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.

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, 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.

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!!!!