Nebraska Football Tailgate Week 12: Huskers vs Penn State

It’s going to be another week with weather in the mix because everything seems to stack up against Nebraska football lately so why not Mother Nature too?

Minnesota wasn’t that good but the Nebraska football defense certainly made them look that way. Next up is Penn St. Yeah this one is going to hurt too. Saquon Barkley is a Heisman worthy running back. QB Trace McSorley is pretty dang good too. And for now, we’re going east with a backup QB. I’ll admit I’m not looking forward to seeing what may happen in Happy Valley.

It’s tough to find inspiration in what seems like rock bottom for the Husker faithful. I was asked, as a fan, if I thought this was the lowest point. I said, no. I like Riley. I hated Callahan mostly because of how he treated the former players and disrespected the very essence of Nebraska. I liked Bo but was ready for Pelini’s vituperative rants to be a thing of the past (Mom is reading this one so I had to drop in some fancy vocabulary, much like DC Bob Diaco).

Penn State. Pennsylvania. Philly — oh wait! Philadelphia cream cheese. Get ready for some dip-licious goodness. It does make sense actually. You will want to be snacking and chatting rather than concentrating on the game which could be a brutal pounding by a team on the rise looking to impress the press. Some of my favorites are Ranch Crack Dip, Pepperoni Pizza Dip and a super easy Salmon dip. All you need is a food processor for that last one.

Don’t forget the Wheat Thins, Triscuits or Pita chips for strong dipping. Nothing worse than having to send in a rescue chip after the first chip breaks. Think of it of attacking with a lineman versus having to send in a safety.

The Pepperoni Pizza Dip

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup pizza sauce (I like Chef Boyardee)

1/2 cup shredded Italian 5 cheese blend

1/2 cup Hormel tiny pepperoni

1/3 cup chopped green peppers

1/3 cup chopped red peppers

Mix first 2 ingredients until well blended. Heat oven to 350. Put in 9 inch pie plate. Top with the next 4 ingredients and bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes.

And if the rumors are true… you will be learning a lot more about spreads. (that blonde guy’s style of football in Orlando for my friends who aren’t following Husker football rumors closely).

Don’t get me wrong, I’m hoping the Husker football team plays well and has at least a few good things go their way. At this point QB Tanner Lee is doubtful/questionable. Patrick O’Brien is more than likely the guy for Saturday. The Nittany Lions have recorded 29 sacks so far this year. Their defensive line is better than Minnesota. If something were to happen to POB, Huskers are in a BUNCH of trouble. Yes, Andrew Bunch is a sophomore you’ve never heard of and he is the backup to the backup if no Tanner Lee.

Drinks. Yes, please. It will be a white atmosphere for the Husker red on Saturday. In keeping with the white spirit, there are White Russian drinks, Rumchata on the rocks, Pina Coladas, or shaken margaritas. My inspiration comes from a drink called the Blonde Ambition (see what I did there?). To turn it into a jello shot (it won’t be white) by heating 1 cup of pineapple juice and combining it with lime jello until dissolved. Add 1/4 cup triple sec and 1/2 shot white cream de cocoa. Pour into shot cups and chill.

The forecast at State College, PA calls for on and off rain starting at noon with a high of 48 degrees. Bring the rain gear. Sending a shout out to my friend Tod W. who grew up down the street and tailgates with his Husker flag proudly displayed. I’m hoping for a Husker victory but will be satisfied if they leave PA without any more injuries. Yes, it’s come to this.

Next: Five Greatest Husker Coaches You’ve Never Heard About

Be good fans when you’re out there. Feel free to share photos or recipes with me @Kelian_NE. Cheer loudly for the Nebraska football team and GO BIG RED!