Nebraska football: Tailgating in week 2 against the Colorado Buffaloes

The Nebraska football team takes on the Colorado Buffaloes. Check out what you should make while enjoying the game.

All that build up.  I had a new outfit. I was SO excited and had so many expectations, but at the end of the night…. a Nebraska football let down. I haven’t been that disappointed after that much hype since prom night (sorry Jake).

A gal at our Husker tailgate said it was like being pregnant for 9 months, getting to the hospital on delivery day and be told, “it’s just back labor, go home.” Yes, it was a BIG RED pain in the backside to miss the first game due to Mother Nature’s wrath.

Colorado, a state where marijuana has changed the fiscal landscape. Colorado “rolls” into town this week for a 2:30 kickoff on ABC. The angry history between the Huskers and the Buffs has been played out all week in the media.

Just take a look at Jason Peter’s tweets. They were the team to hate because they hated us. They were not “nice” when Big Red rolled west into their stadium. Stories of oranges and snowballs being thrown at the players, cars getting keyed in the parking lot, and just some overall horrible hospitality are rolled up in the fabric of this rivalry.

On to better things though. Husker coaches say the biggest improvement comes between week 1 and week 2. Nebraska will be better. I can guarantee the offense will put up more yards. However, I can guarantee that the defense will give up more yards than last week.

But I can guarantee that there will be just as much energy from the fans and even more angst from a group of players that have 2 weeks of pent up savagery ready to be let loose. This won’t be a “puff” game.

Colorado has a stable of running backs similar to Nebraska. Coach Mike MacIntyre is in his 6th season as head coach and bringing them out of the fog. The offensive coordinator came from Texas Tech so the equally fast tempo will be something that may make your eyes red. Nebraska football will need to stay focused and do what they do and put the Buffs into the turf.

The tailgate beverage of the week is called the Hairy Buffalo. It’s not for the weak. 1 ounce each of gin, rum, vodka, and tequila. Finish with orange juice and a swish of grenadine served in a hurricane glass. I hesitate to use the word hurricane and tailgate in the same sentence after last week but this Colorado talk has me on a high (you knew that was coming at some point).

Colorado inspired munchies are also on the menu. Just like the game plan for the Huskers, keep it simple. Bags of chips never disappoint. Blend together some peanuts and M&M’s for those with a sweet tooth.

If something with a “smoky” flavor is on the tip of your tongue, try this easy recipe for Grilled Smokey Shrimp. Mix up 2 TBSP Vegetable oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Dredge 2 pounds of deveined and peeled shrimp in the mixture, skewer and place on the grill.  . You can serve them on the skewer or slide them off for easier finger food.

Colorado means “colored red” in Spanish. I want the Husker Blackshirts to play so well that they have Colorado seeing LOTS of RED! I’m looking forward to watching Big RED take care of business Saturday afternoon after a way too long offseason.

Get out there and support the team, tailgate respectfully and get home safely. We have an early morning Troy team marching into town to take on the Nebraska football team next weekend. As always GO BIG RED!