckeye fans are really going to miss him.

I didn't see too much of Ann Arbor itself, but from what I could see through the cold and rain, there seems to be worse places to spend four years of one's life. There appeared to at least be a decent enough selection of food, bars, and general culture to keep things interesting. Let's jump right in:

A Michigan RV. After a dozen weeks, I've talked myself into purchasing a flying tailgate RV in forty years and you can hold me to my word that I'll be completely generous with my food if I'm ever approached by the Moon Football Tour Guy. 

The entrance to Michigan Stadium, as you probably guessed. My own personal highlight was being badgered by three different kids to buy candy while I tried to get the phrase "use my nipples to open some envelopes" out on camera. Not pictured: three little kids with candy boxes wondering why a strange man keeps saying "nipple" over and over again.

Camera Guy Casey didn't get a cameo in the episode, so here's a shot of him walking towards the Andy Gump line to  film people going into the bathroom*. This only goes to reinforce the idea that I need a better screening process for camera guys.

*I made this up.  

The guy in the scarf leads a toast every so often with roughly 50 other people. He sounded almost exactly like Dick Vitale, if Dick Vitale really hated Columbus, OH. I can only assume that they were shotgunning ginger ale.

I like funny hats.

Her shirt says "OHIO is a STATE that SUCKS." I enjoy the fact that UM and OSU fans have chants and shirts that call out the other's entire state, not just the school. That's commitment to the cause. 

Michigan dogs, presumably trying to pick up the scent of the Ohio State end zone for later on. Obviously, the dogs proved to be no help. 

I don't know what's going on here, but I can assure you it was pretty cold.

More sweet, sweet RV action.

Plenty of options. If you must know, I went with the venison salami and the glazed up top. Yep, when I'm hungry, I go straight for ol' deer and donuts combo. What can I say, I'm classy.

Still no trace.

Camera Guy Casey immediately attacked the owner of this tailgate for having sushi at a college football tailgate. Because people are especially generous with their food when you greet them with criticism. First the porta potty debacle and now the food confrontation. Psh.

Right to the point. I respect that.

I really do.

This guy said he spent all night making this sign. Your guess is as good as mine. 

Have you ever taken a picture where a certain pose seems like a good idea in your head, but then you regret it immediately afterward? Me neither.  

This is the lady that interrupted my interview with the guy in the Michigan uniform and pads. I hadn't spoken to her or anyone with her, yet she called me a "turd" out of nowhere. I'm not saying I'm not, but this, to my knowledge, is the first time I've been called a turd by a woman over 50. Score.

If you look closely, you can see an OSU guy with a Michigan girl. If you look closer, you can see another crappy ESPNU commercial in the works.

Seen outside of The Big House. Awesome. 

Camera Guy Casey claims to be working on a competing blog that promises to expose me, whatever that means. As soon as he sends it to me, I'll probably be man enough to post the link. 

Stay tuned.

Email:

CFTourGuy@gmail.com 

Links:

Tour Guy Road Notes (permanent link) 

The College Football Tour Guide (last season's episodes)

SI Video on YouTube

SI College Football channel on Veoh

Windows Media Player 9 (for Mac)

Flip4Mac (for Mac)