Tailgate Pitch: Thurmanator Burgers prior to RU Upset Win over Ohio State

Let's keep the ball rolling this Saturday against No. 1 Ohio State after our improbable 55-52 win over Indiana on Saturday after being down by 25 points and playing matador defense for three quarters.

Our 3-3 Scarlet Knights host the top-ranked team in the nation -- a squad that crushed us last season in Columbus, OH, home to the Thurman Cafe and the "Thurmanator," probably the best burger joint I (and the kids) have ever visited.

The "Thurmanator"

I fully expect to devour a Thurmanator, as well as the Buckeyes' football team in an upset.

With that in mind, I'm proposing that a scaled down version of the "Thurmanator" serve as our core cuisine this Saturday.

Buckeye Candy:
Chocolate and peanut butter

Kickoff is 8 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally on ABC, so similar to the Michigan State start-time and tailgate, I'm proposing we again meet at our usual carpooling spot by 3:45 p.m.

Here's what's on the Thurmanator, BTW -- bun, mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle, banana peppers, 12-oz. burger, cheddar, bacon, sauteed mushrooms & onions, ham, mozzarella and American cheese.

Oh, and it comes w/fries or onion rings and a pickle spear, so if anyone wants to go crazy and experiment with beer battered onion rings or something, now's your chance!

I volunteer to pick up all burger ingredients, but we need volunteers for the rest -- side dishes, beer, soda and water, snacks, etc. -- and DEFINITELY we'll need a second grill and chef.  Chris will not be with us, so someone (or 2) please bring an extra folding table just in case.

For the vegan-minded part of our group, let me know if you have or I can pick up portabello mushroom burgers or something.

Please respond by THURSDAY night in the comment field below as to what you're contributing, AND IF YOU ARE BRINGING OTHER PEOPLE.  I, for instance, expect a co-worker and his friend to join us for the tailgate.   

Pete has already offered to make Buckeye candy and I'm figuring will have his usual Miller Lites.

Let the discussion begin!

Official BRES Game Day sunglasses now available for a limited time!

BRES has endorsed the sunglasses below as his official RU tailgate sunglasses, and for a limited time you too can now have the same look with your very own own pair!

Combining the black, red, and silver colors of his favorite team's jersey, a dynamic streak reminiscent of the Elvis Presley 'TCB' lightning bolt on the sides, and a sensible style reflecting his practicality, BRES has found a pair of sunglasses representing his own identity that he will be wearing starting with the RU-Ohio State game, on the road to Michigan, and moving forward for the rest of the year!

In line with his simple every man's attitude and the big heart we all know he possesses, Shane has graciously offered to personally sign identical pairs of sunglasses (and provide an accompanying letter of authenticity if requested) that will be made available for auction with the proceeds to go to charity. Supplies are limited, so be sure to move quickly on placing your bid before they are all gone!

Become a bigger part of  the game day BREPnation.com tailgate experience starting today!

October 10th, 2015
Pre-Game Update; Shane Holobowski

           So, tonight's Blackout.
       
      Starting off our tailgate at around 4, we decided to go the Chris Skurat way and celebrate Oktoberfest with a bang. This morning the Holobowski's made potato pancakes, and we're heading out soon.

          Forecasts of intense cornhole coming our way, clear skies, and delicious bratwursts are all ahead to our October 10th tailgate.


                        Stay tuned,
                                 BRES

Time to Break Out the Lederhosen

After a much-needed bye week, BREP Nation will return in full force for this Saturday's 8 p.m. tilt with nationally ranked Michigan State.

"Prost!" says the Festmeister, sans
handlebar mustache

It's a "Black Out," which means I need to fish around for black RU apparel this week.

I'm proposing we meet at 4:30 p.m. for the traditional carpool from Wal-Mart, but if that's too early please speak.  The forecast looks decent but definitely autumn, pegged at partly cloudy and 50s.

Processed German meats, carbs and
freaking cold weather are just a
short drive from East Lansing

Kuchenchef Skurat, Monmouth County's authority on proper Oktoberfest celebrations, is eager to produce yet another award-winning 'fest for "the Nation" and will spearhead the campaign this week, requesting everyone pitch in with a contribution(s) for the event; stay tuned here this week for correspondence.

In separate discussions over bagels and another Jets victory on Sunday morning, I already offered to make potato pancakes and will provide the accompanying applesauce and sour cream.

MSG and former UFO axman
showing his Rutgers support

In the spirit of all-things German, B-REP will provide an iPod playlist featuring the Scorpions, Michael Schenker Group (MSG), Falco (Austrian synth pop '80s sounds are acceptable) and Accept and leverage Tom's wide-ranging musical knowledge and probable ownership of lesser-known (in the U.S.) but influential music from Kraftwerk and Tokio Hotel.

For background, as I understand it, the Oktoberfest theme fits exceedingly well with Michigan State, which is based about an hour from Michigan's "Little Bavaria" in Frankenmuth.

I encourage you to at least hit Wikipedia before Saturday's big BREP Nation Oktoberfest, as a quiz will be given by the Festmeister.

Tailgate Recap: Rutgers-Kansas

Although missing several key members of our group (including our spiritual lifeblood BRES)

Big Red Elvis Andrea? 

another successful tailgate with great weather was had, followed up by a much need Rutgers victory, making for a fun filled day. Parking in an unusual location turned out to be a great place for the morning setup. Opinions still vary in the heated Black Lot versus Purple Lot debate.  It was good to see another member of the group enjoying the sun wearing their Elvis "TCB" sunglasses.

Scott and BREB cooking with Eric waiting for some grub

The early morning start with a breakfast tailgate menu was expertly prepared with Scott and Big Red Elvis Basil (BREB) handling the cooking duties, and deserving a big hand for their efforts. The amount of eggs, bacon, and pork roll cooked and eaten was more than enough to clog a few arteries.

Intense double dose of Corn Hole

The corn hole competition was spirited with several hard fought contests (including one decided by a controversial foot fault by Cheesy Damien), with two games going on simultaneously most of the morning. The regular C-hole veterans plus the addition of newcomers Conner and Tim (and a few shady looking dudes from the adjacent tailgate) made for many interesting match ups. The post game period was a mellow time, except for the adjacent Big Fun dance off, making the earth rumble under our feet, capped off by some wings and pizza at Gabrielle's.

We have a bye week next week, with the blackout game to follow the week after with Michigan State (currently ranked No. 2 nationally)  for an 8 PM BTN start. Hope to see you all there!

Group shot for Game 3 Tailgate (We really need a Rutgers tent!) 

RU- Kansas early tailgate set

Looks like we have our tailgate set for this week's RU-Kansas match up with the weather outlook excellent. The menu assignments are set with four dozen eggs, 3 dozen rolls, 2 packages of bacon, pork roll, home fries, donuts, corn muffins, etc. that should have it covered. I think everyone now has their primary ticket needs met, and we should have a group around 20 people. There may still be a ticket or two floating around, so if anyone needs another let me know ASAP.  

As my sidekick and lifeblood of our tailgate crew BRES will not be present, there will be an intern opening available this week for anyone looking for a possible future career as a tailgate concierge. Please contact the human resources department at BREPnation.com to obtain an application and be fitted for your RU tie.    

See you all at 8:45 AM at the usual spot. 

BREP

Awful at Cornhole, but GREAT on the Pitch

Only slightly intense

It's a consensus that Zach is one of B-REP Nation's weakest competitors with the heavy beanbags and scoring 3-pointers in our tailgate games of cornhole, but he's evidently scoring in abundance for West Paterson's high school team.

This kid's carrying the Hornets on his back to a 4-0 start and No. 16 ranking the The Record's Top 20.

We have not seen that kind of prowess since Basil's well-publicized run through the 7-year-old travel soccer season, B-REP's 5-for-5 with 6 beers downed in the Somerville B League adult softball, and Eric's Guinness Book record for most consecutive rollercoaster rides without throwing up after eating a tray of his jelly meatballs.

All I want to see now for a well-rounded lifestyle from Zach are some straight A's and showing up for Grilling 101 to erase that "incomplete."

Well done, Zach!