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Ohio Football Topic
Topic: Visiting from Iowa State
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ISUfan
8/28/2023 2:53 PM
3 of us will be driving to Athens for the game. Have motel, game tickets, and tailgating spot lined up already.
Will we be OK flying an ISU flag in the Pepsi tailgate area as long as we aren't a-holes? (We aren't, we're all 40yr old mellow beer drinking dads)
Also, some advice on bars that we wouldn't feel like creepy dudes on Friday night? Best place for visitors to eat?
Currently planning on heading to Cincy after the game to double down and see what they look like since we'll play them mid Oct.

Watched your game vs SDSU. Sucked to see the QB possibly get hurt. I think if stayed in you probably don't have near the turnovers and get a win.

The gambling issues have taken out some starters for us. Our offense is a crapshoot this year. No named QB or RB. Defense will be legit like usual. Special teams typically have been mediocre to bad under this regime.

Thanks for letting me join/post.
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shabamon
8/28/2023 3:09 PM
ISUfan wrote:expand_more
(We aren't, we're all 40yr old mellow beer drinking dads)
Also, some advice on bars that we wouldn't feel like creepy dudes on Friday night? Best place for visitors to eat?
It begins and ends with Jackie-O's. Did you see this?

https://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/160ytah/ranking_the... /

Their public house is a half mile from the stadium and a block from where campus and uptown begin. It will get a bit of a student crowd at night, but won't turn into full-on nightclub either. Good dinner, but you WILL need a reservation. I'll let others fill in on good dinner spots. There's also Tony's which is in the heart of uptown Athens but is the resident townie bar and will have a Friday night crowd. Cat's Corner and Smiling Skull are next door to each other. They are also a bit townie and a bit further removed from the main drag but not too bad. The Skull has a biker dive vibe. Further removed from the campus area is West End Ciderhouse. As the name states, they make their own hard ciders and is more of a cocktail place. Grad students and faculty drink here.
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Victory
8/28/2023 3:16 PM
I can't promise how 25000 different people will behave I think OUr reputation is being pretty chill. Our rivalry with Marshall has been on and off lately but even my Marshall alum buddies back home, even though they usually don't treat us that bad, all willingly admit we treat them better than they treat us. Hopefully, it will be good for you. ISU came to Athens 20 or 25 years ago. Maybe some people on some of your boards have experience.

Stay around and talk about the game if you want. We were disappointed that we couldn't move the ball last year but many of us have since realized you had one of the best defenses in the country even if your offense didn't allow it to turn into a good record.

We really didn't hit our stride until our defense adapted to a new scheme last year. It was just awful for the first half of last year. Not just against you and Penn State but also a decent FAU team, FCS Fordham, one of the worst teams in the FBS in Akron, and a Kent State team that we thought was better at the time than it turned out to be. We won three of those with some school record setting performances out of Rourke. But there was no way he was going to keep up against defenses like PSU and ISU. The only game we lost in the final 8 was the MAC championship which was several weeks after Rourke tore his ACL. We like to think that was the reason we lost and its probably the reason that they didn't let him play through another injury, we don't know exactly what it was but apparently not that knee, on Saturday.

We had a thread trying to keep up with your offensive suspensions. How important is that?
Last Edited: 8/28/2023 3:21:02 PM by Victory
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ISUfan
8/28/2023 3:32 PM
Victory wrote:expand_more
We had a thread trying to keep up with your offensive suspensions. How important is that?

The suspensions will be interesting. No studs gone but we're definitely losing starters. We play Northern Iowa and Iowa before playing you so we'll be battle tested defensively with a new QB and RB.
Campbell at Toledo and ISU has done great with RBs but line play has been pretty poor. We "let" the OC go and promoted RB coach so hopefully we'll get some new and exciting play calling.
We lost a really good DE, Lee, due to gambling. I think we'll end up being OK there but its still a big loss.

So if you are all wondering about the gambling. Our State's DCI (kind of similar to State police) set up geofences at Iowa State and Iowa around certain areas where athletes worked up/practiced, and over time they were all busted from their devices using that wifi or pinging local towers.
Nobody knows why the DCI started investigating. Most data shown has athletes placing a lot of bets but in small amounts. Yes, some pulled a Pete Rose and bet on/even against the team.
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shabamon
8/28/2023 3:37 PM
Last year's game we looked completely ill-prepared, soft, and unfocused. It was a truly putrid effort in Ames. Even though the score was similar to Penn State, I at least saw a team that had a game plan and made an aggressive effort to score and make stops.
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AlumDadDad
8/28/2023 4:07 PM
I'll throw in a couple other suggestions.

True that Jackie O's is the big dog of the Athens brewery scene. If you're a fan of big barrel-aged stouts, they have cranked out many highly rated ones on Beer Advocate. All their beer is excellent (including IPAs and such), but the big stouts are their forte. Jackie O's is also served in the stadium.

My favorite stop "on the way into town" is Little Fish brewery. Excellent food and beer to match. Their wheelhouse is in the sours and more experimental styles, but everything they brew is excellent. Not walkable, but a short drive from uptown.

Good "hippie" Mexican food is available at Casa Nueva - but expect a wait. I'll echo the suggestion on Tony's. Great uptown bar, but more chill than the ones packed with hammered students. I'd throw in the Pub as a similar recommendation.

You won't really have any problems at Tailgreat (famous last words). Don't be surprised if any of us stop by and have a beer with you - oh yeah, make sure you bring solo cups for the beer. I've had campus police get grumpy with me otherwise.
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GoCats105
8/28/2023 5:16 PM
A few other musings:

-Take the opportunity to check out the surrounding campus area if you can. By then hopefully some of the leaves will have changed colors and you get the true Athens/Ohio University experience. Quintessential college town far removed from metro areas.

-I don't know your travel plans and departure time, but Sunday morning/noon Court Street makes some excellent people watching opportunities. Stop by Bagel Street Deli for a hangover cure if you need one. The line will be crazy long and packed with students I'm sure, but it's worth it. Walk through the main campus "green" before you head out

(EDIT I just saw you were going to Cincy, never mind. A bunch of us on here lived/live in Cincy too so let us know if you need stops there also)

-It goes without saying, but the band show at halftime is well worth not leaving your seat for concessions or a bathroom break.

-If you end up at Tony's as others have mentioned, asked for a "Hot Nuts" shot.
Last Edited: 8/28/2023 5:18:43 PM by GoCats105
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Victory
8/28/2023 5:24 PM
ISUfan wrote:expand_more
We had a thread trying to keep up with your offensive suspensions. How important is that?

The suspensions will be interesting. No studs gone but we're definitely losing starters. We play Northern Iowa and Iowa before playing you so we'll be battle tested defensively with a new QB and RB.
Campbell at Toledo and ISU has done great with RBs but line play has been pretty poor. We "let" the OC go and promoted RB coach so hopefully we'll get some new and exciting play calling.
We lost a really good DE, Lee, due to gambling. I think we'll end up being OK there but its still a big loss.

So if you are all wondering about the gambling. Our State's DCI (kind of similar to State police) set up geofences at Iowa State and Iowa around certain areas where athletes worked up/practiced, and over time they were all busted from their devices using that wifi or pinging local towers.
Nobody knows why the DCI started investigating. Most data shown has athletes placing a lot of bets but in small amounts. Yes, some pulled a Pete Rose and bet on/even against the team.
I wonder if other state police did the same thing how many they would catch. Some of us were speculating in that other thread that betting on sports is so prevalent with some college age people that the guys that bet against their own team probably didn't do do to make a big bet and get a big payday by harming their own team. They were probably just going through all the games and making what they thought was the smart bet. There is still no way that can be tolerated.
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ISUfan
8/28/2023 5:33 PM
Victory wrote:expand_more
I wonder if other state police did the same thing how many they would catch. Some of us were speculating in that other thread that betting on sports is so prevalent with some college age people that the guys that bet against their own team probably didn't do do to make a big bet and get a big payday by harming their own team. They were probably just going through all the games and making what they thought was the smart bet. There is still no way that can be tolerated.

Many of us assume since the bet $ wasn't high and that there were so many bets placed, that they were trying to hit some high payout parlays.

Some of the defense we're seeing now is that the athletes are claiming that it was their parent's account and their parents placed the bets. Well, IP addresses can't lie. I'm sure the State could subpoena security tape and where their parents were at the time.

The biggest thing so far where the State may have screwed itself in prosecution is that this all appears to be targeted towards male basketball and football players at 2 schools.
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M.D.W.S.T
8/29/2023 9:45 AM
ISUfan wrote:expand_more
3 of us will be driving to Athens for the game. Have motel, game tickets, and tailgating spot lined up already.
Will we be OK flying an ISU flag in the Pepsi tailgate area as long as we aren't a-holes? (We aren't, we're all 40yr old mellow beer drinking dads)
Also, some advice on bars that we wouldn't feel like creepy dudes on Friday night? Best place for visitors to eat?
Currently planning on heading to Cincy after the game to double down and see what they look like since we'll play them mid Oct.

Watched your game vs SDSU. Sucked to see the QB possibly get hurt. I think if stayed in you probably don't have near the turnovers and get a win.

The gambling issues have taken out some starters for us. Our offense is a crapshoot this year. No named QB or RB. Defense will be legit like usual. Special teams typically have been mediocre to bad under this regime.

Thanks for letting me join/post.
I have a couple friends who went to Iowa State that will be going as well. From what I gather - it seems like it will be a fairly decent ISU crowd.

There will be a lot of parents and alums in town for the game so I wouldn't worry about looking like a creepy dad.

If you only have one night, I'd just spend it all on Court Street. It'll make you feel nostalgic for college in all the best ways. Whatever you've heard about Athens, double it. The epitome of a party school. The best kind of college town.

Tailgating scene has always been a little hit or miss in my opinion. Especially for a party school. Athens is such a bar town. I'd love to see that change, but who knows. This could be a big one though. Trick is to get a couple cases of Jackie O's, Little Fish, and that will show you're cool. Especially if you just toss around a couple to people who are chatting.

Jackie O's is a can't miss if you're from OOS. Best beer in the state. Food is also good. Courtside for a slice when you're a couple deep. Big Mamas Burritos for a night cap. HangoverEasy in the morning.

Ask 10 people, you'll get 10 different answers for their favorite bar.
Can't go wrong with most of them to be honest. Have fun and have yourselves a bar crawl.
Pigskin (black widow), Pawpurrs (triple blackout), J Bar, CI, Courtside, NorthEnd, Red Brick (32oz mega mug), Tony's (hot nut).
Last Edited: 8/29/2023 10:01:39 AM by M.D.W.S.T
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shabamon
8/29/2023 10:56 AM
If you want to watch the Friday night games, the Pigskin has solid bar food and lots of big TVs. There's also Broneys as a secondary option that's not bad. Both are in the heart of uptown. Worst case scenario there's a Buffalo Wild Wings uptown.
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OhioCatFan
8/29/2023 10:57 AM
The last time we played ISU at home they had the best visiting crowd I've ever seen, with the exception, of course, of Marshall. I assumed that the ISU Alumni Association has a very active Ohio Chapter. Is that true ISUFan? Are they organizing something for this game?
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Andrew Ruck
8/29/2023 11:06 AM
No issues with the opposing flag at all.

Just to get a contrarian point of view in here...Jackie O's is very low on my list and I personally feel it does not personify Athens well. It's just a little stuffy for me, just the fact that a place in Athens has reservations seems wrong to me. I also don't like their menu all that much. But I am not a craft Beer guy...If you get into the intricacies of beer then yes by all means.

My 1st Friday dinner recommendation would be Broneys. Courtside (Pizza), Pigskin, the Pub, etc are all good options. For all these places I'd just recommend going to dinner at a relatively early/normal time like 6-7 and it won't be crazy and you won't be creepy. Then at the tail end the place will get busier and music will get louder and you can just decide when it becomes too much for your oldness. It will allow you to experience a little bit of it but not too much. At least that's my formular with my fellow 40ish Dads. But I'll also say we've stayed pretty late in the thick of it at times and was never felt to feel creepy or unwelcomed, in fact many times the kids end up striking up conversation. But damn that music is loud.

Union Street Cafe for breakfast Saturday.
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Alan Swank
8/29/2023 12:20 PM
Always enjoy these threads and the contrast in opinions particularly between the locals and those who went to school here and have moved away.

Since you're looking at Friday night, one thought would be Eclipse Company Store and Music Hall for dinner. It's about 10 minutes outside of town but a very easy Uber/Lyft ride. Above average bar food and 40 beers to choose from plus outside dining and live music. That would be a good starting point.

https://www.eclipsecompanystore.com

Then head into town and check out some of the aforementioned places. If you're into IPA's, Jackie O's has lots of them. A stop at our local worker owned restaurant and bar, Casa Nueva (Casa locally) for a margarita at the bar and probably some more live music, is a must if you want to sample the local scene. Cleanest place in town is Broney's. For old style college bars, the CI, Crystal, and the Pub have it covered.

If you're into something other than bar food, Salaam is a can't miss and it's right uptown (what most cities call downtown). There's a wine bar - Uncorked - down the hill off of Union Street that is consistently good.

Couple of things to remember. Be careful where you park. Towing is expensive. Depending on where your hotel is, you might just want to park and ride share and walk.
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Deciduous Forest Cat
8/29/2023 1:11 PM
I had no idea that Eclipse company store was a place for food and drink.

Just hearing the title, I have for some time assumed it was a running shoe store.
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CatsUp
8/29/2023 1:16 PM
And, Joe Burrow could almost throw a football from Eclipse to his namesake stadium. Since he was born in Ames I thought that might be especially of interest. :)
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TWT
8/29/2023 1:46 PM
Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
Always enjoy these threads and the contrast in opinions particularly between the locals and those who went to school here and have moved away.

Since you're looking at Friday night, one thought would be Eclipse Company Store and Music Hall for dinner. It's about 10 minutes outside of town but a very easy Uber/Lyft ride. Above average bar food and 40 beers to choose from plus outside dining and live music. That would be a good starting point.

https://www.eclipsecompanystore.com

Then head into town and check out some of the aforementioned places. If you're into IPA's, Jackie O's has lots of them. A stop at our local worker owned restaurant and bar, Casa Nueva (Casa locally) for a margarita at the bar and probably some more live music, is a must if you want to sample the local scene. Cleanest place in town is Broney's. For old style college bars, the CI, Crystal, and the Pub have it covered.

If you're into something other than bar food, Salaam is a can't miss and it's right uptown (what most cities call downtown). There's a wine bar - Uncorked - down the hill off of Union Street that is consistently good.

Couple of things to remember. Be careful where you park. Towing is expensive. Depending on where your hotel is, you might just want to park and ride share and walk.
Good list. Anymore there is too much do to take it all in one weekend. One could visit to do some hiking and hit a winery or brewery later and completely skip uptown if they wanted.

The best draft picks that weekend I think are the Iowa St game and the Pawpaw festival with programming and live music until midnight. Tickets for Pawpaw are $30 dollars though so maybe not what you want to do with a group but a good option.
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Alan Swank
8/29/2023 4:07 PM
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
I had no idea that Eclipse company store was a place for food and drink.

Just hearing the title, I have for some time assumed it was a running shoe store.
It's a great place most anytime but especially when they have live music outside. 40 beers of all styles from all over including Athens, solid food, and locally owned (the same fellow who owns Larry's Dawg House and Steak and Shake). At one time, the building was the company store back when Eclipse was a mining town. Several of the old company mining houses are still there. And for you bikers, the place is literally on the bike path.
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Deciduous Forest Cat
8/29/2023 4:14 PM
Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
I had no idea that Eclipse company store was a place for food and drink.

Just hearing the title, I have for some time assumed it was a running shoe store.
It's a great place most anytime but especially when they have live music outside. 40 beers of all styles from all over including Athens, solid food, and locally owned (the same fellow who owns Larry's Dawg House and Steak and Shake). At one time, the building was the company store back when Eclipse was a mining town. Several of the old company mining houses are still there. And for you bikers, the place is literally on the bike path.
Sounds like a near future visit is in order. Maybe iowa state weekend.
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ISUfan
9/1/2023 10:30 AM
Thanks for more suggestions. We've heard great things about the bar scene and it sounds like there's some good locally owned options. Love those places that have more character than a place like Buffalo Wild Wings.
Us 3 coming are pretty easy going.

Sounds like there may be a decent Cyclone contingent, historically we travel better than average.
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OhioCatFan
9/1/2023 12:30 PM
ISUfan wrote:expand_more
Thanks for more suggestions. We've heard great things about the bar scene and it sounds like there's some good locally owned options. Love those places that have more character than a place like Buffalo Wild Wings.
Us 3 coming are pretty easy going.

Sounds like there may be a decent Cyclone contingent, historically we travel better than average.
Will Cy be there? He was the last time you guys came to Athens. He's the neatest college mascot, IMHO!
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ISUfan
9/5/2023 3:05 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
Will Cy be there? He was the last time you guys came to Athens. He's the neatest college mascot, IMHO!
I've seen him at away games before so he might.

If you're/anyone on here is scouting our team, the defense played very well last week against UNI.
Last Edited: 9/5/2023 3:06:08 PM by ISUfan
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M.D.W.S.T
9/5/2023 3:22 PM
ISUfan wrote:expand_more
Will Cy be there? He was the last time you guys came to Athens. He's the neatest college mascot, IMHO!
I've seen him at away games before so he might.

If you're/anyone on here is scouting our team, the defense played very well last week against UNI.
If you're scouting OUr team... everybody and their grandparents are hurt.

Saw Iowa is only a -4 or -5 point favorite, should be a good one.
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colobobcat66
9/5/2023 4:18 PM
OhioCatFan wrote:expand_more
The last time we played ISU at home they had the best visiting crowd I've ever seen, with the exception, of course, of Marshall. I assumed that the ISU Alumni Association has a very active Ohio Chapter. Is that true ISUFan? Are they organizing something for this game?
Folks at Ohio tell me they returned some of their allotment , still should be better than anybody but Marshall
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colobobcat66
9/5/2023 4:20 PM
M.D.W.S.T wrote:expand_more
Will Cy be there? He was the last time you guys came to Athens. He's the neatest college mascot, IMHO!
I've seen him at away games before so he might.

If you're/anyone on here is scouting our team, the defense played very well last week against UNI.
If you're scouting OUr team... everybody and their grandparents are hurt.

Saw Iowa is only a -4 or -5 point favorite, should be a good one.
Ugh , we’re playing Iowa State, just a reminder
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