Ross and I enjoyed a cold fall day on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University Saturday as guest's of Godfather's Blue Crew. The Blue Raiders took care of their part of our fun, routing North Texas 52-13. (Special thanks to Blue Raider tailback Phillip Tanner who entertained us with 300 all purpose yards and 6 touchdowns. The guy was unstoppable.)
The Godfather of the Blue Crew, Tommy Campbell, runs the best tailgate on game days. He and his lovely wife host family, friends and fans to the rare tailgate that combines the best in the three phases of tailgating: food, technology, and comfort. The Godfather cooks the meat on a massive blue outdoor cooker. There's an HD television hooked up to a mobile satellite dish for the early games in other cities. We relaxed under two spacious tents complete with plenty of chairs and portable heaters. All this in the shadow of Johnny "Red" Floyd Stadium.
Saturday was dedicated to our troops and veterans. Ross says he wants to be a soldier when he grows up. I believe he would've joined up on the spot if they took 5 year-olds. He explored a tank, an armored personnel carrier and an Apache helicopter. Mostly, he asked a lot of questions.
My friend Devin McClendon, nephew of The Godfather, hosted Ross and I in his skybox inside the stadium. Aside from the best view of the action, the box offered heat, food and comfort. Ross ate multiple bowls of homemade chili. I really enjoyed the apple cider and desserts.
After the Blue Raiders score 6 touchdowns in the first half, the best thing to do is celebrate in the inflatables set up inside the stadium for the kids to enjoy. Then there's a 30% off sale at Lightning's Locker Room. We got a sweatshirt for me, a Blue Raider's necklace for Jenna and Ross picked out an oval steel license plate.
See the photo album from Saturday's Gameday.
Thanks to The Godfather, his crew including our friend Devin, and the Blue Raiders for a off the charts fun Saturday.
