Fabulous Blackout, Rutgers Now 4-0

Excellent turnout and performance both at the tailgate and in O'Shi* Stadium!

Near-record turnout

The weather gods were relatively in our favor for our Black lot tailgate, where a crew of about 30 prepared for RU's B1G opener vs. Washington, won by the Scarlet Knights 21-18 in a sellout. 

W for Rush Shirt

RU 1-0 in games with Panda

The tailgate menu included salmon and crab packets, Beecher's mac and cheese, warm cinnamon apples, sausage with pepper and onion, dogs, and loads of sides and desserts. A truly Washington State flavor.

Nice job with Washington-based artists as a musica playlist; was interesting to target the visiting team's state-bred musicians. 

Plenty of great drinks including Natty Bo, Rick Astley IPA, and a new annual tradition of the Eric Legrand toast featuring his bourbon. Forgot the Butterscotch Krimpets, however; clearly we missed Grandpa Andy, who was in Arizona and should be back in time for Wisconsin on Oct. 12. 

Speaking of Wiscy, does an Oktoberfest menu make the most sense? As a curling guy, the Matt Hamilton Special seems like a must. Brats, kielbasa, Bavarian pretzel bites, etc. If not, cheese fondue for 20+, lol.

 

Back in Black After 3-Week Hiatus

A lot to unpack in the three weeks since our last tailgate ahead of Rutgers win on Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Akron (and still trying to figure out what exactly is a Zip). 

Scant resistance from Zips

The highlight of that tailgate, aside from the awesome breakfast menu, was the Danahead presentation. BREP's eloquence was NFL Hall of Fame-level commentary and several pictures below capture the sentimentality of the event, with many tears of joy caught by BREPNation insiders. 

After a bye, the Scarlet Knights escaped Blacksburg, VA, with a 26-23 win over Tech. An important road win against a Power 4 program. 

Anna pre-bionic back

It's a game that should have been about 30-7 at the half. However, a missed FG and fumble 2 yards from paydirt kept VaTech alive. 

Coach Schiano almost cost us by getting cute with 52-yard FG tries and an inexplicable and unsuccessful 3-pass drive in the second half. These ill-advised moves gave the Hokies more time to play catchup and ultimately tie the game at 23 with 4 minutes to go. Fortunately, a big play put RU in range for a short late FG and then the defense wrapped up the game on a Longerbeam interception. Phew! 

Glenn wasting no time
getting into festivities

No matter the path, Rutgers is 3-0 going into a Friday night showdown with 2024 national championship runner-up and new B1G member Washington, which comes to Piscataway at 3-1 and 24-5 winners on Saturday vs. Northwestern. It's the Scarlet Knights' first of 9 conference games through season's end. 

Kickoff is 8 p.m. and Rutgers opens as a 3.5-point favorite. Remember it's a blackout game, so wear black. Long-range forecast shows high 70s and rain early in the day before clearing. 

As it's a Friday night, anticipate heavy traffic around Piscataway. We'll meet in the customary base camp nearest Busch Student Center ~5 p.m. 

Menu-wise, Dana had a great idea during the Akron tailgate to do Seattle-themed bullshit, namely salmon. It's super-easy to prepare and as this website shows that Dungeness crab is another Washington delicacy, Bill's happy to make salmon and crab packets -- a killer recipe from the family archives that can be prepped mostly in advanced and quickly grilled onsite. 

Beyond that, it seems like clams and oysters also are local delicacies, as are Beecher's mac and cheese plus dishes based on apples (cider donuts, pies, etc.), rhubarb, cherries and raspberries. 

Assuming not everyone's into seafood, let's have our landlubbers suggest a meat idea if needed; and we could do NJ-themed accompaniments like grilled white corn on the cob (super easy to do in foil packets)
and tomato salads if game?

Let's get the conversation and roll call going in the comments and everyone have a great week!

Double the cursing

Danahead and Beatles bullshit

Great friends, great times, dedicated Rutgers fans!

Starting the Season Off Right!

The official BREP Nation Howard tailgate Group Shot

The RU 2024 football season got off on the right foot with a raucous tailgate with about 30 people in attendance, followed by a 44-7 beatdown of Howard. Our tailgates are now enhanced by new season ticket holders Eric's brother Dave, Andy, Anna, Erin, Al, Glenn and Donna. Special guest appearances by EX ExPat John Lyon & wife Kim, A& E friends Amy & Glenn, Pat Cotter, Al's wife Joanne, Larry's friend Steve, Aaron from Wales, and Basil added to the fun.  JC and Bill joined in at the game.  It was great to see everyone!! 

Getting things going early with Andy's grill and three tents!!

Part of the crew making their way in with Andrea intensely making a real estate deal on the phone 

The team has left the locker room!!!

The BREPNATION crew spilling out all over Section 121!! 

We look forward to next week for a 9 am meetup with a noon start against Akron! Pete is already proposing Breakfast Burritos so lets get the chat going! 

And don't forget to wear red to the game!!

Blue scarf is optional!