Nebraska Football Tailgate Talk: Season spoiler alert

Nebraska football plays its last game of the season against Iowa at 3 pm in Iowa City. The weather will be fantastic for November with a temp at kickoff expected to be in the mid-40s. The game will be televised on the B1G Ten network. It’s rivalry week and I think it’s time to grill up this bird even though the Huskers are 10.5-point underdogs.

Last week’s game against Wisconsin… so another lead blown to crap because the offense can’t get a 1st down. I honestly think it’s worse to be leading at halftime only to watch the game go down the drain at the end. The defense played out of their minds (again) but having those Wisconsin BIG bodies leaning on you all game has a cumulative effect. It’s tough to have to survive that many minutes on the field. It’s like that feeling you have after your 3rd piece of pie after Thanksgiving dinner. You know what I mean… wishing you hadn’t watched it happen and almost on the verge of throwing up.

The only thing left for the Nebraska football team to do now is beat Iowa and spoil their shot at going to Indy in the championship game against the winner of the east. I’m totally ok with that idea. In fact, if Coach Mickey Joseph can win against Iowa, it will make up for a lot of other things that have happened over the last five years. And, if it happens to keep Iowa from going to Indianapolis, I won’t lose sleep over it.

This last game is always close and usually right down to the wire. I’m hoping the feast the day before locks onto Huskers Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple and it reminds him that a winning combination of any production is to stick with the proven. Just like a turkey and mashed potatoes, Whipple should call football’s equivalent — run plays and short passes. It’s truly ok to get 3 yards each play instead of panicking and having to throw it deep. My math isn’t great but 4 times at 3 yards each time = a 1st down.

On the bright side, it looks like Huskers QB Casey Thompson will have another chance to run for his life from a tough defense and be able to play on Friday. I’m hoping he treats us with 3 touchdowns and the kicker can tack on the rest. He was exciting to watch this year. Thank you transfer portal.

Iowa hasn’t changed. They like to run the ball, they have a good defense and their pesky special teams seems to create their own scoring opportunities.

Christmas is on the horizon so here’s some of my wish list, Santa. I want Nebraska footbalL to be mistake-free and not be their own worst enemy. I want Garrett Nelson to get a fumble-causing sack. I want Rahmir Johnson to score a rushing touchdown. I want special teams to MAKE everyone in Nebraska get up off their feet and scream good things. I want the O Line to be great. I mean, if I’m going to wish, do it B1G.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t say THANK YOU to Coach Mickey Joseph. Watching him these past months has been refreshing. He mentioned there was a “joy in coming back to Nebraska” for him in his last press conference. He said he “wouldn’t trade those memories.” Having his smile, energy and fantastic character out there every week was a JOY for this fan (and many others I suspect). It was written this week that this is a better Huskers team than when he took over. How could it not be? But I think we are ALL better for having him leading the way. Thanks for trusting him, Trev. The next Huskers head coach better be just as epic.

There won’t be much room in the fridge this week for jello shots so I went with a dip from some of the leftovers. Mix together 8 oz cream cheese with 2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese. Fold in a can of cranberry sauce, the kind with berries in it, or use your leftover from the day before. Put it in an oven-safe non-stick square dish, and then in a 375-degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges so they don’t get too brown. Finish off the top with a little more cheddar cheese and put it back in the oven to get it gooey. It won’t take long. Serve with bread, pita chips or crostinis. Enjoy!

It’s been a long and bumpy ride this season. There is a new coach on the horizon. (tick tock, tick tock) There is no off-season in Nebraska Football Country. I’ll do my best to like whoever takes over next.  And I’ll continue to do my part as a fan and cheer them on in the spring and then again next fall. But first, Huskers, go beat Iowa!