Nebraska Football tailgating: Wildcat meat and wine in week 7

Nebraska football is on the road again to Chi-town and will play Northwestern University at 11 am on Saturday.

The game will be on ABC for those of you throwing that Nebraska football homegate. This week is about what we know and what we hope.

What we know about the other NU is that they upset Michigan State last week 29-19. Their QB Thorson is coming off his best week of the year, maybe ever. We know that long-necked dude has a big arm from past experience against the Wildcats. Nebraska is hoping to spoil their homecoming weekend.

The Wide Receiver for the purple team that you should keep an eye out for is senior, Flynn Nagel. He had 10 receptions and is a favorite target for Thorson. Hopefully our secondary can keep him in check.

We know Northwestern has a front 7 that can play the run. We also know that Husker RB Devine Ozigbo can really run. We know he should be well rested from last week’s air attack against Wiscy. Yes, I will continue to spell it that way. Hoping Ziggy Stardust has a BIG day!

We know that this is a different team lining up against the Nebraska defense than it would have been earlier in the year. Sophomore RB standout Jeremy Larkin recently medically retired based on a diagnosis of cervical stenosis. To give you some perspective, Larkin in his last 3 games had 346 rushing yards, 19 catches for 127 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Without him, Northwestern has 36 rushing yards on 54 carries in the last 2 games. Does this mean the Cornhusker defense will look better finally? We HOPE so!

In order for Big Red to be victorious in that other NU stadium we have sometimes called “a home game” (thanks to those of you that make the road trip to the Windy City!) we know that Nebraska’s defense has to improve. You’ve watched the games. You know this. The more 3 and outs or key stops without penalties for the Cornhuskers (the REAL NU, the better!

No one knew Nebraska football QB Adrian Martinez would find such a rhythm with JD Spielman last week. Let’s hope he gets the same kind of bonding with Stanley Morgan Jr. this week too. That purple team lost a good corner to a high ankle sprain so hopefully, that works in our favor.

Morning games. Yes, you KNOW I’d rather lick a pay phone than get up for morning games. It’s a little different when it’s an away game homegate though. That ROAD trip theme got me thinking of all the great Husker fans/friends I have all over the US and what they have contributed to my tailgates over the years.

I’m going to start my early morning with a little Whisper cream Tennesee whiskey in my coffee thanks to some Husker fans living in Nashville. Thanks Deb, Kim, Tami & Jo Lyn! I’m going to add in some ham sausages from my Nueske’s connect Big Daddy Gunderson in Wisconsin. And breakfast wouldn’t be complete without some tasty boudin from my BFF converted Husker fan in Baton Rouge – thanks Cheston!

Toss in any one of a million different egg & potato casseroles, some french toast, and you’re good to go. Mornings are better with mimosas and bloody mary’s in case you’re not into the coffee and cream route. Regardless of your drink of choice, set the alarm, and watch the game with friends, food and fun beverages. Heck – throw a pajama party and take shots every time the defense gets a 3 and out!

Always remember to thank your hosts, whether at their tailgate or in their home. Feel free to hit me up with your tailgate photo or recipe too at @kelian_NE. I really think this time Nebraska comes home with a win. Regardless, I know I’ll be there next week to cheer the Nebraska football team on to what I hope is their 2nd victory, and as always, GO BIG RED!