Cruising to victory, Penn State answers some questions but lets other resurface.

I was in Happy Valley for the Penn State / Temple game today. Today's to-do's included:

Early tailgate - done. Well done.
Cheap ticket - yes ma'am.
Post game tailgate - see below.
Sunburned neck - don't see below.
Afternoon SBS shopping spree - check.
Table at the Cafe - credit card roulette!

What a fantastic day. Before I deliver the unnecessary review of the game, let me just say that there is something great about doing these smaller, less important games. The tailgating lots were fun but not overly frat-tastic. Families return for ridiculous tail gates. The Cafe doesn't charge a cover. Yes, folks - the Temple game was worth it. And here's why.

It was great to see the team live. As much fun as non-HD Big Ten Network coverage in a loud bar in the East Village may be, there's nothing better than sitting up high and taking in the team's progressions in person. Coming in to this game relatively untested, I was concerned with the offense's inability to punch it through on the goal line (if you can't get it in against Syracuse you're going to fail against Michigan, Iowa, and OSU). Don't forget that pre-season Heisman dark horse running back Evan "I punch holes through your throat then take your girl home" Royster hasn't been able to find a hole bigger than an amuse-bouche. But alas, apparently the boys in blue are screwing their heads on tighter and are beginning to light some fires for next week's showdown. Royster ran for 100+ and a TD and the defense held the Owls to two field goals (but got burned on a terribly executed Cover-3 spread to start the second half). On the other hand, stud LB and future Wolverine slayer Sean Lee limped off the field and didn't return, while captain and quarterback Daryl Clark took too many hard hits coming from a team like Temple. Shape up boys! There's apparently a game next week that means something.

It's no secret that I have an easy time writing small novels about my Penn State weekends, but I must not leave out my newest tailgate staple. Chicken Chow Chow, anyone?

• Grilled or boiled chicken breasts (no need to season beyond salt & pepper)
• Two packages of Stoufer's stuffing
• One can of Cream of Anything (mushroom, chicken, etc.) soup

1. Cook the chicken. Once done, slice, tear, pull, whatever. Make it edible without a knife.
2. In a tailgate grill ready container, mix the stuffing, soup, and chicken. Cover with tinfoil and throw on the grill ready to serve.

This was a staple at the family tailgate I attended and I must say - holy crap. Easy, comforting, and hearty. Hey younger brother, come out of blog hibernation and try to improve this one for me. Six points for incorporating instant mashed potatoes.