Arizona State vs. Georgia

This happened about a month ago in Los Angeles. So really, stop complaining about your $3.50 gas. It's getting to the point where I'd run over my grandmother for $3.50/gallon gas.

Just go to 2:08 in the video and watch.

Gameplan A. Pretty much all you need against ASU.

Wait, how many is a brazilion? Oh, billion? How many is that? Like 12?

Actually - no, it's not 12. It's 54 times. That about 5 times a game. Uh, ouch. ASU doesn't have what we on the East Coast would call 'a power running game' - it's more of a shifty running game, although they did put up good numbers last year. However, their leading rusher, Ryan Torain, has left for greener pastures in the NFL. Literally.

Completely unrelated corollary number one: nothing in Phoenix is green. It's all dust and cacti.

And strip malls. Lots and lots of strip malls.

And now - overpriced condos! Seriously, I think the chamber of commerce in Phoenix would shower you with free strippers if you bought a condo while you're in town this September. And yes, there's plenty of strippers to accomplish this task. Especially in Phoenix.

Anyhow, Torain will primarily be replaced by Dimitri Nance. Nance filled in once Torain got hurt last year. And of course - a healthy Keegan Herring. Between Herring and Torain, I would consider it a bit of a wash - however, Herring is exceedingly shifty. He's Reggie Bush-lite, and he has got some amazing closing speed.

Will weather be a factor? I doubt it. It's plenty hot in Georgia during the early fall - late September in Phoenix is quote toasty - try an average high of 96 and a low of 73. Woohoo! Stay hydrated, kids.

Tailgating? Tailgating is lame at Sun Devil stadium for a couple of reasons.

First, you're only allowed to set up 3 and a half hours prior to the game. With an expected kickoff at 5PM PST, this means, by default, you're not even going to be allowed to set up to tailgate until 1:30PM.

This, in a word - sucks.

However, there is hope! Last year, ASU hosted an evening game against USC on Thanksgiving, and ASU officials opened the parking lot at Sun Devil Stadium for tailgating at 1:30 PM (kickoff 6PM). So, they gave four and a half hours. Which means, best case: we might be able to set up just after lunch.

No, I'm sorry. You don't. (HT: PWD)

Secondly, tailgating on campus at ASU doesn't really occur. You're only technically allowed to tailgate in the parking lot at Sun Devil Stadium. I've done this - once. 100 degree heat + black asphalt does not equal fun, just so you know. Bring an EZ-UP.

What else do you need to know? Technically, you're not allowed to drink liquor. Only beer and wine or allowed (this is largely ignored), but helpful safety tip to prevent the cops from hassling you: don't display bottles of Jack Daniel's on your tailgating table. Keep them in the cooler.

Also, once the game starts - you're not allowed to keep drinking. If you have friends who make it out for the game who don't have tickets and want to watch out in the parking lot - that's fine. Cops will be looking for people drinking once the game has started.  If spotted with adult beverages, you will get a ticket.

Why all the rules?

Arizona has really draconian alcohol consumption laws.  It will make enjoying a game as though you were in Athens darn near impossible.

The stadium itself is on the north side of campus, tucked in between a ridge, and largely isolated from the rest of campus (meaning there's nothing else around it except for the parking lot). You're going to be a doing a lot of walking on black asphalt in 100 degree heat before the game. It's not really going to be pleasant.

I would heartily recommend Mill Avenue as an alternative before the game, and maybe heading out to the stadium right before kickoff.

But other than that, enjoy! All in all, Sun Devil fans are quite fun and realistic about their team - certainly more so than Arizona fans, who have one of the most hilarious superiority complexes on the face of the planet.