FIFTY YEARS OF TAILGATE TALES: THE GOOD, THE FUN AND THE UGLY

by Stephen J. Koreivo

Dick Vitale, top college basketball broadcaster and analyst says, "If you are a football lover like I am, you will enjoy reading this book by Steve Koreivo as he shares his insights and passion for college football." Are you confused how Super conferences; Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policies; Collectives; transfer portals; and possible unionization of players will impact college football?  Is college football going pro? Are you concerned that these changes will destroy the game of college football as we've  known it?
Over his lifetime, Steve Koreivo has followed college football passionately by attending 681 college football games over 50 years. He's attended games played by 132 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams to date at least once.  He's seen games played among all four divisions of NCAA football played in 179 different venues across the country. His History and his Game Reviews are all recorded on his blog.  Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales exemplifies his lifelong passion sharing significant tales of great games and memories he's experienced over the years.
In the first of two summary essays, he addresses the current changes taking place.  In a second summary essay, he also offers solutions to offset some of these issues that may negatively impact this great sport millions of fans enjoy today.  He offers ideas and suggestions to make college football more competitive for players and fans.  He desires to see college football more competitive for more than just for the select few that continue to dominate the game today.
With humor and wit involving friendships and travels, Koreivo regales in his good and fun memories in this life-long adventure. Stories entertain and intertwine, meshing a work-life balance regarding family and a career outside of sports.  Maybe he's "old school," but that's because he doesn't shun loyalty, teamwork, and commitment.  He still sees the values of these intangibles to be learned outside of a classroom.  Educational focus must remain a significant part of this sport despite the growing focus on making money to support college athletics. Granted, he feels the players deserve some share of that revenue, but how can this be done equally for thousands of players who all have names, images, and likenesses?  He offers an idea for this, unlike the powers that guide the NCAA.
Beyond college, about 97% of college football players pursue careers outside of professional football. The intangibles taught by the sport are lessons well-learned for all career pursuits.  Society can't afford to lose these attributes taught by playing this great game.

494 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2023

About the author

About the Author, Steve Koreivo

The author lives college football. He’s attended 676 college football games since 1972 and seen every Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team play at least once. He’s also attended games played by Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), D-2, and D-3 teams. As he enters retirement after 42 years as a Purchasing professional, his journey continues as reflected in his updated Bucket List.
A native of New Jersey, The Birthplace of College Football, he retired to Middle Tennessee to extend his life-long adventure! Married to “St. Laurie” for most of this journey, he took time to write this book to share his 50-year adventure with others: Fifty Years of Tailgate Tails: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly. His unique adventure continues!

Reviews

[Matt Rudnitsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun, and the Ugly," Steve Koreivo masterfully blends a personal memoir with insightful analysis of college football's evolving landscape. As a true sports enthusiast, Koreivo invites readers on a remarkable journey through the lens of an ardent fan who has witnessed 676 college football games since 1979. His narrative is a rich tapestry of experiences, ranging from the exhilarating to the profoundly concerning trends within the sport. Koreivo doesn't shy away from addressing the contentious issues reshaping college football. His critique of the NIL policy, transfer portals, and the potential shift towards a 'pay for play' model is thought-provoking. He raises valid concerns about how these changes might erode the essence of college football, turning it away from the educational values and competitive spirit that define the sport. This book isn't just about football; it's a thoughtful critique of the sport's evolution. One of the book's most compelling aspects is Koreivo's ability to juxtapose the 'good' and 'fun' moments with 'the ugly' – the challenges and controversies that have surfaced over the years. From iconic games like the Alabama-Auburn punt return to the darker episodes such as the sex abuse scandal at Penn State, Koreivo's perspectives throughout the book are riveting and reflective. For any college football fan pondering the future of their beloved sport, "Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales" offers a unique blend of nostalgia, personal narrative, and critical analysis. This book isn't just about the games; it's about the heartbeat of a sport facing pivotal changes.
P.S. As a Michigan Man, my favorite line might have been, "By far, no Big Ten team has brought more unhappiness to Happy Valley than the Michigan Wolverines." 😄

[Taylor Pirrello · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a devout fan of college football, I thoroughly enjoyed Steve Koreivo's game stories many of which involved teams and stadiums I have witnessed firsthand. Many of the stories helped me recall my experiences at a given stadium and placed me back there with those memories. However, I equally enjoyed his thought-provoking essays on the potential future of college football. As Steve says, "Football is big business in this country". Unfortunately, the environment surrounding college football is a mess, ultimately driven by money. His ideas on a different football model are fascinating and in some aspects, scary, like his concept of players as school employees and potential unionization. His understanding of the college football landscape is legitimate and I love his ideas around super conferences and power points for schedule rankings. I can't stand the cupcake scheduling of many Power 5 teams and the stat he provided about the SEC winning 92% of games vs. lesser Group of 5 and FCS teams proves that those games are generally dress rehearsal, glorified practices. I'd love to see many of his ideas involving the portal, NIL, and scheduling adopted, but I fear the NCAA is such a disaster, that they'll continue to do nothing to fix this great American experience of college football. Great read, thanks!
FIFTY YEARS OF TAILGATE TALES: THE GOOD, THE FUN AND THE UGLY

[Lisa M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen’s 2nd book, chronicling and updating his plethora of experiences as America’s #1 college football fan, brings home many memories of great games, teams, and players in ways both the casual and the most fanatic college football fan can connect with.

I was thoroughly educated reading Stephen’s clear and concise description of the new college football landscape. His analysis of the pros and cons of TV money, conference realignment, NIL, the transfer portal, collectives, player unions, and waivers is the most succinct account I have read regarding the complicated nature of the interconnectedness of these new realities in college football. Stephen also offers provocative and practical solutions on how legislation and the NCAA could create a fairer, more competitive, pro-participant, and fan-friendly college football experience that preserves all the great things about college football at all levels.

I particularly enjoyed reading his ideas on how to improve determining who qualifies for the FBS Championship and pairing teams for more meaningful and entertaining “consolation” bowl games.

As soon as I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down.

[Michael Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a college football fanatic, this book is a fun, entertaining and insightful read. From the guy who has “seen them all” the author shares tales and stories of his college tailgate and game experiences. You will share in his memories through the years as he describes the game day experiences, memorable games, extraordinary plays and the great athletes who made it all happen. This book also includes analysis on what is good and bad in college football today. This book also touches on the many changes taking place in college football (transfer portal policies, NIL money, strength of schedule and conference realignment). I found the author’s analysis and thoughts on how to manage these changes well thought out and a possible path to keep college football relevant and exciting for college football lovers.

[Zach Rittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIFTY YEARS OF TAILGATE TALES: THE GOOD, THE FUN AND THE UGLY is a great book for any fan of college football. With each story, you learn a little bit more about the person Steve is, but more importantly you learn about a hobby that turns into a fierce passion. I truly enjoyed getting to read about stories from all over college football. I also think this book offers more than just tales, it offers insight into this great game. Steve dives directly into some of the hottest topics that surround college football and he gives concrete facts and evidence to support his stance. I think this book will open peoples minds from a story telling aspect and a fundamental conceptualization of college football. Any true fan of college football will appreciate this book and come away more invigorated to see all forms of this great game!

[Bill Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve has a passion for College football. This book covers over fifty years of watching the games in person. He has seen many of the Collegiate greats of college football. The names of the Coaches he has seen is tremendous.
The book covers all of his travels to all of the great College football stadiums and the relationships he has created throughout the years.
The best of the book is the last two parts-Vision of the Future and For the Love of the Game. Where is College football heading and what are Steve's ideas for the Future of the game. Please buy the Book and read Steve's ideas for the future.
This is a great book that spans Fifty years of Personalized watching College Football.
Great Job Steve.
Also, Go Navy.

[Tim Potopa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read for the hardcore major (and mostly major) college football fan. One part follows the travels of the author and how he reveals the fun, family atmosphere and friendships formed throughout his travels during mostly Saturday afternoons in the Fall across the country. Americana at its best. The latter parts breaks down, explains and offers insight and mediation concerning the direction of this beautiful game and the rules and corporations that are leading it astray.

For the beginning fan, this book will leave no stone unturned in the education of this American tradition. This piece of literature is a whole new genre.

[John Massimilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, to accomplish the feat of seeing every D1 team play is a true labor of love for college football and, virtually, unmatched dedication to a goal. This is not a book about tailgating escapades. Steve does a masterful job of describing his tailgating experiences with facts and tidbits about the games, the venues, its players and coaches. Many of the facts and tidbits definitely required documentation and research. If you are a college football fan, you will truly enjoy reading this book. It is extremely well-written and, if you close your eyes, you can join Steve along his journey…..

[Les D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helps college football fans grapple with the uncertain future of the game. Mr. Koreivo points out all the great things that make college football so special. But he also dives deeply into the ever-changing landscape of NIL,transfer portal, and the enormous effect of money on the game. He wonders: Is the individual now bigger than the team? Also, How is a notoriously poorly run NCAA going to monitor all the outside collectors? He raises lots of questions and concerns about the future of this great game…..A Great Read!

[Jim Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing journey, a look at college football over the past 50+ years, how it was, how it has changed and where we are today. There are lots of great anecdotes, personal stories, memories of players, teams, coaches. Reading “FIFTY YEARS OF TAILGATE TALES” is the next best thing to going to the game with friends on a Saturday afternoon (or whenever your team is playing). Whoever you root for, you’ll love this book. Highly recommended!