Minnesota vs. Air Force – Highlights

To sum it all up in a word, AWESOME.  From the launch of tailgating at Noon, to kickoff at 6, to the 3rd quarter defensive touchdown, to the final seconds of the game, it was simply an amazing day that I will remember for the rest of my life.  TCF Bank Stadium is going to be a huge asset for the football program in the years to come.   As a fan I find myself almost as excited for the second home game as I did for the first home game.  The roar of the crowd was louder than anticipated.  The video below is just prior to kick off as the Gophers took the field for the first time.

One other positive note of the day was the overall tailgating experience.  Spacious lots with plentiful Biffy’s made for a perfect pre-game celebration.  Too bad the price tag is so high. Below is my favorite tailgate video of the weekend. “It was a Dance Off” inspired by some random Gopher ATV equipped with microphone and speakers. Believe it or not the girl on the right won.

Minnesota vs. Air Force – Pre Game Thoughts

Question #1 of the day: Can the Gophers Defense stop the triple option from Air Force on Saturday?  After a somewhat sloppy and sluggish start last week, the Gophers need to bring their A game on both sides of the ball.  Nothing would sour the first game ever in TCF Bank Stadium more than a disappointing loss.  Let’s hope Lee Cambell and defense can bring as much energy to the field as I plan on bringing to the tailgating lots.

This brings me to Question #2 of the day: Where the hell am I going to tailgate?  With the racket that the U of M has going for all of the surrounding lots, the tailgating situation is quite grim for the common man.  Dare I load up my tailgate gear and drive around and hope for the best or instead should I just throw in the towel and go bar hopping?  The safe money has to go the bars on this one.

The only other question that remains is Dinkytown vs. Stadium Village.  From what I’ve heard around town so far, they are both expected to put on a great performance.  One could probably expect bigger, older crowds in Stadium Village at places like Sallys and Stub & Herbs while Dinkytown will likely draw the younger crowd at place like The Library, Blarney’s, and Burrito Loco.  Maybe I’ll just go on an afternoon pub crawl to see what each of of them has to offer so I can solidify my plans for next week.

And finally, one of my favorite sports videos. Enjoy.

2009 Game Notes – Air Force

2009 Game Notes – at Syracuse