Nebraska Football Tailgate: We were on a bye week break!

Husker Football was on a bye  this week.

This week is another bye week for the Husker football team. I’m glad. I need one too. Thinking that we should go on a break (ala Rachel Greene style), reminded me of my love affair with Big Red. Imagine if you will, dating Husker football this year. Except for our coach being hotter than yours, I’d say we’ve been cat-phished.

At the beginning of this relationship, we had that HAWT photo of this year’s team, albeit with a”big phat lie” filter of how great this season was supposed to be. We immediately swiped right! It was dressed up with how we were supposed to win the West and be much improved. Instead, here we are at 4-5, dirty laundry everywhere (thanks Mo Washington)  and probably not even going bowling.

We went into this Cornhusker relationship this season and although there were some shaky spots, we’ve stayed in it. There’s just something about Husker football that makes us want to hang in there. Call it faith in the new coaching staff, call it blind allegiance, or call it hope.

Week after week, we continue to “date” our Husker Football team and at the end of the night, we’re left feeling hopeless. We see the potential. This is something I’ve certainly been guilty of in relationships before. And we want this to be the one. Been there, done that. But just like the question we will face around the Thanksgiving day table, “so how’s your relationship going?” I know I’ll have to tell the truth and say…”it’s not going well.”

We got stood up for Purdue. It was like a late cancellation with Indiana. If Colorado was a dinner date, it would have been best characterized as BAD SHRIMP! Minnesota was as horrible as going to the movies with kids kicking the back of your seat, a couple making out next to you and the couple in front of you fighting. That night with Ohio State mirrored a wardrobe malfunction when you meet his parents – totally exposed and NOT in a good way. Thank goodness there is the beautiful sister (Husker Volleyball) to keep us interested. Lord knows the little Husker basketball brother is a let down too.

This break has the Husker football team focusing on the simple things according to Coach Frost. Good. They look to find consistency. Build a good foundation and it should work out like all relationships.

Right now we could all use some couples counseling. Dr. Phil would tell us to have patience. He would say if you’re not invested in this, then hit the transfer portal. And there will always be THOSE people *insert name here* in a relationship who are without the guts to call it quits in person and they just slink off on their lower-than-a-snake bellies back to their cowboy job in western Nebraska. (TMI?)

So now I’m working on what I can control. I can tell my Husker heart not to want what it wants but we ALL know how that works. I’ll continue to love my Husker Football team, some more than others. I’ll continue to love/like a lot of those people that do the same. Each year I’ll have hope until I’ve been proven wrong. Each year I’ll tailgate and share recipes and jello shots. And at the end of it all, I’ll move on to the next adventure.

Since we are on a break this week from Husker football, I’m kind of cheating on Nebraska with LSU. I can’t resist a southern drawl, and I can’t wait to watch that game Saturday at 2:30! GEAUX TIGERS!

Being inspired by the Tiger QB Joe Burrow led offense, I’m tossing out a hurricane drink recipe for you. 1 shot dark run, 1 shot amaretto, 1 shot vodka, 1 shot peach schnapps, add 2 shots OJ and 3 shots pineapple juice, and top with a splash of grenadine. Feel free to add an umbrella as it’s gonna rain offense all over dat field in Tuscaloosa!

The weather Saturday is going to be in the low 60’s so get out there and grill up some Husker beef goodness! I’m going to top mine with cream cheese and caramelized onions. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. (I was told the same thing about adjusting to a 3-4 defense.)

After the dust settles this Saturday, I’ll get back together with my Nebraska football team. Husker fans are usually loyal after all. Next week brings Wisconsin to town. Can’t tell you what time yet. Hopefully the simple fixes have taken hold and we get our happy ending. As always, Go Big Red!