Nebraska Football: Tailgate ideas for Week 7 vs Minnesota

Here are some good eats heeding into this weekend’s Nebraska Football game.

What a nail biter for Nebraska Football last weekend! This weekend may be the same thing but more like a mitten biter according to the wet and chilly, dare I say “Frosty” weather forecast for the 6:30 pm kickoff in Minnesota. Last weekend saw Nebraska receiver JD Spielman and Husker QB Adrian Martinez come out of the game with injuries. Wednesday practice chatter said both were in pads (and no brace on Martinez) but what does that really mean?

Nebraska Football head coach Scott Frost said they will make a decision later on the QB position. I don’t blame him for keeping things unpredictable for now. Why tip off Minnesota. They already know the Huskers still are without a kicker. What did get shared with the public is that JUCO transfer Jaron Woodyard was taking snaps with the first team. This warms my heart.

Supposedly Huskers wide receiver, Kade Warner is healthy enough to play and was also working with the first team. Nebraska needs a wide receiver like chili needs cinnamon rolls. Yes, chili will survive without cinnamon rolls but it’s MUCH better with them.

Nebraska will need to lean on Wan’Dale Robinson and running back Maurice Washington again this week. Robinson was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week last week and is really stepping into his own lately. Huskers need more of this as the offense has been cold.

What you need to know about Minnesota is they are 5-0, but it hasn’t been a pretty 5-0. They even had to take one game to double overtime. Plus, 3 of those wins were a down to the wire, last minute drive thing. The thing that does leave me with a bit of a chill is that they put a whoopin on Illinois last week (40-17). Gophers run the ball well but fortunately the Nebraska defense has been heating up all year.

The Gophers also have some BIG tight ends that could potentially ice the Blackshirts a bit. However, I look for Nebraska’s outside linebackers to step up and freeze those big bodies before they get too far. Defense is key in a sloppy weather game. Their play will be critical.

This week is going to be a choppy go. When I think choppy I think of salsa. Speaking of salsa, I was lucky enough to meet up with Mr. Cory at the last tailgate and his salsa was a fantastic blend of heat and smooth. His chopped up recipe includes 12 jalapenos (cooked at 350 for 15 mins), 4 garlic cloves, 3/4 c green onions, 1.5 oz Cilantro, 1 1/2 c red onion, 1 1/2 big cans of tomato sauce, 3 tbs lime juice, 1 tbs lemon juice, 2 1/4 tsp kosher salt, 1/8 cup cumin and 1 tsp cayenne pepper. You can lower the heat by taking out the jalapeno seeds and less cumin.

Since most Husker fans will be warm and toasty inside rather than at the game, I went with a cocktail recipe this week. It’s called the Minnesota Slammer. Mix equal parts Cherry Brandy, Peach Schnapps, Sour Apple Pucker, sweet and sour mix, and then fill with 3 oz sprite in a hurricane glass. It’s a strong drink and much like Minnesota’s head coach PJ Fleck, I can only tolerate it every once in a while.

Next week is a bye week for Nebraska but I’m planning a road trip of my own to experience some new tailgate things. I’ll be ready to share and hopefully have some photos. In the meantime, support the Huskers, cheer on the team and as always, GO BIG RED!