This is the first in a series of posts on the college football trips. The Commish asked for the top 3 favorites from several multi-time participants, a daunting task for those that have several (or all) trips under their belt. We start with an original member,
Barn.
NUMBER 1:
2006: #2 Michigan @ #1 An Ohio State: The Horseshoe, Columbus, Ohio
“The Game”… In a historic “Game Of The Century.”
(“It was a playoff before the playoff system started”)
The Anticipation Building during The 16-Hour Drive to Ohio…
I’ve never had travel go so gloriously fast.
Members of “The Best Damn Band In The Land” playing in the bar we were in.
Eddie George’s Restaurant.
ESPN GameDay.
ABC bringing in huge extra lighting stanchions for the HD Broadcast.
Tailgating… with fans wanting to buy my vintage Cleveland Browns sweatshirt .
Dotting The “i”.
A game that actually lived up to the hype. (Even “Brent Musburger Level” Hype.)
Troy Smith: 2006 Heisman Trophy Winner
R.I.P. Bo…
(And a local band really named “The Dead Schembechlers”)
Standing the entire contest.
The Sound… Wow… The Sound!
Fan’s ripping up the turf after the game.
Oh…Yeah… Plus Canton.
How Can You Top This???
A Football Fan’s Dream Trip Of A Lifetime!!!
NUMBER 2:
2001: Minnesota @ Michigan: The Big House, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Two of my favorite teams, playing for one of the game’s iconic traveling trophies.
Two of my favorite fight songs, which my Mom taught me the words for when I was a kid.
The largest crowd I had ever been part of.
My first Division I game outside of Minnesota.
Staying in Madison at Hotel Dahl… (Thanks Becky!)… as we picked up Jon… our own Big Ten Tour Guide.
Tailgating… and buying Fake “Pleather” Team Coats from a vendor. (Still have both of ‘em.)
Beautiful Fall Day, walking down Into the Stadium, taking it all In with over 110,000 other fans.
(Goosebumps even today!)
Getting yelled at by Marion Barber…
who took umbrage to me wearing a Michigan shirt under my Minnesota Jacket.
Classic!
The return trip through South Bend.
The College Football Hall Of Fame.
(I hope I remember this correctly… but I think the genesis of making this an annual event came to us in the gift shop of the Hall Of Fame… when we looked at Notre Dame’s 2002 schedule and came to a consensus that we should go to the Michigan-Irish game the next year.)
(Genius! Wile-E-Coyote-Level “Super Genius”!!!)
Driving Notre Dame’s Campus.
The Golden Dome.
Touchdown Jesus… (and taking Steve’s arms-extended Holiday Card Photo.)
I think he titled it something like: “Merry Christmas From Both Of Us”.
Marvelously Hilarious!!!
“Sneaking” into the Stadium.
Walking down to the field with Muck.
Walking on the same turf as Rockne, Leahy, Ara, Devine, Lou… and Montana… and Rudy… and Shanley’s Steve Cichy.
it was electric!
(You really can hear “The Echoes”!)
Two of College Football’s Legendary Venues… on one fantastic weekend…
You never forget your first College Football Trip!
NUMBER 3:
2004: #1 USC @ UCLA: The Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
(Much Closer Game Than Expected) (Trojan Victory Now Vacated)
One of my 3 favorite teams, in one of my favorite rivalries.
One more of my favorite fight songs.
One of the Great Mascots, Traveler, galloping around the field.
One of College Football’s Great Cathedrals.
The USC Song Girls!
2004 AP Poll National Champions
2004 BCS National Champions (Now Vacated)
2004 Orange Bowl Champions (Now Vacated)
Tailgating with the San Gabriel Mountains for a backdrop.
Guy behind us in the stands with lots of booze mini’s in his coat… which he offered to share with us.
Jim’s Sign: #1. Oklahoma / #2. Auburn / #3. USC (Why didn’t ABC ever dare show that on TV???)
Leinart: 2004 Heisman Trophy Winner
Bush: 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner (Now Vacated)
(335 All-Purpose Yards + Nice diving flip in our end zone to finish a 65-yard TD run on the 2nd play from scrimmage)
(Keith Jackson: “Helloooooooo Everybody! Meet Mr. Bush.”)
Did I Mention The USC Song Girls?
Plus Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Hills, Fantastic Hotel location, and many other L.A. and San Diego attractions.
What Else Can I Say???… A Terrific Left Coast Trip!
Addendum:
This was a difficult task… selecting only 3 of the 8 trips I have been privileged to be part of.
Honestly, I can make a case for each and every journey I experienced as being one of my “Favorites”.
So I’ll number the others “3a thru 3e”.
And, it must be said, it’s all because of the company of the fellow travelers on each College Football Expedition.
Thanks Fellas!
Barn
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