Due to a misreading of the wedding invitation and some babysitter issues, I was able to watch most of the game and listen to the rest on the radio. 

When the most defensively dominate 10-0 lead turned into a 13-10 halftime lead, my thoughts turned negative.  We think we have been classically conditioned to expect every negative outcome to come to fruition.   My thoughts immediately concocted a fantasy that Mertz would turn into a Heisman contender for a half.

We suffer from confirmation bias on the cursed nature of the program.  Bad weather, lucky bounce, bad spot, bad ref call, bad snap, fluke throw are all signs that the program is incontrovertibly cursed.  We ignore or dismiss things such as:

Dileo power slide on a FG to tie (and later win)

Gallon’s cloaking device

Pass complete from holder to snapper in the Sugar Bowl

Beating MSU without a TD and getting 20+ yards with 18 seconds left

Fake punt and goal line stand vs Army

Goal line stand vs Minnesota

                        All skill here... 

Why do we ignore the luck we have gotten in the last 15 years?  We ignore games where we had a significant advantage in talent and skill and with the luck that game in these weren’t against rivals or “big games.”   OSU has gotten the spot and a backup QB throwing dimes on us, MSU has gotten a couple weather games, Russell Wilson quantum leaping into Rocky Lombardi for a game, and the luckiest play in college football history.  Harbaugh feels especially unlucky with only 4 inconsequential lucky wins, and some of the most memorable bullshit in important games.

I don’t know when the Dong Punch is coming but it is.  Sure, If we get some luck 11-1 is now on the table.  But 9-3 and a BCS bowl is much more likely, which I would have gladly taken at the beginning of the season.  This is me during the end of Wisconsin game, thinking about future night games at Nebraska and possibly MSU and PSU.

However, the important thing is that it great to care again.  It’s fun to watch again.   I can’t wait for Nebraska.  That felt insane 5 short weeks ago and it feels good. 

 

Nebraska Sunrise

As much as I wanted to make a corn cocktail, the one I found involved making corn milk and corn simple syrup.  Those ingredients are really outside the purview of these posts.

So Big Red needs a small drink.  So let’s get weird.  I know what you think of when you think of Nebraska: tequila and mezcal.

  Don't tell Mezcal wasn't Involved

The ingredient to build around is Nebraska’s Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing and Condiment.  This tomato based dressing and marinade was first made in rural Nebraska at a Legion Club.  They realized containers of the dressing were disappearing from the tables and decided bottle and sell the condiment themselves.

Selling the recipe and operation to a local business it still is produced in a small Nebraska town today.  It has its cult like following much like a Nebraska version of Vernors or Better Maid.  Nebraska and Lions fullback Cory Schlesinger would pack bottles in his luggage to bring back to Michigan.

Ingredients

1 oz Campari

.5  oz Tequila Blanco

.5 oz Mezcal

3 cherry tomatoes (plus 2 for garnish)

1.5 pineapple juice

1 oz Dorothy Lynch Homestyle condiment (after making it, could substitute Catalina dressing)

7 Drops Worcestershire sauce

Salt and Pepper

In a shaker,  place the tomatoes pineapple juice and dressing and muddle until the tomatoes are broken up.  Then add all the other ingredients and add ice.  Shake for 30 seconds until cold.  Double strain into a old fashioned glass over fresh ice.  I’m using a ice ball mold here.  Garnish with the tomatoes and some more pepper.

M Go Salut!