Football and beer.

The two different American pastimes come together each Saturday for tailgating and carousing.

On Syracuse’s campus, many students can’t imagine an Orangemen football game without a few ice cold brews before, during and/or after the game. Drinking has embedded itself as part of the sports world.

‘It gets the crowd a little more rowdy and enhances student camaraderie,’ SU sophomore Reid Whiting said.

There is even an official United States Beer Drinking Team, founded and led by Maryland native Dennis Buettner. Buettner intended to increase camaraderie among friends when he set out to unite beer drinkers throughout the United States and eventually the world. Buettner estimates that more than 90 million Americans are beer drinkers and need to be united in some way.

He promotes a safe drinking atmosphere, which brings beer drinkers together to have fun and bond without getting trashed.

‘We have a bunch of arm-chair quarterbacks on our team,’ Buettner said. ‘We still call the plays but have a beer instead of a football.’

Buettner claims he has never been drunk off beer. Of course, many college students have. Though beer is not allowed at several NCAA-sanctioned events, such as the Final Four, beer is sold at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse Director of Athletics Jake Crouthamel said beer was sold at the old Archbold Stadium, and the tradition has continued at the Dome.

‘The notion is that if it’s not provided inside it will be outside,’ Crouthamel said. ‘It’s a lot easier to control from the inside.’

The NCAA doesn’t have control over in-season events held at the Carrier Dome, so all decisions regarding the selling of alcoholic beverages are made by the university. But, during post-season tournaments, the NCAA takes authority.

One problem that arises is underage drinking. All students purchasing beer at the Dome must have a valid ID. Still, many underage students purchase alcohol at SU games.

‘Everyone needs a valid ID,’ Crouthamel said. ‘If (underage students) can buy it outside the Dome, than they can inside also.’

Buettner believes that some system must be put in place to ease underage people into drinking. Buettner says a system similar to driving – 15-year-olds acquire a learner’s permit so they are prepared to drive at 16 – should be put into place to help avoid people from getting wasted when they turn 21.

‘As a 40-year-old, I’d love to hang out and have a beer with a 20-year-old,’ Buettner said. ‘But I can’t give them a beer because I’d get fried. We want a learner’s permit so young people can hang out at tailgating parties and take in just having a few beers and having a great time.’

Most students agree that they find ways to drink regardless of rules. Even while watching a road game on TV, students consume beer.

‘When the basketball team was on the road, people would come over with pizza, wings and a mini-keg,’ sophomore SU student Sean Novak said. ‘It became a tradition.’

Still, some students find it possible to have a good time without drinking. Even Buettner promotes an atmosphere where everyone stays under control.

‘People should be able to have fun without drinking,’ sophomore Billy Prusinowsky said. ‘Sports are here to entertain. I have a great time cheering and not being drunk.’

Buettner said he couldn’t imagine what sporting events would be like if beer was taken away. He also defies the notion that beer drinkers are out of shape. The drinking team has its own personal trainer, Stew Smith, a former U.S. Navy SEAL.

‘Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t drink beer and play sports,’ Buettner said. ‘Beer and fitness are both passions.’

No. 8 USC at No. 6 Auburn (-4)

6 p.m., CBS

The Tigers, a national powerhouse in the early ’90s, look to begin a return to glory behind the running of senior standout Ronnie Brown. After a slow start last season, Brown came up big down the stretch with 184 yards and two touchdowns in last year’s 13-9 victory over Penn St. in the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day.

The Trojans must overcome the departure of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Carson Palmer. In last season’s matchup, USC defeated Auburn, 24-17, in Southern California. Look for the Tigers to get revenge on their home field.

Pick: Auburn 24, USC 17

No. 17 Washington at No. 2 Ohio State (-7)

8 p.m., ABC

The Buckeyes return every offensive starter from last year’s championship-winning team. Ohio State also plays the first of six games without star sophomore running back Maurice Clarett, who was suspended by the university.

The Huskies also come in with a series of question marks after the firing of head coach Rick Neuheisel, who participated in an NCAA men’s basketball tournament pool for money with his friends. Keith Gilbertson begins his career at Washington.

The Buckeyes should start their title defense in winning fashion despite Clarett’s absence.

Pick: Ohio St. 20, Washington 10

No. 24 Oklahoma State at Nebraska (-8)

3:30 p.m., ABC

After last season’s 7-7 finish at a school where championship contention is expected each year, the Huskers start the season eager for a victory. Always tough on their home field, the Huskers and quarterback Jamaal Lord look to begin the rebound from last season.

The Cowboys haven’t won a game in Lincoln in more than 40 years. Oklahoma State did beat both Oklahoma and Nebraska last season, but winning on the road is far more difficult.

After an offseason of focusing on the Huskers, look for the Cowboys to come out on top by a slight margin.

Pick: Oklahoma State 20, Nebraska 17

Colorado vs. No. 23 Colorado State (-1.5)

7:30 p.m., ESPN

In one of college football’s most heated rivalries, the Buffaloes look for revenge after losing three of the last four meetings to the Rams. Colorado State quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt was the difference last season, scoring the game-winning touchdown.

Colorado has also suffered four straight season-opening losses and looks to walk-on sophomore quarterback Joel Klatt to end the streak. Look for the Van Pelt’s experience to be the difference.

Pick: Colorado State 34, Colorado 20

Published on August 27, 2003 at 12:00 pm