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.   

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!)

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!!!!

Another great tailgate but a bitter end

Another great tailgate. Tremendous Cheese steaks by Bill. Great Buffalo dip by Andy. Great friends, including ex-pat Johnnie, Joe C from Amboy, and Kathy making an appearance. Tremendous offense performance by RU, including the greatest catch in RU history. But another numbing loss.    

THE catch!

I must apologize for taking 10 days to get this post to the blog as I was not mentally ready to write out my feelings yet. Between this loss, the RU basketball team beat downs (including worst loss by points in the Pike era to Michigan), the Giants finding new ways to lose every week, and now Edwin Diaz signing with the Dodgers, I have come to the conclusion that sports are stupid.  

Losing hurts. That sharp sting of defeat can leave anyone feeling lost, broken, and questioning their loyalties. I am rather confident that the participants of our tailgates all bleed Scarlet Red. Whether it’s a football game or a basketball game that slipped away, the pain feels raw and real. But here’s the thing about losing – it’s temporary. What matters most is how you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and face tomorrow.

You fought until the final whistle. You supported each other. You showed grit when things got tough. Those qualities don’t disappear with one loss. They’re still right here in this group, and they’re going to carry us forward.

This loss doesn’t define us. It refines our purpose. Each of you has the power to turn this moment into motivation. Use this feeling as fuel. Let it drive you to work harder, push further, and come back stronger than ever. Together, we’ll turn this setback into our setup for an incredible comeback. Because that’s what champions do. And make no mistake – you are champions in the making.

Thanks for a fun year

BREP

The sun sets on yet another season

Bowl Bid on the Line

Just horseplay. Yeah, OK.

Our beloved Scarlet Knights were competitive in spurts vs. top-ranked Ohio State on Saturday, losing 42-9 in a game where Rutgers got no help from the officials. 

Several missed offensive picks, plus a suspect roughing call with a passrusher tossed into OSU's QB, turned the tide early and Rutgers could never recover, meaning that this Saturday's 3:30 p.m. game vs. 5-6 State Penn is a play-in for a postseason bowl game.

The wheels fell off the bus early this season for PSU with the firing of head coach James Franklin but the team has responded with back-to-back wins to keep its bowl hopes alive and it's listed (only) as a 10.5-point favorite. Surprising for the preseason No. 2 team in the land and one we haven't beaten since the 80s.

Saturday's forecast is fine for late November at 43/29 and mostly sunny. 

For the tailgate starting at noon, Dana suggested Philly cheesesteaks. If all are on board with that, I can order the meat, cheese, and rolls. We'll need sides, of course, so let's figure that out in the comments. 

If the group would rather do something other than cheesesteaks, speak up. We're a democracy. Or at least we are for another 6 months or so.

Far as I can recall, too, no Labues this week. So a Happy Thanksgiving to them and to all!!!

RUTGERS wins 35-20 over Maryland!

Biggest LeGrande shot turnout Ever!

On a sun splashed Saturday afternoon, the BrepNation crew assembled to tailgate prior to the best Rutgers performance of the season, a 35-20 Rutgers win, highlighted by 240 yards on the ground from Antwan Raymond (3rd best in program history) and 4 TD passes from Athan Kaliakmanis (continuing the best RU QB season since the Mike Teel era).

Pat making the old bay wings!

In addition to a great Knights performance, many in the tailgate stepped up again to add to the festivities in what most called the best tailgate of the year. I know we have another tailgate left, but I am already awarding Andy BREPNation tailgater of the year after another great job with his MR. Dees chili dogs and fixin’ bar. Anna, Bill, Pat, and Pete (among many others) also stepped up with food prep to add to the tailgater fun. 

Passing out the shots!

 Always awesome to have Shane’s crew of buds (Zach, Harrison, Thomas, Stephen and Chris) come to the tailgate and root for the Scarlet Knights. All of them are great guys, but they do need to practice their corn hole for next year. 

Great to see many new faces to the tailgate this week including Johnny Skeets( BREPs cousin), Michael (Anna’s teacher friend), Dana’s daughter Ava, and Shane’s Maryland roommate Patrick (and family) also fit neatly in the tailgate group to add to the fun. 

See everyone on the 29th for the huge Penn State game. I turn this week’s tailgate preparation in to the capable hands of Bill and Dana as they are considering a Pennsyltucky Thanksgiving themed approach…….

Ducking Out Early After Great Oregon Tailgate

If nothing else, Rutgers 56-10 pulvarization at the hands of Oregon made for much quicker exits for us after a phenomenal Oktoberfest tailgate spearheaded by the Witkowskis.

AI'd out Dana's
favorite trash bag

Our core menu from Sebastian's Schnitzelhaus in Wrightstown was fantastic, from chicken schnitzel to perogis to red cabbage and spaetzel, complemented by BYO brats, potato pancakes and pretzels. Thanks again to Pete for handling the ordering, and kick in a few bucks to him next game if you haven't already. 

Turnout was robust, including Oregon supporters and yet another "John," adding to confusion whenever the name was uttered. 

BREP's theory about a supposed rainbow being a harbinger of great things for Rutgers quickly went out the window

Great food + BREP's
bullshit rainbow

Bad enough the Ducks destroyed us on the gridiron; some Oregon student ringers also dominated at cornhole (though Shane and Bill at least kept it close; no such luck for the Burks).

But, again, no one can beat our tailgates, which may beg the question of why bother with the games?! 

In a bit of a surprise, Rutgers shook off the Oregon loss and edged Purdue on the road, 27-24. That positions the Scarlet Knights still for a very outside shot at a bowl, with its current 4-4 record. Next up is a road game vs 5-3 Illinois at noon on November 1. 

The Scarlet Knights are a 13-point underdog, but maybe miracles happen. Should one occur, Rutgers then hosts equally midling-to-subpar Maryland at a tailgate-favorable 2:30 p.m. on November 8. 

That's our next black lot gathering. 

If only game ended here

Let's kickstart the menu conversation in the comments. I'll offer to make crabcake sliders with aioli (boujee mayo) again lest anyone object, and if keeping with Chesapeake-oriented foods, other ideas (of many) can include Chicken Maryland, pit beef or turkey, white potato pie, Berger cookies (ahem, Tom), fried chicken or grilled Old Bay wings, cream of crab soup, and other crabby themes. 

After a great Oregon tailgate and Halloween party at the new Burk estate, we look forward to more shenanigans ahead next Saturday!

Remind me...someone has a brick?

RU vs Oregon Roll Call

No. 8 Oregon invades Piscataway on Saturday to take on our reeling Scarlet Knights, looking for a first B1G win on Homecoming.

Kickoff is at 630 pm and our tailgate commences at 3 pm. 

Seems from prior comments and text chat that Oktoberfest is our food theme.

Please comment below on headcount and what you're bringing. 

Nationally ranked tailgating and drone show, but more football mediocrity

World-class tailgate with great friends. Check.

Perfect weather for the Blackout under Friday night lights and synchronized UFOs. Check.

Greeny making mega-donor Dana's day

Our new Athletic Director visits the globally revered BREP Nation tailgate. Check. 

Pregame BS at the Jacoby brick. Check.

In our seats before 7:30 p.m. per Rutgers' guidance. Check.

Yet, sadly, another hype-filled event where Greg Schiano's team couldn't get a must-win to send the record 55,000+ attendees home yearning for the next home game and similar atmosphere. Check.

Iowa 38, Rutgers 28. SMH.

Rutgers dropped to 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the B1G with an ominous schedule ahead and a low probability of going .500 in league unless it can win consecutive road games at Minnesota and Washington, and then one weeks later at Purdue. 

Tall order for a team with a Swiss cheese defense that killed our chances with a bad 4Q penalty, special teams that gave up a 100-yard TD return on the opening kickoff and missed two field goals, and running game that produced only 70 yards (2.3 yards per carry). 

Not your typical Schiano success profile.

From front to back:
firehouse chicken, corn,
apple crisp, Iowa Maid
Rites, wings, mac and
cheese (not pictured:
collards, empanadas)

Cheers to 52!

Not to mention Rutgers finishes with three games vs. Top 6 foes and an unranked 4-0 UMD squad that pummelled Wisconsin at Camp Randall. 

If you thought turncoat season ticket holders behind the visitors' bench selling their seats to Iowa fans was a headscratcher on Friday night, wait until later this year.

It's shaping up as a grim season on the Banks for football, but at least we're killing it in the Black lot and will continue to bring it for better or worse. There's no better group of friends and Rutgers fans.

As Keli Zinn and her crew attested, BREP Nation brings the passion and top-notch food and drink, not to mention tailgater-curated music and the weekly LeGrand bourbon toast (with butterscotch Krimpets). 

Perfect conditions for Al to
give Pete **** for missing
too many tailgates

Anna and Andy set up camp sometime around 3 p.m. Just because.

The rest of the Nation arrived promptly at 4 p.m. ahead of the 7:30 p.m. pregame festivities (a.k.a. fans turning on their cell phone cameras...no drones until much later) and 8 p.m. kickoff.

The Iowa-themed menu went off as well as possible considering the vanilla options, with John and Dana providing tasty Maid Rite sandwiches, elevated for those wise enough to top the loose meat with yellow mustard and pickle. The steamed onion roll proved to be the winning bookend.

TMZ reports of Pat
burning eyebrows off
grilling wings proved
to be unfounded; plus
we have ex-firefighters
Andy and Anna at the
ready just in case

Andy's firehouse chicken was a delicious low-calorie (maybe for an offensive or defensive lineman) hit, as were the jerk chicken wings and mac and cheese from 2025 BREP Nation newbies Dana and Pat Cotter; the latter working up a sweat over open flames to provide proper crisp to each wing - a feat unto itself considering Pat's late-night kegstand tutorials until 3 a.m. with son, fraternity pledge and scratch golfer Brian.

Flags waiving proudly,
picture-perfect weather

Tom of the "Tom's Music" branch of BREP Nation picked up some award-winning collard greens that accompanied our Jersey corn to round out the health food portion of our dining experience. 

Special guests Jenny and John Bemben piled on with delicious empanadas.

Shane whipped up a scrumptious apple crisp that was devoured, and reintroduced friends Zac and Harrison to the joys of tailgating.

It was nice to see the Witkowskis return to the tailgate after their beach vacation hiatus, as well as the 2025 debut of legacy BREP Nation member Basil. 

Shane w/Luis Guzman
sighting?

Kudos, too, to whomever made the Iowa puppy chow and brought the boujee cheese and cracker platter.

Happier times in Sect. 121

All around game-winning effort.

At least in our quadrant of the Black lot.

After four straight weekends of tailgating and recent football suffering, we get a much-needed breather before hosting sixth-ranked Oregon on Saturday, October 18 at either 6:30 or 7 p.m. 

Let's do some homework ahead of then to figure out our next tailgate theme.

It's a neighbor to Washington, so we can do salmon or the like, but be sure to check out Nong's Khao Man Gai in Portland for some great Thai cuisine within earshot of Eugene, Oregon. I'm inclined to make at least one of the items. 

Assuming the weather cooperates, I anticipate a massive turnout and can't wait to bring it again.

Football notwithstanding.