Game On!

The Wildcats kicked off the season by smashing the Syracuse Orange(men) 30-10.

Grades and highlights of the day.

Tailgate: A-.

Sunny and about 85, the weather was perfect and we were well-stocked for our party in the West lot.

Punting: A.

Stefan Demos was unbelievable in the first half.

Offense: C+.

The offense looked off-kilter in the first half but picked up the pace in the second half. Despite almost 500 yards of offense, only 30 points (9 by the defense) resulted. The much-ballyhoo'd hurry-up did not show any signs of controlling the tempo of the game. Positive signs were Tyrell Sutton's performance running and catching, and Andrew Brewer's 6 catches.

Defense: B-.

A sack, a safety, and a TD on an interception return were signs that last year's bottom-feeding defense might be improved. On the other hand, this was Syracuse, so the jury's out till next week. Most startling sign: on the TV replay Sunday, I saw one pass play where the defensive back was in front of the receiver. I am confident that situation has not been seen at Dyche Stadium in many years.

Comic relief: C.

We forgot the Knob Creek and thus were not treated to any vomitous extrusions upon Mother Earth by the Fish Head's brother. But we did see some amusing sun burn patterns upon our lily white office worker skins. And, we got to watch my brother double-clutch while smoking a stogie, whereby he burned his nipple and flipped his $20 cuban puro into his beer cup.

Surprise of the Day: A.

We bumped into Shon Morris outside the stadium before the game. I almost fainted when I got to shake his hand.

Anger Management: B+.

I only punched the wall twice on Sunday when I saw Andy, the old guy who tailgated next to us, get featured on ESPN2's pre-game show. ESPN you suck for not showing MY tailgate. Don't ever stiff us again, or else.