Rocky Top

With the news of Rob Henry’s ACL tear we start the season on a rocky note to go along with our Tennessee based theme of “Rocky Top” for Saturday. I don’t know what to say anymore as Purdue Athletics’ inability to go more than 3 months without announcing an ACL tear, it is mystifying. What shaped up as a winnable game before the season now has me worried since MTSU was bowl eligible out of the Sun Belt conference last year and we’re starting a QB that has played all of 22 minutes since arriving on campus in 2009.

The team does look to be much improved with the return of Ralph Bolden and let’s not forget a secondary that outshined their youth last year. We still don’t know for certain who will rush the passer on D, pass the ball on offense (Terbush?), or catch the ball on offense though. I’m encouraging everyone to look forward to our tailgate party more than the game this year, I guarantee we’re not going to lose a tailgate!

In a nod to the home state of our opponent we will be going “southern” for our tailgate this week. In addition to sweet tea for sipping (or mixing with lemonade and vodka to make a “John Daly”) we will be serving country fried steak or chicken with gravy, shoe peg corn salad, sliced ‘maters, and cornbread. We’ll be washing all of that down with moon pies and RC for dessert. You don’t get any more southern than that folks! (Well, not without serving grits that is.)

We will plan on meeting in the W lot on Saturday morning, hopefully towards the front of the lot just like last year. The W lot is across from the Slater Hill and the Stone Cold Tailgating Club spot is marked by the gold square on the map to the right.

For those of you parking in the IM Gold Lot it is only a 5 minute walk to the W lot, just think of us being on the way to the stadium. We have the large flagpole that extends to 20 feet and an ambulance so hopefully you will be able to locate us easily. We will be sporting our custom flag this year which sports our “Old School Boilermakers” motif similar to our cups.

Saturday September 3, 2011
8:00 a.m. Depart for the W Lot
8:15 a.m. Arrive W lot/Set up Tailgate
11:15 a.m. Depart for Stadium
12:00 p.m. Kick Off

Eric and his parents will be departing from the house at 8:00 to ensure that we have two adjacent spots. If anyone else would like to meet at the house they are welcome to but it is not necessary. We have room to transport up to 7 people from the house in the ambulance and Element.