Tag Archives: BIG TEN

Game #3: Penn State at Indiana.

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Julie and I added to the list of Big Ten stadiums I’ve visited on Saturday by seeing the Indiana – Penn State game this weekend in Bloomington. For it being Indiana Football the game was a rather competitive. Indiana made a late rally but still came up short 36-31. Nearly all of the points in the game were scored in the opposite side of the stadium where our seats were. That side of the stadium is a construction zone (literally there’s a bulldozer and re-bar everywhere) and there is no net for behind the goal posts. So everytime a field goal or an extra point is scored the ball just sails into a dirt and then some kid goes and gets it. Classic Indiana.

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Five reasons I now know Indiana is known as the Land of Mellencamp:

  1. The IU band insisted on playing Mellencamp’s greatest hits between plays.
  2. Memorial Stadium is just a stones throw from John Mellencamp Pavilion training facility.
  3. I actually heard Jack & Diane on the radio while in Indiana.
  4. The open end of the stadium is literally a dirt pile.
  5. When I tried to call a cab in downtown Bloomington the operator asked “What town are you in?”

Sucking on a chili dog indeed.

Google Maps: Big Ten Stadiums:


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So far, so good. I only have Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota left on my list. Bloomington was about 4 hours from Chicago (compared to the 2 hours it takes to get to West Lafayette) so we made it into an overnight trip.

Game #1: Penn State Vs. Michigan.

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On Saturday I drove to Ann Arbor to meet up with Luke and catch the Michigan – Penn State game. The morning got off to a great start when I woke at 5:40 am head to the shower and head out only to find there was no hot water. Perfect. Luke and I met up with his friend from college Danielle and her boyfriend Tobias.. We grabbed a couple beers and then began our march to the Stadium. As you can see by the pictures below it was interesting to say the least.

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Of course Michigan won the game. I’ve been to probably 7 Michigan games with the hope they would lose and I think it’s only happened twice. Considering their 0-2 record when I bought the tickets this game was a sure thing. Or so I believed. Michigan was able to run between the 20’s pretty effectively but the difference in the game was an early fumble by Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli in the first quarter which lead to a touchdown. There were several shady calls (Instant Replay and Pass Interference) which only confirms my belief that playing at Michigan is nearly a certain defeat if it’s a close game.

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Other than that it was a good time. Our seats were great, the weather was perfect and the assholes who sat behind us left at Halftime. After the game we headed out with Luke’s friends for a couple drinks where we had Strongbow on draft. With those drinks and the two pints of Magic Hat #9 I had during dinner made it a successful trip.

Thanks to Tobias for driving me taking me to two different liquor stores in search of a case of Magic Hat. The search was unsuccessful but at least an attempt was made.

** BIG TEN & Notre Dame Stadium Map:


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Game of the Century.

Appalachian State fans are quick with the tshirt production.Appalachian State’s Goal Post.

Appalachian State’s upset of Michigan is The Game of the Century. By far there hasn’t been a bigger upset in the last 7 years (hence the Century term). Put strictly in historical terms:

Appalachian State has a winning record against the University of Michigan.

This is just another reason why College Football is the greatest sport ever. Meanwhile, ESPN is attempting to break into my football watching for the second consecutive night to show me a potential no hitter. Who cares. Wins & Loses. That’s all that matters. Ask formerly #5 Michigan.

Michigan Head Coach Lloyd Carr after the game:

“I’ve never been part of a loss that wasn’t miserable, and I don’t think I ever will be.”

You’ve also never beaten Appalachian State.