Rutgers v Indiana Tailgate Details

This is for our broader audience of attendees, since we're looking at potentially 40-45 people, including newcomers from California and returnees from Connecticut and sketchier parts of NJ like Metuchen and Bridgewater. 

Look for Block R and this
horse racing flag; that's us

Here are the primary details on Saturday's RU-IU tailgate, starting 4 p.m. Gametime is 8 p.m. We'll update this link daily with changes.

As of Friday 9:30 a.m. ET, the forecast is fantastic - low 70s at the start of our tailgate and dipping into the high 50s by the time RU is up by a few touchdowns around the third quarter.

Food: We're already set. No need to bring a random dessert or other item just because. We usually center our menu around the opponent's regional fare or pigout joint, but since Bloomington is a food desert, here's Saturday's menu:

• Cheesesteaks: Bill handling steak, rolls, cheese, and sauteed onions; 2 bottles of Legrand Bourbon
• Seasoned Roasted Potatoes: Pete
• Shrimp Cocktail and Horseradish (Indiana staple): Pete
• Deviled Eggs: Pete
• Cheese, Meat, Fruit and Cracker Platter: Andrea (99.5% of the work) and Eric (0.5%, mostly consisting of platitudes to Andrea for a job well done)
• Cornbread Casserole: Andrea and Eric (see above)
• Firehouse Chicken (Baked with Rice): Andy
• Salad or Veggie: John and Jennifer Bemben
• Caesar Salad: Janet and Tom Hoffman
• Butterscotch Crimpets: Andy
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: John and Jennifer Bemben
• Berger Cookies: Tom

If you insist on bringing a food item, consider the list above to avoid duplicates. 

Drinks: BYOB; everyone brings to share with the group, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic; we will do our Legrand Bourbon toast around 7 p.m. and may have enough for walk-in Bourbon and Butterscotch Crimpets to dip.

Parking: BLACK LOT. There's plenty of signage, but once you've entered the lot, go all the way to the right/end toward Busch Campus Student Center. If using the lot for the first time, consider entering from Rt. 18 North via the NJ Turnpike. After you cross the Raritan River (you'll see o'SHI*! Stadium to your left), go 0.5 mile and take 2nd exit (after River Road) and follow loop and signs to Black lot. We park as far right from the lot entrance as possible. Again, just drive toward the student center and look for the flags (assuming Bill's there first).

The regular crew has plenty in the way of tables, condiments, plastic cups and utensils, grill items, etc. We've done this rodeo many times before. We have some camping chairs but bring one if you wish. And if you have a spare canopy please bring along in the event of rain. We'll bring back the old cornhole boards as the new, lighter ones remain in the woodshop.

If you have any questions or want to trash talk or contribute to Saturday's festivities, please use the comments field either anonymously or using your Google ID. If anonymous, state your name so we can respond accordingly or poke fun at you on Saturday.

Oh, and it's the Blackout Game, which means wear your darkest attire even if an IU bandwagoner who of course was just as passionate winning 1-2 games a year for a century before last year's run.

Probable attendees (48), will be some new faces (will update best as possible until tailgate time):

• Bill & Kathy Holobowski (2)
• Andy Walker & Anna Higgins (2)
• Pete Witkowski (1)
• Glenn Pearson, Brian and Jameson Santaniello (3)
• Tom Labue (1)
• Dave, Jennifer, David and Jason Labue (4)
• Dana Jacoby (1)
• John Coulter (1)
• Larry Skarzynski (1)
• Andrea & Eric Burke (2) + Vreelands (2)
• John & Jennifer Bemben +2 (4)
• Terri, Cole, and Jordyn Shearson (3)
• Kathy's U. Del roommate now from San Diego; son with IU ties
• Tom and Janet Hoffman +2 (4)
• Kathy's U. Del roommate now from Weston, CT; son Cole IU biz school grad
• Billy (a.k.a. Billy K), Kara, and Katie Kwiatkowski + friends Gary, Joan and Theo (6)
• Longtime Hobo friends from Metuchen by way of North Brunswick and Perth Amboy
• Son Will currently attends IU
• Billy attended biz school at IU, also loves Colts...when they're good
• "Big Mac Crew" (10)
• Wally & Kristin Acuna + Kerry, Dino, Anna, Michael, Alexis and Acuna triplets Andie, Arden, and Mercer

Howard and Hoosiers

Howard provided scant resistance on Friday night as Rutgers steamrolled the Bison, 58-7, in front of a festival-sized crowd ahead of the big Nor'easter bringing the Atlantic right to Dana's doorstep.

Beautiful backdrop for
RU diehards

The Scarlet Knights are 1-3 and will need a Herculean effort vs. defending national champion Indiana next Saturday at oh SHI*(!) Stadium at 8 p.m.

First and foremost, the Howard recap.

Friday night's tailgate was another winner, featuring Chicken Kitchen tenders, a robust 3’ sub with dressings and salads, and a mix of IPA, desserts, and Legrand bourbon. The walk-in Woodford Reserve proved refreshing as well on a night where the winds were swirling but conditions were dry and indicative of autumn.

Let's try to figure out by Monday what we'll do for the Rutgers-Indiana tailgage. 

There's our usual crowd of 20-22, plus Kathy's U. of Delaware roomies Janet and Terri and Bill's friend Billy K will add another 12 to our tailgate, not to mention a few more. Let's figure on 35-40 people.

With an 8 p.m. kickoff and big crowd, let's shoot to meet by 4 p.m.

BYOB as always, but let's build a menu in the comments.

I'm more than willing to get the materials for cheesesteaks and to cook them, but if others have ideas fire away. 

As we've learned in the past, there isn't much interesting IU fare or pigout joints. One item that showed for Indiana cuisine was schnitzel, so we could always default to Oktoberfest bullshit.

We could do gyros/Greek...frozen chicken parm heated up with a cigarette lighter...ideas?

Good times in the Black Lot, but.....

 

Great job by everybody on a big tailgate!

Another loss on the field. Going to keep this this short to post to get the ball rolling for next week's tailgate, with a quick turnaround for our Friday night game with Howard. Thanks to everyone for putting together a great California themed tailgate!

BrepNation welcomes cousin Johnny Skeets and Scott, Gary & Jen from down south Jersey   

Kaiser Soze leads the Legrande toast with his young RU boys 

Kathy celebrates as Jen throws another ringer, as a dejected Brep & Johhny Skeets dejectedly look on 

Bill's RU Cruise wear rocks!

Add your thought below in comments regarding if you are coming and what we should do for the food. Could be a simple burger and dogs, cold subs, or any other ideas, but first we have to get a head count and an organizer. 

Also sent me your playlist request for the soundtrack via my text. Just keep it reasonable (i,m talking to you, Dana and Tom). 

Come back Athan from Washington, we need you!
(Although now he is their QB2!)

Howard Tailgate update (Wednesday 6 pm)

Headcount for tailgate so far (13) Pete, Sharon, Donna, Glenn, Brep, Steve M, Aaron from Wales, Tom R, Tom Labue, Dana, JC, Jenny, Dave Labue

Going to game, late to tailgate (3): Eric, Andrea, Bill H

Out: Sam and Beth, Al, Andy and Anna, Pat and Dana C.

FOOD SITUATION:

Pete: Cole Slaw, Macaroni Salads, plates, etc

Brep: 2 foot Italian sub, one foot turkey and cheese (feeds 10 to 12 as per Big Wally’s)

Dana/JC: Tray of Chicken strips, Sternos

Andrea/Eric: Dessert and Soda 

Tom: Pie

Anyone Got Odysseus' Cell Number?

After another stinker Friday night at BC, Rutgers is 0-2, searching for clues (and probably a new coaching staff), and circling Howard on the calendar for perhaps its one win of 2026, likely needing a Trojan horse to get past 14th-ranked USC (Johnny C's school for a year) on Saturday, September 19, at 3:30 p.m.

USC: For our comfort

There isn't a ton to say other than it feels like the Terry Shea era and that it's going to be a long season if we keep giving the other team the football multiple times and run that option play where the QB and RB hug each other for four seconds three yards behind scrimmage before getting blown up for a 3-yard loss, but we'll have a half-dozen more opportunities to dominate the Black lot and enjoy great food and company. 

Miss our tailgate at your own risk. 

The long-range forecast includes some rain, but hopefully that'll change. 

Food-wise, in keeping with the LA theme I propose pork/birria/breaded shrimp tacos, Mexican street corn, and California rolls as part of our menu, plus 74 desserts so each of us has three weeks worth of sweets to take home; chime in if this interests you and/or you have better ideas.

Just kidding on the desserts.

I'll offer to smoke the pork and/or do the beef. I made a ropa vieja for one of our World Cup tailgates that came out fantastic; can try to replicate?

Use the comments field with thoughts and/or contributions.

THURSDAY UPDATE

We never specified a time but let's say we meet by noon.

Below is what we've got so far. Already have 2 desserts, so let's stop there. 

If unsure what to bring, here's what we need and/or could use; please use comments if you can provide: 

• Spanish rice
• Cali rolls (LA theme)

What's already accounted:

• Andy
• taco lasagna (full tray)
• Bill 
• shredded pork and shredded beef
• Larry and his crew - 
• shrimp for tacos
• pasta salad
• homemade salsa and chips
• Tom
• 40 taco shells (corn and flour)
• Cotter (Pat & Dana)
• cobless Mexican street corn
• Glen
• water and dessert
• Burk
• dessert and soda
• Dave
• taco fixings

It was the Best of times, it was the Worst of Times

 

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one"
Spock, Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan

The loss last week to Massachusetts was brutal, no need to review the particulars. There are other websites and podcasts for that stuff. As most of us are sports enthusiasts who have played at a competitive level (and now mostly watch and criticize), you know the highs of victory and the crushing blow of this kind of ill-timed defeat. For many, especially those with strong team identity ties (like some in our group), the loss can feel like a personal failure.  Allow yourself to feel these emotions—frustration, sadness, or anger—without judgment, but don’t let it turn you into a self-hating Rutgers fan and project that onto others.  It’s natural to have strong emotions after a defeat, especially when you’ve poured your heart and soul into the tailgate, the team and the games. Being a Rutgers fan comes with built in adversity, and I personally go into Friday's game with cautious optimism for a big bounce back by our offense.      

Shots for Eric 52!

Now, on to the tailgate, and an excellent tailgate it was. Kudos to Andy for manning the grill to bang out 24 dogs to start, followed by burgers, Andrea's barbequed chicken and BREP pork ribs. The accompanying salads, Pete's home made Mac and cheese, desserts and drinks made sure we had plenty of food. Thanks to all who followed thier assignments as it was a well shared tailgate. BYOB seems to be working out well. 

Also great to see a lot of familiar faces from the past (and some new ones) join BREPNation. John, Krissi, and friend Trixie representing LBI, Shakira representing Columbia, Glenn and Doug Cox representing Sayreville (with Dana), Snarski representing young field hockey alumni, Valedictorian Tom R representing SMSH, Jim West representing Bayonne's Little League Team, and Hocus Pocus (from Focus) representing '70s prog rock. we also saw the largest turnout ever of the Witkowski clan at a game with RU alum sister Carol (and sons Brian and Conner) and sister Mary (with son Andrew).      

Late arriving Labues meet Shakira (center)

 

Witkowskis Everywhere!

Snarski's back! Does Andrea know? 

Thanks Everyone!
Go RU!

I also want to give a big shout out to all in our group who donated to support the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome walk this coming weekend. My family is very touched by the outpouring of your generosity to support my 5 year old great nephew Lucien! He has a huge heart and gives the best and biggest hugs to everyone he meets, and next time he's in NJ hopes to meet some of you! 

Let the Games Begin!!!

 

The achievements of a well run tailgate organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual. Winning is not everything - but making the effort to win is. Success demands singleness of purpose. We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible. Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.  Being a fan of Rutgers Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.

I now have the great honor to declare open the Rutgers 2026 tailgating season!

Several of us have already committed to getting to our usual corner black lot spot by 3 PM on game day. I know of a few here are also getting extra ticket giveaways for this game so getting a head count early will help nail things down tremendously. If you are expecting to not go to the tailgate, just give a heads up (Bill already told me they he expects to go to the game only). I also know that Sam & Beth are not joining us this week.

With the formalities out of the way, we need to put together our September tailgate. Andy and Anna are throwing out the idea of doing a hot dog bar, and in talking with others, doing a relatively simple tailgate. We will need people to bring the following (I will try to update as people step up):

Grill, propane table, and grill utensils: (Andy and Anna)

Barbeque spare Ribs (about 30): (BREP)

Barbecue Chicken: leg, thighs, etc.: (Andrea and Eric)

Hot dogs (Quantity; 3 packs of 8): (Andy/Anna)

Hot dog rolls (Quantity: 3 packs of 8): (Andy/Anna)

Hot Dog Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Onions, etc.): (Andy/Anna)

Tray of Macaroni and Cheese (PETE)

18 Hamburgers (Al and Joanne)

4 Veggie Burgers ((John/Christine))

22 Hamburger rolls (Pete’s sister Mary)

12 Cheese slices (Al and Joanne)

 Hamburger toppings: (Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Mayo, pickles, etc.)   (Al and Joanne)

Pasta or Green Salad: (John/Christine)

Plates, Papers towels, utensils, and garbage bags (Pete)

Dessert (Pete’s Sister Carol)

Brownies (Pete’s sister Mary)

Watermelon (Glenn)

Coookies (Glenn)  

30 Pack of Bottled Water (Glenn)

Seltzers (Glenn)

Regular Soda: 2 six packs (Jim W)

Diet Soda: 2 six packs (Jim W)

HEAD COUNT SO FAR (22): Andy & Anna (2), Pete +3 (4), Andrea & Eric (2), John & Christine (+1) (3), BREP, Jim W, and Tom R  (3), Al & Joanne (2). JC & Dana (2), Glenn +2 (3), Pat Cotter (1)

OUT FOR TAILGATE BUT GOING TO GAME: Bill, Logan +2, Dave & Jen 

Out: Sam & Beth, Tom L, Steve M and Tall Guy from Wales, Dana Cotter

Possible Additions (1) Glenn+1

After feedback from last year, we will again bring our own alcohol this season (BYOB), and leave it out of the tailgate assignments. Most people do this already, and saying “I’ll bring beer” doesn’t really help with the tailgate since we usually have way too much, and end up taking it back home.

Similarly, we need to reduce the amount of desert type items (cookies, cakes, muffins, donuts, etc.) to just a couple as most of these don’t get eaten. So please try to limit these kinds of things. It’s better to throw a few dollars towards the people bringing the main courses and making large outlays if they are buying for a group of 25-30 people.

Let the tailgating begin!!!

 Remember to wear RED to the Game!!!!