We start out our season with a long awaited trip to Kansas. One of my guiding principles is not to go to games where Power Conferences are playing down to FCS teams. However, in this instance, I am making an exception. These games let me meet another guideline which is to tailgate at all Power Five conferences.
While I am sure the Sunflower State has lots to offer, a double weekend is the way to go. With Kansas playing cupcake Wagner on Friday night, and K-State hosting a hopefully much tougher North Dakota on Saturday night the games still may be over early. I will admittedly lower my overall expectation given the level of competition but be happy to tailgate in both spots.
Our next stop is to revisit Buffalo. I say revisit because I had already been to the University of Buffalo.
However, the first time it was as a player for Mercyhurst College. Under the original rules of the bet, I got to count this as a visited stadium since I “played” against the Buffaloes. The shocking part was that the “played” part was actually true. The vast majority of my playing career at the Hurst was spent either on the bench or playing JV. However, we were blown out so much by UB that I played a lot in the 4th quarter. Again, it is an FCS opponent but it fits my schedule. Plus, the chance of snow is probably only 5%.
The following week I make a fairly long drive south to see Georgia Southern host Jacksonville State. I am looking forward to this trip for two reasons. One, I have been connected with an outstanding Eagle tailgate. Two, regardless of how the game plays out, I know the Jax State band will blow the doors off of Allen E. Paulson Stadium
Middle Tennessee State is in Murfreesboro, TN which is only 30 miles outside of Nashville. That, and what appears to be a great donut shop seem to be the best features of this town in the center of Tennessee. As of this post, I did not have any volunteers reach out to join me for this game. Accordingly, I had to sweeten the pot to get my wife to join me. Hence, I added a couple of days in Ashville, NC visiting the Biltmore Estate. She still hasn’t committed to the actual game yet.
On the surface, a trip to see the Akron Zips play Ball State in Muncy, Indiana does not exactly look like a great way to spend a fall weekend. However, adding the Steelers – Bengals game the Thursday before spices it up. We will be at least a dozen Yinzers strong tailgating at Cincy.
Adding to the luster of the Cardinal homecoming game will be another meeting of the now legendary Nine O’Clock club. This jolly assortment of “once was” and “has beens” insures a bevy of hurled insults, intense cornhole, and an undoubtedly good time.
With only fifteen more stadiums to visit, holes are starting to appear on the schedule. When I saw that Cal was rolling into Lane Stadium for a Friday night game, I immediately added it to the schedule as a bonus game. After nearly missing “Enter Sandman” at the BC – VT night game last year, I will leave much earlier to combat potential I-81 snafus.
The VT game kicks off a great stretch of big time games. Our next trip is back down south the see the Kentucky Wildcats take on the Auburn Tigers. I have a number of friends who are alums of Auburn and one has graciously made it her responsibility to make sure I get the true War Eagle experience, even if I am bringing some Kentucky fans with me for the visit. I can’t wait to experience everything Jordan-Hare Stadium has to offer.
The following week, I nearly wrap up the SEC with a trip out to Columbia to see the Texas A&M Aggies take on the Missouri Tigers. Again, I am bringing in a fan of the opposing team and there will undoubtedly be some pressure to support the Aggies. Typically, I side with the home team unless I have strong ties to the visiting team. I like A&M, but I am not a member of the College Station cult so my attire may be more of a neutral nature.
Missouri game was to be the last of the year, but then my cousin asked if I wanted to come to the Notre Dame – Pitt game. November weather in Pittsburgh can be dicey, but not even the thought of freezing rain can dampen my enthusiasm for this game. Plus, I always have a good time at Pitt games.
As I have said before, the list is a fluid one. It is mostly tied down, but, as always, there could be an audible. At this point though, flights are reserved, AirBnb’s are booked, and permission from the wife has been procured.
And remember, if you are going to be at any of the games let me know. I always like to connect with other college football fans.
The August SI Wall Calendar
No real comments on the calendar month. I didn’t have any theme in mind, but there are bunch of headshots this month. It occurred to me after I finished that it would probably pretty easy to do a month that is just full of faces. This may be the last cover I post until the season over as the calendar maintenance always suffers in the fall.
That’s all I got. Enjoy the 2025 College Football Season.
