This week we went to Wake Forest University, home of the #21 team in the nation, the Demon Deacons. As the school got ready to take on the ACC rival Clemson Tigers, we prepped to make sure the students were well prepared for game time by passing out our famous college football tees and WF hats. The afternoon was a great success filled with students, promo gear, games and no rain! This was only the start of our visit at Wake Forest…there was still a battle on the grid iron.

With 30,000 screaming fans dressed in black, the Demon Deacons took to the field in their intimidating black on black uniforms. The game was all about defense as the Deacons came out on top with a last minute drive to seal the victory and claiming the title of the team to beat in the ACC.

Go Demon Deacons!

Once again The College Tour headed down South to The University of Mississippi - also known as Ole Miss. The beauty of the campus was remarkable. At the heart lay the famous Grove. I'd heard many rumors and stories about this campus quad, but nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.

The Grove is unlike anything I've ever experienced - it's how all tailgating should be done. The most distinctive characteristic of the tailgate is that it takes place on campus - there are no cars and no cement, only grassy pathways and big ole trees. The Rebels were coming off a huge win against the highly ranked Florida Gators, but fell short on this particular Saturday as that South Carolina defense held strong.

While in town we checked out many of the sights that Oxford has to offer - namely the Library and the Rib Cage. I have to say that I loved the BBQ nachos and don't think I can ever go back to the original BBQ-less version. While I've already completed my undergraduate studies, Ole Miss has a handful of graduate programs and I could certainly see myself spending a few years there. Until next time, Hotty Toddy!

Colin and I headed to the mid-west to watch his alma mater, the Fighting Irish, face off against their in-state rival, Purdue. Before the big game, we spent the day spreading the Good Life on campus and at the stadium. Colin was a great tour guide pointing out the statue of Virgin Mary atop the golden dome, the Sacred Heart Basilica, and of course "Touchdown Jesus.

Pretty soon it was game time: To signal the start of the game, a United States Air Force jet roared over the stadium and soon after the Irish took to the field, in their classic gold and navy.

When the dust settled the Irish emerged victorious. The Notre Dame football legacy certainly preceded itself, but experiencing it truly left a profound impression on me. I would like to wish Notre Dame the best of luck this season and say thanks for hosting vineyard vines. Go Irish!

Last Thursday, I headed down to the Palmetto State with fellow team member and South Carolina native, Will for some good ole'southern fun and plenty of football. Friday started off in style with a trunk show under the pink and blue tent at Brittons of Columbia. We served up cold beverages, ate fresh sandwiches, and played some good old-fashioned cornhole with the fine students of USC who came by for a visit.

On Saturday morning we set up camp at the Russell House followed by Addam's University Bookstore. Afterwards we made our way over to Williams-Brice Stadium for boiled peanuts and the USC pregame show, often described by students and fans as "the most exciting 60 seconds in college football." As Carolina squared off against 3rd ranked Georgia, I realized the truth in that description: the stadium went nuts (more boiled peanuts please), everyone was decked out in garnet and black and then the USC Marching Band took it all to another level as they played the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Seconds later, lead by mascot Cocky, the mighty Gamecocks emerged from a cloud of smoke and took to the field! Despite a nail biting loss, I enjoyed my first trip to Gamecock Country!

Last spring when I started brainstorming the idea of a college football tour, Brian - a member of our custom team - insisted that we visit Miami University. He claimed that his alma mater is the greatest place on earth and subsequently let out a Redhawks war cry that echoed through the halls. I was sold.

Upon arrival I had no doubt in my mind that vineyard vines® had come to the right place as Ethan and I set up the infamous blue and pink tent outside of the Follett Bookstore and students began to gather. The students were fantastic and it was great to meet and greet them - so many had remarkable ideas about the vineyard vines® lifestyle brand. The day was filled with tie tying competitions and plenty of cornhole. I tried to show off my East Coast skills, but they were no match for that of the Ohio ringers - afterall, cornhole is rumored to have started in the Buckeye State.

The day came to a close in the same illustrious way it began with the Miami Redhawks hosting the Commodores of Vanderbilt. It was a hot night in late summer and football was in the air. At kickoff the energy in the stadium was kinetic as all of the students dressed in white jumped up and down. We thoroughly enjoyed our stop at Miami and cannot wait to return, but until then, Go Hawks!