Author Archives: mattpauli

MGoRoadTrip! Michigan at Maryland

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The #22 Wolverines take the road this weekend for the 2015 Big Ten Opener vs. conference new comer, The University of Maryland. Last year in the teams’ first meeting as members of the Big Ten, UM was able to escape the Big House with a win over UM (right, what does that mean?). Saturday’s game will be a night game, so get a good afternoon nap and rest up for Harbaugh’s Big Ten Opener!

Michigan’s first conference road game of the year is a special one for me, Matt. Michigan’s game at Maryland will complete the journey Dad and I started many moons ago. We will have finally seen Michigan play a Big Ten game at all 14 Big Ten stadiums, plus Notre Dame and the Rose Bowl. It’s been a fun ride where we have been in single engine planes, RVs, cars, SUVs, trains, and commercial airliners. Our own wacko version of Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Michigan Football.

We’ve won most of the games (yes we started way before Rich Rod and Hoke eras) but the games really have become 2nd nature to the value of the trip. Sure, going to Purdue THREE times to finally see Michigan win wasn’t too fun, but the hotel in Champaign after a night game vs. Illinois was a treat! We saw Lou Holtz’s first game as an ND coach vs Michigan – a great UM win in South Bend; Michigan’s D stuff Penn State 4 times from the 1 yard line back in 1993 in UM’s first trip to Happy Valley “Welcome to the Big Ten” I remember cordially announcing to the Nittany Lion faithful.

Matt & Frank Pauli at the Rose Bowl

Dad and I at the Rose Bowl

We suffered through Denard’s injury on Halloween in Lincoln and whatever last year’s game at Rutgers was, or was not. But through it all, one constant has been in place: a great weekend with my Dad, and a little Michigan Football to boot. I look forward to our annual trips to watch the Maize and Blue and see what adventure and stories await. We’ve seen all the stadiums come this Saturday, so we’ll have to come up with a new trip (maybe we can golf all 14 Big Ten golf courses – that would be fun; I’ve got three under my belt).

People ask me why I’m so darn passionate about Michigan Football. Sure, I love the school, and all the winning (that can start anytime again soon, please!) but most importantly Michigan Football has been the vehicle to allow me to spend some really great time with my Dad. I can’t imagine a better fan or friend to have made the trip.

Here’s to completing our adventure and starting anew!
Edit: A great Michigan Victory to complete our tour of B1G Stadiums.