The Ultimate Football Challenge

The Rivalry Sports Tour

mrod — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:51:00 -0500

The schedule has been finalized and my quest to watch a game in all 120 Division 1 football stadiums will be taking a different approach this season.

The Rivalry Sports tour will feature 22 rivalry games from across the country. The schedule will be featured in the next blog entry.

Coming onboard in my quest is my younger brother Gabriel Rodriguez a former Division I College Assistant Coach at Vermont.

The 2 brothers are reunited and are getting everything together to make this a fun and memorable journey.

Stay Tuned
The Rodriguez Brothers
Miguel and Gabe

2008 Tentative Schedule Released

mrod — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:06:00 -0500

The schedule is ready and the travel plans are coming together.
38 games not including Bowl games are on tap for Season II of the Ultimate Football Challenge. I've learned a lot from Season I and Season II will be 100 times better.

2007 was a crazy year with many memorable moments, the double header which was the last trip of season 1, did me in unfortunatly.

The little one is now 1 and many things are moving in a positive direction.
Check out the schedule and the updates.
There will be a sister site to this one, so stay tuned for updates on that.....

Safe Journey
Miguel "OffTheMeter" Rodriguez

My latest personal hurdle

mrod — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:36:00 -0500

I figured it was time to give some insight on what's been going on in my life.
After the Lansing/Boulder excursion, I had a little trip to the doctor and he confirmed my worst fears. I was advised that I should pack it up for the season and get healthy.

A few years ago, yours truly underwent brain surgery on a tumor, though not as successful as my family would have wanted there's a possibility if i didn't slow down my travel that Round 2 would be coming sooner than later.

So with that being said I've been taking it day by day and I want to thank those who have supported me in both my challenges thus far.

In hindsight I should have dealt with my own personal health challenge first before taking on a basketball and football challenge.

However where there's a will, there's a way has been my personal motto in my 14 year fight with this tumor. There have been good days and many bad days. One thing's for certain I've never let this thing beat me. I've lived my life the same way with some roadblocks and definitely some detours to say the least. I've jumped through some hoops and cleared some hurdles along the way. I've avoided no pun intended getting sacked or shooting an air ball. Rest assured I will make a comeback and with that being said, stick around and read my lovely commentary in the upcoming weeks which should be special.

Lastly I have some tricks up my sleeve in the upcoming weeks and the start of a great project that I've been working on secretly with a select few sports enthusiast. Stay tuned for that news on 11/1/07.

Outside of watching my 7 month year old daughter's developing character and propensity to watch football with me and not complain. There could be another future news reporter in the family,perhaps?

Best wishes to everyone with the 3 upcoming holiday events. Drop me a line in my comments inbox if you'd like.

As Always
Safe Journey
Miguel "OffTheMeter" Rodriguez

E.Lansing and Boulder in the same day

mrod — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:23:00 -0500

I parked the car a mile from the Spartan Stadium, the fans walking together through the middle of campus wearing their green and white was uplifting. I left behind a very cloudy wet New York for the cool partly sunny skies of East Lansing, Michigan.

59 degrees is the perfect temperature for a game and I was taking it in thinking about life, the game and of course Debbie Gibson playing on my Ipod! Yes Deborah Gibson the late 80�s sensation that in a new millennium way is the classier version of Brittany Spears, Ouch!

The only thing that would be different about my visit to Lansing was that it was going to be a short visit unfortunately since I�m watching 2 games in different time zones.

Not to mention the long drive back to Detroit Airport so that I could make it back in time sine I have a few interviews prior to the FSU vs Colorado game.

The scene was electric and different in a funny kind of way. Everyone out on campus had open containers and some were drinking Milwaukee�s Beast and some other beers.

The fans were all into it discussing the blowout of Pitt last year and their freshmen quarterback who had to take over the reigns due to injury.

The game was scoreless as I left at the end of the first quarter. The Spartans barely edged out a win against Pitt who didn�t give up any points in the second half. Maybe they can give someone in the Big East fits as the conference schedule starts next week at Heinz field when they face Uconn. I�m sorry for the lack of zoom shots, I left the battery in the car on the way in. Funniest part of my flight to Denver had to be the halftime score of Michigan 31-0 over Notre Dame being announced. Charlie Weiss what�s the deal brother? Give him 2 more years to see what he�s made of? Well the season is still young and 31-0, wow the Wolverines have awakened.

I will have many pics to provide for the FSU vs CU game. My first stop will be to meet arguably the #1 Denver Broncos fan in the country Steve Fesch who with the help of Reed

has converted a bus which is called �Orange Force One.� The bus is a former New Jersey Transit bus which with the help of Reed a lifelong friend of Westwerks out of Tuscon, Arizona transformed this bus into a classic tailgating luxury vehicle.

The bus is being prepped for tomorrow�s game vs the Raiders at INVESCO Field. Unfortunately I was invited but I have a 7am flight back to the east coast. The bus is the crowning achievement of childhood friends Reed �� of Westwerks and ��.. who is the owner of Orange Force One.

I got to speak to the 2 guys who tought about every detail that went into transforming this former New Jersey transit vehicle into the ultimate in Tailgating luxury. Reed put a lot of thought and Dave put a lot of time, money and hard work into the project.

This is a project that�s not for the simple minded. Reed worked on the bus for 100 days. He gave me a few pointers on what to look for in possibly buying and converting a bus of my own in the future.

MCI buses can run for 3 million miles and they are built to last, some modifications to the bus where a urinal, toilet and water system for the kitchen. The bus runs off a high powered generator and has 2 air conditioning units. There is a slide out grill for barbecuing and all the windows prop up to give the bus an open air feeling.

The bus comes equipped with wireless internet and has a few televisions along with Directv and this is the ultimate in tailgating luxury.

Of course the guys were giving me so many ideas that I thought they were going to convert Orange Force One into my kind of vehicle.

Thanks guys for taking the time to talk it up with me.

As I walked to Folsom field I could feel my chest tightening up. Not from the adrenaline flowing through me because I didn�t know if I wanted my Scarlet and Gold to win or my brother�s alma mata CU to win. It was damn altitude! 5350 feet x I haven�t been to the gym in months = bring your Moses Staf and take it slow brother!

I picked up my credentials thank you Dave Plati at CU for all the help he provided me in the process. I was made aware of some other fans who have the similar goal of seeing, watching, visiting all 119 Division 1 stadiums or watching all the 119 teams play.

I�ve emailed all the said parties above and I�ve given them links back to this site and the opportunity to possibly meet up for a game since this is a very ambitious goal.

Many Florida State fans made it out to Boulder and have turned this into little Tallahassee. I�m surprised I didn�t see Primetime or Sterger here but they�re probably too busy waiting to see Florida vs Tennessee or Nebraska vs USC (thought about it).

The CU student body had the opposite of all the white out�s going on around the country. The Buffalo fans have the Black Out motif going. The crowd was pumped up as it was the home opener on campus for the Buffs. When Ralphie led the Buffs onto the field, she was so pumped up that she almost knocked down one of the CU handlers. This heavyweight matchup of 2 former National Champions was ready.

The Black Out look worked in the first quarter when the game was scoreless between these 2 teams. Then Florida State struck first on the ground #6 as he gave the Seminoles an early 7-0 lead. The Buffs couldn�t solve the FSU defense and it showed on the scoreboard, FSU 10-0 at the half.

The second half was no different as the Noles did just enough to keep the Buffs at bay as they increased their lead to 16-0 as the gun sounded signifying the end of the 3rd quarter. Every FSU fan put up the 4 fingers to signify 1 more quarter and this is our house.

The Buffalos scored mid way through the 4th quarter to cut the lead to 16-6. However the Buffs missed converting on the 2 pt conversion that would have made it a 1 possession game and that�s how it ended. Colorado�s last second drive ended up in an interception right in front of me.

It was a gallant effort by CU in a game that could have been easily one by either team. The post game meal took place at an IHOP that was 24 hours in Boulder. Fans from both teams trickled in as the game did end close to midnight. A long day of many flights, different weather, to new friends in Denver, Tallahassee, Atlanta and Tampa. 2 games over 1500 miles in the air.

As Always
Safe Journey
Miguel Rodriguez

Jumping on a plane back to NYC

mrod — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 09:03:00 -0500

I will update the site later on today.
Stay tuned.

Miguel

Double Header Saturday

mrod — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 05:30:00 -0500

It's early here at LGA in New York City. I'm waiting for the boarding call to get out to Michigan State. Today it's supposed to be White Out conditions for a second week in a row.
Last week Penn State made it look like it was November with their Penn State White Out! Not to be confused with the Phoenix Coyotes who seem to have an issue with Penn State and the use of their trademarked phrase. Ouch....

What is this the mid 90's with the moniker "Refuse 2 Lose" which was coined by former Umass coach and now U of Memphis coach John Calipari. The Mariners after coming back down 0-2 to the Yankees used the phrase when they were 4 games from going to the World Series.

How did i get on this topic????
Michigan State and their white out! With all the legal issues the front office in Arizona has been having they should lay off these student bodies who could become customers once they graduate if they relocate to Zona!!!!

East Lansing brings back memories of Desmond Howard dropping that touchdown when they were ranked #1. The outdoor Hockey game, Carl Banks of the G men. QB Tony Banks? We'll stop right there.

Can't wait to see the Green and white.

The second game of the day pits my favorite team the Seminoles of Florida State against Colorado. The scene will be electric as this is officially the home opener for the Buffs who are 1-1 and this game is being played on National Television. I've received reports from Warchant.com that the Seminole Nation is in full effect in Boulder. It should make for some good copy once i arrive on campus later this afternoon.

Check my link to my flickr site in the links section.
I will be zooming photos from my cell phone throughout the game.

As Always
Safe Journey
Miguel "OffTheMeter" Rodriguez

Penn State runs Notre Dame out of town

mrod — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:55:00 -0500

You knew you were in for a game when you saw PSU fans wearing T-shirts with the following:

1)Rudy Sucks

2)Rudy was offsides

3)Rudy the game was over

Then of course there was Touchdown Joepa. A classic one time only deal since it has been almost 2 decades since these 2 historic teams have faced one another.

There are no words for the pre game festivities that preceded Saturday's game. The scalpers were asking an arm and a leg for tickets. Yours truly however waited til the magical one hour mark. At that point I scored the magical 7th row ticket for an obscene amount of quarters (400 to be exact) the sum of 1 Benjamin would get me within arms length of the Leprechaun. The silver anniversary team of PSU's first National Title were in attendance as well.

It was White out the Irish day and 95% of those in attendance wore white to the game. At some points in the game it really looked as if it had snowed in the stadium.

The crowd was electric as the pomp and circumstance prior to the game with the Notre Dame band coming out first and then Penn State 's Nitney Lion taking over and getting the crowd pumped to see which side was louder.

We would find out later in the evening that this was the second largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history of 110,078 The record is 110,753 that attended the 2002 clash with Nebraska.

This definitely was a loud and boisterous crowd as this heavyweight match up was the biggest match up of the day. The Fighting Irish jumped on the board midway through the first half on an interception that was returned for 6 by Darrin Williams.

The end of the quarter ended with Penn State speedster Derri Williams 78 yard punt return to knot things up at 7. After a Notre Dame turnover Anthony Morelli stayed in the pocket and connected with Jordan Norwood on a 10 yard pass to give Penn State a 14-7 lead and that was the score at the half.

The halftime festivities were capped with the Silver Anniversary team that won PSU's first National Title in 1982.

It was great to see all the former Nintney Lion greats and the highlights of the Lions Sugar Bowl victory over Herschel Walker and Georgia.

As the second half started there was a Lavar Arrington (New York Giants) sighting and of course Lavar knows when the camera's on him.

Notre Dame's running attack was non existent throughout the game so they resorted to the passing game and Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Claussen was running for his life the entire second half.

Coach Weiss and his staff didn't have an answer offensively as they watched the Penn State D give up only 3 points on the evening.

Penn State put the nail in the coffin as Austin Scott went over the top for the 2nd of his rushing touchdowns. Austin posted his fourth career 100-yard rushing game with 28 carries for 116 yards and two touchdowns.

Penn State truly showed that they are a possible contender for a shot at the BCS with an amazing defensive showing as they beat the Fighting Irish 31-10 and gave up 0 yards on the ground.

As Always
Safe Journey
Miguel "OfftheMeter" Rodriguez

Death Valley

mrod — Wed, 5 Sep 2007 13:02:00 -0500

Clemson, SC

It was a perfect day for football, a Nationally Televised game, Labor Day, the start of a new season and the end of Week 1 with a marquee ACC battle between Florida State and Clemson. When I arrived at Clemson I took a drive around campus, it was approximately 11am and the Tiger faithful along with some Seminole die hards where already hard at work setting up their camps for an entire day of tailgating.

As I parked my vehicle in the free public parking about a mile from the Stadium I was greeted by a herd of Seminoles fans so I appropriately parked next to this posse of students who made the 8 hour trek from Tally to route for their beloved team.

The afternoon festivities included beer pong, catch, name that tune, (rock paper scissors) and the game of the millennium Tailgate Toss

The Tiger band practiced in the hot sun for a good 1 ½ hours as the fans began to feel game time coming on, the War Chant was played from the car stereo and the Seminole faithful began to chant in unison. In a show of great southern hospitality a few Tiger fans sitting next to us opened up their tent and their barbeque to us as we sat and discussed football, politics, my space, Sterger, football, cowgirls, girls passing by, football, best foods to grill, football, best cheese steaks in Philly (that�s for you Swartz!!!!!). You get the idea!

As 6:30 pm approached many fans began walking to a special place in college football. My favorite color happens to be orange so the streets were glowing as I made my way with my new friends to the valley of death. As you get closer to Memorial Stadium you can start to feel the electricity that�s been building up this entire trip, the bigger donors park closer to the stadium and of course we have satellite dishes painted in Clemson orange, you see the caviar, sushi, the pulled pork sandwiches, the linens, you get the idea. In a last second decision I swap tickets down lo so that I can sit where the real fans sit!!!! I�m up in the Bob Uecker seats with the rest of the Seminole nation.

Gate 20 is a haul to get to and then when you think you�re done after getting your soda and boiled peanuts (4 bucks), there is the arduous task of climbing vertically the steps to your seat. Row double L doesn�t seem like it�s to far. 37 long rows later and the view is great because I�m sitting in a sea of garnet and gold. Everyone in the building is pumped up and the crowd begins to go into a rabid frenzy as the motorcade makes it to the top of the South end zone. Then the team runs off the bus onto the top of the hill in front of Howard�s rock. The flashbulbs are flickering all over the stadium, the student body is going bananas, the Noles fans are booing, the sun is setting into the dark night and it�s game time. Just imagine seeing 85,000 fans as your about to run down that hill.

The upper stands I�m in are bouncing up and down, earthquake like conditions ensued as the cannon goes off and the Tigers touch the rock, run down the hill and take the field.
It is one of those things you have to witness in person as a college football fan along with 9 other pre game rituals that set the stage for the game that is about to take place.
I�ll elaborate on those 9 other venues in a future post some time this week.

Drew Wetherford sets off the game with a 22 yard run which was the only first down of the first half for FSU as they went into the locker room down 21-3.
Clemson was clicking on all cylinders as the crowd really gave the Tigers a needed boost.

The early second half was no different as Clemson kicked a field goal to go up 24-3 and FSU just couldn�t find an answer offensively. A bad snap on Clemson�s next possession which turned into a safety as the kicker ran out the end zone and a good return set up the first touchdown of the season by FSU, they went for 2 on what seemed like a botched quarterback keeper and the score was now 24-11. a fumble recovery by the defense set up another score and now the noles were in striking distance with over 9 minutes to play in the contest at 24-18. The score ended up that way and as I made my way down from the top of Memorial Stadium I made my way to Howard�s rock.

The fans were on the field reveling in a win over a ranked opponent and their 3rd straight win over Florida State. The new poll just came out and Clemson Is ranked #25. As I took one last look at the field, I thought to myself, this is truly Death Valley and this is what college football is all about.

As Always
Safe Journey
Miguel �Offthemeter� Rodriguez

Howard's Rock

mrod — Wed, 5 Sep 2007 09:52:00 -0500

Blog entry to follow.

Death Valley

mrod — Sun, 2 Sep 2007 11:17:00 -0500

Death Valley is the next stop on the ultimate football challenge schedule.

A perfect day in Boston.

mrod — Sun, 2 Sep 2007 10:17:00 -0500

Sept 1st was a great day in the annals of Boston sports. The Eagles overcame 2 defensive touchdowns as Matt Ryan threw for 5 touchdowns as the Eagles came from behind for a 38-28 victory over the defending Acc champion Demon Decons.

On the other side of town the Red Sox get a no hitter from a rookie pitcher in just his second start. I had to throw that in there since i was thinking of going to the game and buying a single but I was tired from driving all over New England.

As walked onto the Chestnut Hill campus, the fresh air and the blue skies above. What is better than football in September?

As I walked down the 200 steps to Alumni Stadium you could feel the electricity before the start of this nationally televised game on ABC. 42,292 fans filled the stands and they were in for a nail bitter that went down to the wire.

Matt Ryan who put his name into the Heisman watch as he threw for 408 yards and 5 touchdown passes after shaking off an early interception for a touchdown.

The fans around me were great as they were very football savvy, except for the one guy who decided to wear his Michigan t shirt as they lost to Appalachian State in what has to be the greatest college football upset of all time.

I considered going to that game thinking it would be an easy game to get into since the Division IAA National Champions were no match for the Mighty Wolverines. I guess i should go with my gut next time.

I'm not taking away anything from my experience in Boston. So hopefully every time i attend a game the home team wins and sends everyone home happy.

It's funny to see the C-Ya later t shirts commemorating BC's last season in the Big East. I never thought i would be watching ACC football in New England.
I think it's a great fit for the area and next weeks match up might have lost some of it's luster as NC STATE lost to UCF 25-23 as many fans were pointing out the coming home of former BC coach Tom O'brien.

These fans know how to tailgate and they will be doing that 3 hours prior to the game and 2 hour after. Well that's what all the signs on the jumbotron advised.

What a long evening here in the Cuse.

mrod — Sat, 1 Sep 2007 01:38:00 -0500

I can't believe the onslaught that took place this evening. I knew both teams didn't sport good records last season, but this was about as bad a drubbing as one can receive on national television. The Labatt's was flowing till the end of halftime when the kegs are turned off.
The Cuse fans began to hit the exits as a statue of Syracuse legend Ernie Davis was unveiled. I had to pay my respects by buying a very nice old school cap that i'll take a photo later this morning to commomemorate the start of this lovely challenge.

I got off to a late start but i was in the building midway through the first quarter. School is back in session and you could feel the electricity flowing through the streets of Syracuse but Coach Willingham got it together and the Huskies manhandled Syracuse on both sides of the ball.

42-12 is tough to swallow when your Freshmen quarterback made some mistakes but he didn't have much time to see his receivers get down the field with the constant pressure throughout the contest.

I was able to walk around the entire stadium and i would have to say not even the memories of Donovan Mcnabb can help this place stay open much longer. I see in the eminent future that a new stadium would need to be built or maybe the carrier dome could be remodeled. Many fans were chanting we want hoops, and I can't wait for basketball season. WOW it's only Sept 1.

I'll give a further recap in the morning as i travel to BC for their contest against Wake Forest.

Let the games begin

mrod — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 09:10:00 -0500

The mileage on the google map doesn't count miles back home everyone. Therefore in my calculations I'm looking at over 80,000 miles in travel these next 92 days. It will be well worth it in the end as the experience will be just that!

Washington at Syracuse tonight on ESPN 8pm.

We'll be there.

As Always
Safe Journey
OTM

8/30/07 Action

mrod — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 08:36:00 -0500

Good Morning everyone and the time has finally come for the challenge to begin.
College football kicked it off last night and a game that I initally was going to go to was a laugher. Second ranked LSU shutout Mississippi State 45-0. Critics questioned if the Tigers would be able to withstand losing so many players to the NFL, but that defense last night was unbelievable. 6 interceptions on the night by the Tigers made this game a laugher after the first quarter.

Fast Forward to 12/1

mrod — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:37:00 -0500

If i could fast forward to the last game in the regular season of my challenge. Regular Season? My travels will have taken me through 39 games and over 44,000 miles of travel.

Well let's get this show on the road.

As Always
Safe Journey
Miguel Rodriguez

Rare hat find as the challenge descends on Syracuse Friday

mrod — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:25:00 -0500

I've been lucky at times in my young sports life, but back in 2004 it seemed as if the Yankees were going to sweep the Sox.
1 rain out and 4 games later, this hat was shipped to remote parts of the world and now i've obtained a very rare cap. Don't worry Cuse/NY fans. I will not be wearing this to the Dome on Friday.

Enjoy
Miguel Rodriguez

I'm back at it.

mrod — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 16:30:00 -0500

I've been answering emails from my many friends and well wishers who are counting on me, this upcoming football season.

The task is monumental but with all the support i'm receiving I know this will be a very enjoyable journey for not only myself but everyone who loves and is passionate about college football.

University of Baltimore has a D1 team????

mrod — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:10:00 -0500

i was watching the ticker last night and i had to do a double take and go online to see if there was a preseason NFL game on.

Too my surprise and to many other sportsfans out there. This is a baseball score. Ouch!!!!
So i don't have to add another Stadium to my chase.

07-08 Last Season for Miami in the Orange Bowl

mrod — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:50:00 -0500

Was just watching "Around the Horn" where it was reported that the University of Miami will be playing their last season in the Orange Bowl and will be playing their home games in 08-09.

Wow 1 million for dinner with Urban Meyer

mrod — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:33:00 -0500

Well if Urban can ask for 1 million for a private dinner with boosters, then I'll have to give my pricing to hang out with me.

To fly commercial in first class 1k
To watch a game with me from the stands 2k
To watch a game with me from the field 5k
To play rock,paper, scissors and have dinner 15k
To play rps, dinner and a limited edition mini helmet with my logo 20k no autograph.

Million Dollar Story

Countdown to Syracuse

mrod — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 07:00:00 -0500

Were less than 8 days from the start of the college football season and as always there are so many teams vying to play in the BCS title game in January. Rest assured it's going to be one hell of ride.

The largest domed on campus stadium will be the start of the ultimate football challenge.
I've watched a few basketball games in this great venue so it's time to add football to the resume.

It's Almost Gametime

mrod — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 16:42:00 -0500

The next 19 Days will be a countdown to the start of this journey that will take me to 28 different states as well as 45,000 miles.

Maybe at the end of this I can become an honorary Globetrotter? MLOL.......or maybe i'll become the president of the JennStergerFanclub?/??

It's Alive.

mrod — Tue, 7 Aug 2007 22:38:00 -0500

Wow,
My vision is coming into play finally as were 22 days away from the start of the College football season. I'm pumped, excited, have lots of logistics to plan, sponsors, tickets, you get the idea. I've decided to embark on this mission and go at it full force.

In the upcoming days I will be going out searching for additional content for this site.
I want everyone out there to really live the experience on my magical journey.

I want to add a cowgirl search at a University near you as well as the longest ticket holder for each respective school.

OTM

The passing of a legend

mrod — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:12:00 -0500

I can remember once upon a time when the legendary Bill Walsh deceided to throw his hat in College Football at Stanford. This great tactician and Super Bowl Champion demanded the best from everyone associated with any of his teams.

Coach Walsh will be truly missed and in tribute to Coach Walsh everyone out there in college football land should dust off their sega consoles and take out their Bill Walsh College Football cartridges and play 1 game as Stanford or your favorite team in his memory.

Our condolences to the Walsh, 49ers and Cardinals family