WELCOME BACK TO PREGAMIN’ HERE’S YOUR JAM OF THE WEEK
TURN THE VOLUME UP, IT’S TIME TO EAT ON SENIOR NIGHT
Rock M-ixology
Redemption. That’s what we need. On the field and in our glasses.
Remember last week when I royally
fumbled the Maple Bourbon Smash? Well, I need to get back on the horse with the whiskey sour template and come up with a winner. Just like last week was an inauspicious omen, we need a real banger to set the tone for tomorrow night. So let’s get thematic and break out the Chartreuse. And let’s make The Stark.
1.5 oz bourbon of choice, 0.75 oz yellow chartreuse, 0.5 fresh lemon juice, 0.5 honey syrup (3:1), angostura bitters
combine bourbon, chartreuse, lemon juice and, honey syrup in shaker. shake vigorously over ice. strain into chilled rocks glass over, uh, rocks. float angostura bitters over the top.
I know some of you are going to be mad at me for picking a Chartreuse cocktail. But hey, you can get yourself a bottle of Strega or Benedictine and this will work just fine.
But it won’t work as well without that Chartreuse because damn is it doing some work here. Think about the most balanced, complex whiskey sour you’ll ever have and that’s The Stark. The bitters over the top pop on the front end while the honey and Chartreuse smooth out any overt tartness or burn from the bourbon. I liked my choice of Weller for this drink, but you could certainly opt for something higher-proof if you want more backbone to your drink. Regardless, this is one of the best drinks I’ve made for myself in a good bit. A great start to the weekend.
- Mississippi State’s official website doesn’t give a lot of information about where the cowbell originated as a symbol of university pride. But I guess it had something to do with a cow wandering onto the field in the mid 19th century? Imagine that.
- Still worried about Florida poaching Eli Drinkwitz? Their athletic director, Scott Stricklin, is a Mississippi State graduate. Maybe Mizzou throws the game that he might be paying attention to? Just to get him off the scent? No, no, of course not… unless…?
- St. Louis baseball folks, you’ll get a kick out of this. One of the greatest baseball players to ever grace our fine city, one Cool Papa Bell? He was a Starkville native and once worked at Mississippi State’s creamery when it was known as Mississippi Agricultural & Mechanical College. He couldn’t attend the school, though, can’t imagine why given his other-worldly talent. Anyone from Starkville want to elaborate on why?
Last week was pretty demoralizing, as A&M put the nail in Mizzou’s postseason hopes. What would you need to see from the last three games to think back on 2025 as a success?
Josh Matejka, Deputy Site Manager: I’d love to see the offense regain some semblance of momentum. The run game has been sturdy, with Ahmad Hardy picking things back up in the past few weeks. But I’d really like to see Zollers have at least a game or two where he displays either explosive ability or a little more ball protection. I can live with either/or this year, with the goal of him getting him in the lab this offseason and putting it together.
Nathan Hurst, Staff Writer: Find a way to win two more games out of the next four (including the bowl game.) It really doesn’t matter which games they are (though some would be nicer than others) but to call this season a success I really think they need to get to 8 wins. It doesn’t matter how ugly the games are, just find a way to get a couple Ws.
Nate Edwards, Writer/Podcaster: I feel like our prism of success has varied WILDLY over the past 10 weeks but, at this point, get to 7 wins, keep Matt Zollers alive, and go ruin Oklahoma’s Playoff dreams.
That defense though… they’ve been legit from start to finish. Who’s been your favorite defender to watch this year and why?
Josh Matejka: I’m the first to answer, so I get the privilege of saying Josiah Trotter. What a pickup that was for Eli Drinkwitz and Corey Batoon. He’s been everything and more that we hoped when he transferred as a star freshman from West Virginia. With him patrolling the middle of the field next season, the defense should have a great foundation to work from.
Nathan Hurst: Zion Young has been my favorite defender by far. He has such a crazy man attitude and the guy just balls out no matter the down or distance. He’s by far the best edge-setter on the defense in the run game and he will bull rush tackles with the best of them when rushing the passer. Seeing his progression from a pretty okay player last year to a stud and captain of the team has been fun to watch.
Nate Edwards: This is what I get for going last. Since I can’t copy the two already listed, I’ll say that Damon Wilson will be one of my all-time one-and-done defenders, Nicholas Rodriguez is my favorite young player to watch, and the lack of an impressive, young cornerback is a huge red flag for Missouri defenses of the near future.
Mississippi State is in town, which means cowbells. Is it the most annoying instrument ever invented?
Josh Matejka: I think the reputation cowbells have took a real hit in 2000 when Will Ferrel abused one on live TV. And while I’m not partial to clangy sounds, I still think high-pitched shrills are much worse. I’m waiting with great fear and trembling for the day when my children come home with recorders.
Nathan Hurst: First off, a cowbell is not in instrument. It’s a tool for farmers. Secondly, if you have to ask this question then you clearly have never been in a marching band with clarinets. If you know, you know.
Nate Edwards: Go tell your 7-year old that she’s going to learn the violin and then sit in the same house as her while she practices. Give me a cowbell over that every. Damn. Day.
PICK ‘EM! Mizzou is a 6.5-point favorite over the Bulldogs. Is Mizzou’s offense in a place to beat that spread, or do you see a nail-biter in store?
Josh Matejka: I think we see some improvement on offense, but I still can’t see the Tigers putting enough points to fully outstrip the Bulldogs. I think Mizzou’s defense will be the deciding factor and should help the Tigers stop their losing streak. But it’ll be close. I’ll say Mizzou 24-20.
Nathan Hurst: It’s going to be a nailbiter because that’s all both of these teams play. I think the Mizzou offense will find enough success on the ground to score some points, but the Bulldogs will air it out enough to score as well. Tigers win but don’t cover, 28-27.
Nate Edwards: Eli Drinkwitz beating the spread? In this economy? Please. Mizzou wins 31-28 and neither side will be happy the entire time. As per usual.
