Baby Boom is tired of tailgating

This is a rare weekend in the Palmetto State as both big universities, South Carolina and Clemson, have open dates on the football schedule.

For some, it's a bummer. But for many in the aging Baby Boom generation, it's a respite.

Over the years, I've heard a lot of die-hard Gamecocks and Tigers fans starting to complain about how much time, effort and money it takes to be a fan of their favorite school.

First there are the donations to the athletic department to gain the right to buy season tickets. Then there's the investment of seven weekends during the fall, buying all the latest logo gear, hauling all their stuff across the state, setting up all the camping equipment in a parking lot, investing in a satellite TV, putting up with the drunks all around you, watching the game in searing heat or pouring rain, cleaning up the mess, then fighting the traffic to get out of there.

It's become even more difficult in recent years as television networks change kickoff times, something that throws a monkey wrench into people's tailgate plans.

Some folks have done it for years and are simply tired of it, win or lose.

One fan recently said, "I could take all the money I spend on tickets and tailgating, buy a bigger boat, go fishing on Saturday mornings, come home and watch the game on my big-screen, high-definition TV, have me a hot toddy and be just a few steps from a nice, clean bathroom."

As you get older, there's something to be said for that.

The picks

THE CITADEL at SAMFORD — I'm giving The Citadel one more chance to prove me right this year. CITADEL by 10.

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN at LIBERTY — Whatever happened to Tribble Reese? LIBERTY by 12.

HAMPTON at S.C. STATE — This is a battle for MEAC supremacy. The Pirates are good, but the Bulldogs have got to be better. S.C. STATE by 6.

FURMAN at APPALACHIAN STATE — Another key conference game among small college schools. Could determine the SoCon title. Hard to pick against the three-time national champs at home. APPALACHIAN STATE by 9.

DUKE at VANDERBILT — There should be a separate academic conference for these schools. VANDY by 16.

WAKE FOREST at MIAMI — Maybe Miami is making a comeback. Maybe. MIAMI by 3.

BOSTON COLLEGE at NORTH CAROLINA — Hey, the Tar Heels beat the Fighting Irish in Chapel Hill, why not the Eagles? NORTH CAROLINA by 6.

GEORGIA at LSU — Upset special of the week. GEORGIA by 1.

MISSISSIPPI at ARKANSAS — Houston Nutt returns to the school that fired him. OLE MISS by 7.

PENN STATE at OHIO STATE — Joe Paterno wins them all and captures the national championship at age 82. What a story. PENN STATE by 8.2.

Reach Ken Burger at 937-5598 or kburger@postandcourier.com.