It’s the time of year when those who worship at Bronconagurskius’ altar step out onto the porch first thing in the morning, hoping for a whiff of crispy pigskin in the air.
We are ready.
So, in a tradition perhaps unlike any other, I begin, as my standard algorithm dictates, with an annual nod to the many of us who devote ourselves to consuming bratwurst while tailgating before the big game(s).
This time, just for fun, I decided to make a really informed recommendation as to which of the said sausages might be the best? Every now and then.
That’s why I consulted my expert for all sausage questions: Badger Billy.
He is, as his nickname suggests, a true and loyal son of America’s Dairyland. His high school football team’s nickname was the “Cheesemakers.” That’s right, I have a t-shirt.
On this football field, he shared the tight end duties with another colleague. He also shared a mouth guard with him.
Oh, how I love this story.
Anyway, he’s a Brats ‘r’ us guy through and through, so I asked who makes the best ones?
Of course, it’s a Sheboygan, Wisconsin place. Miesfeld’s Triangle Market, in business since 1941. Available online.
My husband will start the season with half a dozen in the freezer, ready to grill.
* * * * *
The eagle-eyed and good-memory among you may recall that about a month ago, I promised my unprecedented preseason reveal of which higher-NIL institutions could make the CFP Dozen.
I lied.
I’ll forget who I predicted. You’ll forget who I predicted. Once the game actually starts, it won’t matter at all. (Unlike my upcoming, much-vaunted weekly match tips, which are by far the most important assessment of the sport you can read.)
I will share this.
Florida won’t be one of them. The Gators have eight games against preseason top 20 schools. Miami. A&M.* Tennessee. Georgia. Texas. Ole Miss. LSU. Florida State. Greg Sankey must have had a bad burger at Fat Daddy’s. The undefeated Dolphins would have trouble navigating that route.
*The Aggies are not coached by Jimbo Fisher. He received $75 million from the oil industry to disappear in his own parade.
Consensus No. 1: Georgia also has a bone to pick with the schedule makers. They start with Clemson and then play league games against Texas, Alabama and Ole Miss. All on the road.
And one more thing about the Diamond Dozen: Louisville may not have made the top 25 for the summer, but it appears on pretty much every list of underdog schools that could crash the party.
* * * * *
I’m not going to leave you completely in the lurch, so I’m offering you some additional informative expert opinions for your perusal. (As you can see, I’m already in top form, alliteratively speaking.)
When I was a kid, there were these little college football brochures you could buy at the grocery store. Schedules, etc. Some of them had outlines of the more famous stadiums in the country. There was a time when I could name a football complex
by its outline.
That’s why I’ve always been fascinated by venues, visitor numbers, etc.
Two tidbits on this topic.
Pitbull, yes. Rick’s favorite rapper, aka Mr. 305, aka Mr. Worldwide, has acquired the naming rights to Florida International’s home stadium. The Panthers’ stadium was formerly known as Riccardo Silva Stadium (astroturf, capacity 20,000).
Tell me where else can you get such important data.
And Northwestern’s Ryan Field is currently undergoing major reconstruction. So the Wildcats will play on a temporary field by the lake. Capacity 15,000.
* * * * *
I’m going to miss Jim Harbaugh. I can’t coach at the NCAA level for a while. I have a reason for the whole sign-stealing cover-up. As if he cares.
Temporarily lost his best Charger QB. Cry!
You’d think that the officials at the University of Michigan would get things sorted out with Harbaugh before celebrating last season’s victory. Right?
Wrong. It will be celebrated on opening day in the Big House (capacity 107,601).
Let’s hope Fresno State pulls off an App State.
Okay, that’s enough nonsense for today.
Further information will follow before week 0.
— CD Kaplan
