Despite 3 key tailgate players on IR for homecoming, BREP Nation put on another bowl-worthy performance, with everyone ready to go by 8:30 a.m. and the tailgate spot established 20 minutes later.
Jennifer Labue, a multiple-game cornhole winner with son David until Kathy found her groove to give Team Hobo a last-second win, pointed the crew to a proper parking spots, making her the favorite to lead our search next out in early November vs. Wisconsin. If husband Dave drives her SUV in again, however, it's probably safest they bring up the rear. But he has 4 weeks to practice his parking skills on a vehicle 6x the size of his Miata days.
Chillin' Labues |
The result on the field wasn't what we had hoped and bucked Bill's win guarantee earlier in the week, setting the Scarlet Knights back to .500 at 3-3 but with several winnable games on the schedule. Next is at Northwestern on Saturday at noon.
The outcome was different in the parking lot. Pete came through with fabulous breakfast "burrpete'os" and the necessary dressings. If you didn't top yours with sour cream and salsa, turn in your tailgater badge to the principal's office.
Bill's "Jersey tomato casserole" proved to be a hit, especially the batch with pork roll. Probably a good lesson to not bother with the veggie-only version, which wasn't touched as much.
The patented Skurat tot casserole was business-as-usual: robust, cheesy, properly cooked. Delicious.
Selfie-Stick Eric to the Rescue |
"Breakfast bourbon" proved semi-popular for the crew, with several sampling the Vermont-made version infused with maple syrup. Sweet way to start the day, and one we may need to expand for a breakfast tailgate as a pancake topping. Solid idea from Andrea, if I recall.
Basil passes complimentary skin-cancer screening |
The crew packed up by 11:30, walk-in beers and bourbon in hand, and entered SHI(*) Stadium on time for the start. Rutgers wisely opened an additional entry gate; but with a disappointingly half-empty building, it's possible the low turnout made for such an easy and well-timed entrance.
Happier times before MSU's offense went off |
Once seated, BREP Nation did everything possible to motivate the team. Dana was responsible alone for consecutive MSU penalties and a big offensive play after deciding to join us sometime in the second quarter. Yet our process of seat switching, Popcorn Pete and third-down air guitaring did little to change the outcome.
Schiano's squad just isn't there yet talent-wise, but bright days are ahead, with five of our last six seemingly winnable games vs. similar competition -- Northwestern, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Maryland. And if Penn State's starting QB is out for any length of time, who knows.
Stay tuned to the blog for details on the next game and perhaps even the Oct. 30 Halloween extravaganza in Roselle Park.
Everyone be well and please share any good pictures from MSU here!