Saturday, September 06, 2008 | Posted by Todd Erickson

What do you do if you find yourself in Chicago on business travel on college football game day and you just have to see your team's game? If you're like Derrick and Patty Malone of Xenia, Ohio, you head straight to 43 East Ohio Street--home of Chicago's ESPNZone where more than 110 high definition TV screens in a variety of configurations offer up to 16 games simultaneously.

That's the same dilemma I found myself in this weekend and arrived at the same conclusion. Hence, this live blog from table #27 on the third level of the 13-screen room on the second floor of ESPNZone...

12:37 p.m.

We arrived early and waited to be seated at a table that I had reserved using my MVP Club membership privileges. My U.S. Navy sailor son Zack and college student athlete daughter Whitney accompanied me. They rushed off to the game area to take each other on in a battle of mini-hoop shooting accuracy.

12:55 p.m.

It didn't take me long to figure out who Derrick and Patty were rooting for. They were in mortal agony as their beloved Buckeyes were losing to MAC upstarts Ohio University.

1:12 p.m.

Antoine, one of ESPNZone's production techs, has figured out a solution for getting me an extension cord plug in for my laptop. This will allow me to keep my same table for the next few hours while I cover the BYU-Washington game on a Fox Sports Net feed. Imagine that...ESPN is gracious enough to offer their competition's games here. Sweet.

1:36 p.m.

Following appetizers, Zack enjoys his order of pesto pizza and Whit is overwhelmed by the size of her chicken tender salad. Our server Carrie brings silver covers for their plates while they head off to explore NikeTown and some of the other attractions in the area.

1:55 p.m.

Ohio State had a huge fourth quarter and came back to defeat the Bobcats, so Derrick and Patty are happy campers as they leave the Zone.

2:10 p.m.

The Boston College - Georgia Tech game ran over schedule, so by the time the BYU- Washington game comes on screen "feed #6" the Cougars are already winning 7-0.

2:58 p.m.

Jake Locker has thrown for a touchdown and scored on a run, while BYU's Max Hall has tossed two TDs. The score is deadlocked at 14-14 halfway thru the second quarter. I think I'm the only person watching this game in the room...everyone else seems preoccupied with the Notre Dame - San Diego State game that has come on the big screen. Server Carrie swings by to make sure my lemonade is re-filled.

3:22 p.m.

BYU and Washington are deadlocked at 14 at the midway point of their game. A few quick observations: Aside from hauling in a 38-yard TD pass on BYU's first drive, Austin Collie has dropped at least four passes. Very uncharacteristic of him. Harvey Unga is running over everyone and everything in his path. Unless the Cougars can find a way to contain Jake Locker, they are not going to win this game.

3:56 p.m.

The second half is underway and Washington launched a long touchdown drive to take the lead 21-14.

4:08 p.m.

BYU counters with a long drive of their own, capped off by a bruising 11-yard touchdown run. 21-21. I finally decided to order my entree and take Carrie's suggestion of the Cajun Chicken sandwich.

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