A2 traditions enliven football Saturdays

It's 9 on Saturday morning, the alarm clock just went off and you're thinking to yourself, "Do I really want to get up this early before the football game?" Sure, it may seem tempting to sleep in one morning of the week, but you can do that Sunday. Besides, there are so many opportunities just waiting to be taken advantage of right outside your door.

The first thing to consider are the fashion possibilities. Search your drawers and pull out that wadded-up Michigan T-shirt you got for free your freshman year.

If you know a football player, try to rip off a practice jersey for the cool athletic look that is always popular at the game. Or, if you have true ambition and team spirit, you can paint yourself blue and wrap a Michigan flag around your bare midriff.

SARA STILLMAN/Daily Ann Arbor's devoted football fans watch last week's Michigan-Baylor game.

After dressing, it's time to find some pre-game activities. One popular, though not very active, way to pass the time is to watch all the pre-game coverage and in-depth analysis on TV. If this isn't your bag, alcohol is one fashionable and time-tested way to spice up the morning.

"I wish the University would sell alcohol at the game. They would make money for the school, and it would make things a lot easier," said LSA junior Scott Domer. It isn't quite that easy, but even if you don't feel motivated to get a keg for yourself, just start walking toward the stadium and you're guaranteed to find someone partaking of one along the way.

Breakfast is a good idea, especially if you don't want to find yourself passing out by halftime. Some people find the time to get out the barbecue before the game, but you don't have to go through that much work.

For the early risers, there's always the option of Kegs and Eggs at Touchdown Cafe, located at 1220 South University Ave. The festivities start at 9 a.m. with $2 pitchers and all the eggs and toast you can eat. There are plenty of fellow fans with whom you can celebrate.

Julie Hazimi, a manager at Touchdown, said, "We get a good crowd in here - about 50 people for an off game." Students should be sure to get there early, as a line often forms by 8:30 a.m.

Walking to the game is an event in itself. Make sure to bring along a football so that you can throw it to strangers up ahead in the crowd. It's a great way to make friends, and also jar enemies in the head with an unseen lob.

If you still don't have any Michigan paraphernalia to show your pride, there are plenty of places to buy everything from T-shirts to collectible cards.

If you haven't eaten yet and feel a little daring, grab a bite on the way. Among other choices, the friendly Domino's man will be happy to sell you a pizza for $5, or you can buy a fresh grilled hot dog for $1. "They're not as good as Wrigley Field, but not bad if you're hungry," said one customer.

The best deal is if you happen to see someone you know tailgating, especially family friends. Just use the hungry college student I-haven't-eaten-in-a-week look, and you'll have all the food you could possibly want.

Let's be honest. There are going to be a lot of us out there who roll out of bed at 11:30 a.m. and barely make it on time for the kickoff. Just know that there's opportunity to do more than go to the game on Saturday. And who wants to feel left out?

Chris Jordan, an LSA junior, expressed these sentiments well: "I saw a guy pull a flask of whiskey out at the game, and I thought to myself, now why isn't that me?" So remember to plan ahead. College life will be over before you know it.
MARGARET MYERS/Daily
(right) Chef Ken Burk, of Ohio, cooks buffalo burgers before the Michigan-Colorado game on Sept. 13. Burk cooked at Russ Gnau's tailgate party in exchange for a football ticket.

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