Nebraska Football Tailgate Talk: Friday night fight in New Jersey

The Nebraska Football team finally wins a Saturday night home game, and the football Gods cheat the fans of 1 full day to enjoy the victory. Big Red faces Rutgers Friday night at 6:00 pm on FS1.

I’m giving a shout-out to “elevated” Coach Joey Connors who spotted the gap in Indiana special teams coverage which allowed Linebacker Chris Kolarevic to block the punt, and for B1G Ten Freshman of the week, Malcolm Hartzog to scoop and score for the Huskers. It’s been 13 years since we’ve seen that happen! GOOD ON YA!

I also liked how Nebraska looked ready to play at the start of each play. There was less confusion. They looked faster, even if they weren’t, without the clutter. There were also multiple faces in the game for the Cornhuskers which kept them fresher. Perhaps that’s a BIG reason why this time the 4th quarter found the Huskers in the win column.

As for the “chat” that Nebraska football offensive coordinator Mark Whipple had with QB Casey Thompson on the sideline, props to Casey’s post-game presser comment. “My Dad is harder on me than any coach here.” Props to Casey’s Dad, too for making him of tougher stuff than the judgey people in the press box.  I like that Whip got in his face. I like it better that Casey didn’t whine about it, and instead, stepped up and slung that long toss to Trey Palmer. BOOM!

Don’t forget that Huskers tight end (and additional O-lineman really) Travis Vokolek started his career at Rutgers but soon saw the error of his ways. In his press comments, he admitted there was “a little trash talk” going on with his former teammates. I like it! Is this a Big Red team with a little swagger???

This is another need to win for Nebraska and it’s not going to be a walk in the Jersey park. For more on the importance, click here. Rutgers is a physical team. This could end up being a slobber-knocker in the trenches. They have a good special team and a good punter.

Where the Nebraska football team may have the edge is that Big Red offense has more tricks in their bag than the Rutgers defense. Look for Trey Palmer (aka STUD & newly named to the Biletnikoff watch list) to be double-teamed and outmatched with his coverage leaving Alante Brown or Marcus Washington to have a BIG game.

This odd Friday night game means you can homegate with your friends. In homage to the early hour of 6 pm, and with being at a home rather than a parking lot, I suggest a make-it-yourself pizza buffet! Stock the counter with pepperoni, cooked hamburger, sliced mushrooms, sliced peppers, artichokes, and any other toppings you would put on a pizza. I recommend the Boboli brand single crusts, some pizza sauce from a can (I like chef-boy-ar-dee), and then let your guests make their own “slices” at halftime.

As for the drink of the evening, I’m going with Brandy and cranberry. It’s supposed to only be in the mid ’50s in Nebraska Friday so something with a little kick is in order. Cranberry is significant to the history of NJ and is considered the state beverage. (who knew?)

Take the afternoon off to gather with friends early. Bring something for the host/hostess, and help clean up after the next Husker win! Nebraska football wins a “rock fight” in Jersey Friday night. GO BIG RED!