Beginnings...

Still dark, the early morning air is cool with the onset of September. I creak open the door and settle into the dusty seat of my Jetta, heaving my travel pack onto the passenger side within easy reach. Rubbing the weariness from heavy eyes, I wait a few seconds before cranking the tiny diesel over. The familiar chug and rattle percolates throughout the cabin and a spin of the radio dial searches for some morning jabber for background noise.

Cup holders on the dash beckon for a steaming cup of coffee, but I only take water. I picked up a fifteen pack case from the gas station for $3.99 the night before. The flimsy plastic bottles so thin they crinkle like aluminum foil, and I’m nervous they’ll explode all over the floor. Never did understand the allure of that black liquid. As a rule, coffee drinkers make terrible road trippers. Always fussing for their next fix, you inevitably have to pull over again twenty minutes later so they can relieve the borrowed fluid.

Creeping out of the parking garage, I lope onto the highway, thick yellow lines sparkling in the half moon glow of headlamps. Ribbons of blacktop and a season full of new adventure await. Into the morning black I go.

I make my way north on Highway 61 skirting the winding edge of the Mississippi River and passing through Hannibal, Missouri a couple hours later; birthplace of Mark Twain. The orange glow of sunrise streams in through the passenger window now, the roads remain silent. I turn the radio off in deference.

Eventually, the broad valleys of Missouri give way to the soft rolling hills of Southern Iowa. Great glaciers carved these valleys into the scarred plains, the hills the remnants of sediment deposits left behind as the ice retreated North. Erratic boulders the size of Volkswagens dot the edges of fields, abandoned by the glaciers to later be wrestled out of the way by early settlers.

Today, broad swaths of corn stretch across the undulating landscape as far as the eye can see. Oceans of gold tassels sway rhythmically in the wind, flamboyant seed company signs demarcating the different plots. Pioneer. Champion. The corn is high now, with harvest a few short weeks away. The blacktop walled on both sides by endless green pickets disappearing over the next rise.

A new odyssey begins…

2011 College Football schedule is up!

With the season only a week around the corner, it's time to unveil the 2011 schedule!

There is a great variety of games on here, and with my new St. Louis locale I will be plunging further into the ranks of the Big 10 and SEC. I've chosen a handful of marquis matchups, and strangely, there will be a lot of night games this year as many teams look to increase their TV ratings. Right now the schedule stands at a modest 16 games in all, although I may add a few surprises during the season. As always, the schedule may change a bit throughout the year as I reserve the right to call an audible on any given week and veer off course to a different destination.

Sept 3rd: Iowa State (Northern Iowa)
Sept 9th: Louisville (FIU)
Sept 10th: Kentucky (Central Michigan)
Sept 15th: Mississippi State (LSU)
Sept 17th: Alabama (North Texas)
Sept 24th: Minnesota (North Dakota St.)
Oct 1st: Wisconsin (Nebraska)
Oct 8th: Northwestern (Michigan)
Oct 15th: Tennessee (LSU)
Oct 22nd: Notre Dame (USC)
Oct 29th: Indiana (Northwestern)
Nov 5th: Iowa (Michigan)
Nov 12th: Missouri (Texas)
Nov 19th: Illinois (Wisconsin)
Nov 26th: Auburn (Alabama)
Dec 3rd: Big 10 Championship (Indianapolis)

I want to hear your thoughts. Send me some ideas and recommendations for any of the places above, and of course if you would like to meet up in person, drop me a note!

7 Days and counting...

Let the planning begin...

It's never to early to start thinking about next year, and based on some feedback I've received here is the list of teams that may be on the docket... All of these are reachable from St. Louis, or have been prearranged with some of my cohorts.

Higher Priority:

Minnesota

Iowa

Iowa State

Missouri

Mississippi State

Auburn

Northwestern

Illinois

Indiana

Kentucky

Louisville

Vanderbilt

Tennessee

Cincinnatti

Notre Dame

Army

Wisconsin

Ole Miss

Alabama

Time Allowing:

Memphis

Arkansas State

Middle Tennessee

Northern Illinois

Western Kentucky

Tulsa

Thoughts? Suggestions? Let me hear them...

The Pigskin Pursuit has moved!!!

A new career opportunity has taken me to the great city of St. Louis!!!

Though I am still getting settled here, I wanted to involve some of my readers in the planning process for next year. It is certainly bittersweet leaving my beloved Texas, and all the incredible College Football and Barbecue that the state claims. Though rest assured, I will be back for plenty of visits. However, the city of St. Louis and broader Missouri is no slouch either, and I'm already excited about a completely blank canvas of new venues, teams and BBQ joints to explore.

I already have three games on the schedule for next year, but the rest are still a blank canvas and I'm looking for suggestions from my new location.

2011 Proposed Schedule
October 15th: Tennessee (LSU)
October 22nd: Notre Dame (USC)
November 26th: Auburn (Alabama)

As such, I would love to hear from some folks out there about ideas, schools and teams for next year. Geographically, within a six hour radius, St. Louis offers access to three big conferences: The Big 12, The Big Ten and the SEC along with a handful of other schools. I want to hear from you!

So please email or comment on this post with your suggestions on interesting places for the Pigskin Pursuit to head next year!

Cotton Bowl: Texas A&M vs LSU

Unlike the Poinsettia and Armed Forces Bowls that I attended recently, the Cotton Bowl Classic represents one of the most historic and prestigious Bowl Games in College Football. Tracing its roots back to 1937, the Cotton Bowl is the 5^th oldest Bowl Game in the country, predated only by the Rose Bowl (1901), Sugar Bowl (1934), Orange Bowl (1934), and Sun Bowl (1934). Together, these five bowls represent the core of traditional Bowl games, although both the Sun and Cotton have recently found themselves excluded from the BCS. Traditionally, the Cotton Bowl Classic features a Big 12 team versus an SEC opponent, and this years contest would represent the 75^th playing of the game.

Interestingly, however, for the first time in its history the 2011 Cotton Bowl Classic would be a bit of a misnomer. During the last seventy five years, the game has been played in its namesake stadium the “Cotton Bowl” itself, an eighty year old facility occupying the Texas State Fairgrounds in Dallas. With the arrival of the new Jerry Jones inspired Cowboy Stadium monstrosity in Arlington, however, the game has been moved to this sparkling new location replete with sushi, Grey Goose and glow stick worthy décor. Perhaps AT&T ought to consider dropping the word “classic” from the game title.

Despite being outside of the prestigious and lucrative BCS bowls, the Cotton Bowl was easily one of the more intriguing Bowl match ups of the season this year. As you have read on this blog before, both Texas A&M and LSU are two of the most revered game day atmospheres in the College Football landscape, and they each represent some of the most ardent fan bases in the game. While it certainly doesn’t equal the intrigue and prestige of the Connecticut versus Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl match up, I relished the opportunity to witness a clash between two of my favorite adopted College Football squads.

Joining me on the day were a handful of old friends Bryce and Jared, along with a newcomer, though big follower of the Pigskin Pursuit – Merritt. Luckily in town for work, Merritt had rushed out to the local Wal-Mart to procure herself an LSU t-shirt in a show of SEC solidarity (much to the chagrin of her bruised Alabama undergrad pride). The rest of us had opted for Aggie maroon, since we are in the Lone Star state after all.

Prior to the game, we met up with Kipper again for some tailgating festivities amongst the wafting aroma of his dual pit trailer. Enamored with his barbecue, I came to find out that Kipper in fact competes in regional barbecue competitions and has garnered a couple of first prizes on his chicken. On this day, however, I couldn’t take my eyes of the mouthwatering Turducken that he smoked, stuffed with a Cajun inspired crawfish and shrimp dressing. An enticing culinary nod to the two squads taking the field on the day, it was every bit as delicious as it looked.

On the carpet, the Aggies came out firing first, jumping out to a 10-0 lead amidst a shocked Tiger defense. The potent Aggie offense was rolling, and audible high pitched whoops flooded Jerryworld. The celebration was to be short lived, however, as the LSU defense stiffened up and the gears started turning on their unpredictable offense. Erratic quarterback Jordan Jefferson took the lead, connecting on one of three touchdowns on the day with receiver Terrence Toliver. Jefferson, who had been benched a handful of times this season, really found his stride in this game, using his agility to elude capture on several occasions. The Aggie defense simply could not make a big third down stop, giving up a handful of agonizing third down conversions longer than ten yards. Celebrated A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, a converted wide receiver who had reeled off five straight wins for the Aggies, was uncharacteristically inaccurate, tossing three interceptions at critical times. In the end, LSU walked away with a convincing 41-24 win, and Bryce and I remained after the game amidst hordes of purple and gold clad admirers vociferously belting out “Neck” in celebration.

This was a fantastic matchup between two classic College Football teams worthy of the Cotton Bowl heritage. While LSU may have prevailed on this night, both teams are going to be interesting to watch next year. They both feature a bevy of underclass starters, and should find themselves atop the rankings next season. Though I need little convincing to go watch either Texas A&M or LSU play…

This marks the end of the Pigskin Pursuit for 2011! It’s been a pretty wild 19 game ride that has taken me from coast to coast this year. But be sure to stay tuned for some more updates, and a sneak peek at what’s in store for 2011! There are some big surprises on the horizon and you’ll want a preview…

Thanks to my friends Brian and Federico for helping me find tickets to this game, it’s a shame you guys couldn’t join, but we’ll certainly catch up for a few games next year.

Thanks for Merritt for diligently following and finally being able to join me on the Pigskin Pursuit! Hopefully we can find our way down to Tuscaloosa next year.

Special thanks to Bryce and Jared for meeting up with me for yet another stop on the Pigskin Pursuit. Always a pleasure to have you guys along, and the tradition will continue in 2011!

Armed Forces Bowl: Army vs SMU

The Armed Forces Bowl, or more appropriately the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, is another of the newer bowls created in college football with its first kickoff dating back to 2003. Originally called the Fort Worth Bowl, the game is traditionally played at Amon Carter Stadium in Cowtown, home of the fearsome and undefeated TCU Horned Frogs. While Amon Carter undergoes a 105 Million dollar facelift, the game is being hosted at Ford Stadium in Dallas for the next two seasons. Given a bowl game five minutes up the road, it made for a convenient post season opportunity to continue the Pigskin Pursuit. Joining me on the day would be two DFW friends and former West Point cadets Bryce and Geoff. I donned my darkest black polo and we skipped up to the SMU campus to check out the morning tailgate action before an 11AM kickoff.

Ford Stadium is a pleasant little horseshoe shaped stadium occupying the southern edge of the pristine SMU (Southern Methodist) campus. With a stated capacity of only 32,000 it’s hardly larger than some of the behemoth high school venues in the state, though Ford is easily approachable and conveniently located five minutes from downtown Dallas. Unlike the new Jerry Jones spaceship in Arlington, free neighborhood parking abounds in the mansion lined side streets of Highland Park, and I tucked the Jetta easily into an empty street on an early Thursday morning. Highland Park, for those of you unfamiliar with Dallas, is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country with a per capita income of nearly $100,000.

After parking, Bryce, Geoff and I hoofed it over to the “Boulevard” tailgating area to meet up with some of their West Point cohorts hosting a tailgate. In addition to the glut of military acronyms I would learn on the day, this proved to be a well appointed and welcoming setup. Their friend Kipper had secured prime real estate on the Boulevard, which is an exquisitely manicured stretch of grass shaded by stretching post oaks in the center of the SMU campus. Kipper was no stranger to a smoker, evidenced by the dual pit trailer he towed behind his pickup and gentle smoke enticingly wafting into the damp morning air. The mouth watering menu included chicken thighs, country style pork ribs, stuffed jalapenos (my tongue would only allow for one) and pulled pork sandwiches. All of the meats were expertly prepared and testimony to Kippers prowess as a skilled tailgater.

Walking into the stadium, I was surprised at the sheer number of West Point alums in the crowd. For a school that typically only graduates roughly 1000 students per year, black and gold flooded the bleachers, and weighty USMA class rings flashed in our section, reflecting sporadic streams of sun (The USMA started the practice of university class rings in 1835). Walking through the concourse with Bryce and Geoff was akin a West Point class reunion, as familiar faces swarmed the aisles, testament to the solidarity that exists among former cadets.

On the field for the day the Black Knights of Army were facing off against the Mustangs of SMU, though the home field advantage for the Ponies was mitigated by this strong turnout of Army supporters. The excitement for the Knights started quickly, as 1:30 seconds into the contest they jarred the ball loose from SMU Quarterback Kyle Padron, and ran the recovery back for a 55 yard touchdown. The excitement would continue for Army in the first quarter, as the cadets later marched 80 yards down the field on another touchdown drive. Adding on a second quarter field goal would put the USMA up 16-0 at halftime, amidst a stunned SMU squad. The second half was all about Army desperately clinging onto a lead, fending off the gun slinging June Jones offense and trying to run out the clock. After a tense missed 47 yard field goal by SMU late in the fourth quarter, a kick which would have given them the lead, the entire East side of the stadium let out a collective gasp of relief. After a few clock killing first downs, Army had secured their victory despite not scoring in the entire second half, and held on for a dramatic 16-14 victory.

While it hardly garnered a mention on SportsCenter, this marked the first bowl win for Army in 25 years, their last coming in the Peach Bowl in 1985. This was truly a remarkable win for a program that has seen only a handful of post season games the last few decades. People are quick to forget that Army used to be the national powerhouse in football. Though they will never return to their former pedestal, the pride and heritage found in USMA football is still roaring amongst their distinguished alumni. I was particularly proud to have experienced it with Bryce and Geoff, both class of 1999.

Be on the lookout for a potential trip to West Point for the Pigskin Pursuit next year….

Thanks again to Kipper for hosting such a phenomenal tailgate, it was certainly some of the best food I’ve had all year.

Special thanks to Bryce and Geoff for letting me tag along, and witness Army victory!

Poinsettia Bowl: San Diego State vs. Navy

While New Years day used to rule the College Football post season, and arguably represented the best day of sports all year, over the past ten years College Football Bowl Season has changed dramatically. As it stands now, Bowl Season begins on December 18^th, and concludes nearly three and a half weeks later on January 10^th adding handfuls of new Bowl Games along the way. Not only has the NCAA and BCS failed to remove any controversy in deciding a national champion, but additionally, they have ruined the spectacle that New Years Day once was by spreading the games over such a long window. Add yet another line item to the extensive scroll of BCS incompetence.

The Poinsettia Bowl is one of these newer expansion bowls, tracing its roots back to 2005 as an offshoot from the organizers of the Holiday Bowl. Sponsored by the illustrious San Diego County Credit Union, the Poinsettia Bowl features Navy (when bowl eligible) versus the second place Mountain West Conference finisher, this year being represented by the San Diego State Aztecs. While I would certainly never plan a destination trip around a game like the Poinsettia Bowl, spending Christmas in San Diego with my family would put me in dreary Southern California during bowl season. A quick glance at the calendar revealed I would be flying in the day of the game, and so arose a convenient opportunity to add another college football game to the 2010 Lineup. It also presented a unique occasion to share a game with my sister and measuredly introduce her into the world of College Football.

Fresh off the plane and a belly full of Santana’s burritos, we navigated the disorganized maze of parking at Qualcomm Stadium. Hampered by heavy rains and surprisingly robust tailgaters, my sister and I found our way over to a tailgate hosted by some of her Navy friends. Given the proximity of some rather large Navy bases in the surrounding area, coupled with the home game for the Aztecs, it made for a far larger crowd in the parking lots than I had anticipated. A few adult beverages and handfuls of cookies later, we made our way into the concrete eyesore of Qualcomm Stadium.

Qualcomm, the turf specifically, was in surprisingly good shape considering the torrential rains and floods that had pervaded San Diego the days before the game. Workers had pumped away over 1.5 million gallons of water off the field to make the surface playable, parts of which were nearly 10 inches underwater only the day before. Ordinarily, one would think the dubious footing would be an advantage for Navy and their grinding triple option rushing attack, but that was not to be the case on this day. Though the Middies still managed 235 yards on the ground, they stumbled in the red zone and struggled to put points on the board. Navy quarterback and Lowe’s Senior Class Award winner Ricky Dobbs toiled to keep any momentum on the Navy attack.

San Diego State on the other hand, a team I admittedly knew little about, was stunningly explosive. Led by phenom freshman running back Ronnie Hillman they torpedoed the Navy defense to the tune of 555 yards, nearly evenly split between rushing and passing. Hillman himself racked up 228 yards and three touchdowns. His blistering ability to hit the corner will no doubt draw comparisons to former Aztec great Marshall Faulk, and as a freshman he’s certainly a talent to keep an eye on. In the end San Diego State ran away with a 35-14 win, securing their first bowl victory since the Pasadena Bowl against Boston University (who no longer fields a football team) back in 1969. Clearly, this was a big win for Aztec fans, though perhaps short lived, as yesterday SDSU head coach Brady Hoke was lured away to the University of Michigan.

Although it’s certainly not a marquis Bowl, it was great to be able to work the Poinsettia Bowl into my holiday travel plans, and be on hand to introduce my sister to the world of College Football. While it likely won’t turn into quite the same obsession for her, I’m already laying the foundation for a trip to South Bend next year so she can witness a true College Football atmosphere.

Thank you to my friend Brian for helping us out with a few tickets to the game, and next time perhaps I’ll join you for the Navy pep rally on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.

Thank you of course to my sister Rebecca for joining me for the game, and the entire Christmas season in San Diego.