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So, picture this: one day you’re minding your own business, blissfully unaware of the difference between a “corn”erback and a corn muffin, and the next, you’re a full-blown Indiana University football fanatic. The transformation was so dramatic and so fast, even forensic scientists can’t explain it. My NY neighbors are convinced I need “deprogramming,” but honestly…no regrets. I think I’m here because I was looking hard for some good news. And man, did Fernando Mendoza bring that! He personifies “the Good News we need RIGHT NOW”, with or without that megawatt smile.

Fernando isn’t just a football star—he’s got leadership AND humility, a sniper precision pass and a love of family, both in the stands and on the field. He calls his o line the “Hoggies.” (Could ya die?) I’m reasonably sure he was media trained before he learned to walk. Coach Curt Cignetti took a bunch of so-called misfits from the losingest team in college football history and turned them into 16-0 national champs. Last time that happened? 1894. Yale. Womp womp.

Family, Football, and the Legendary Tonette

The best part of my football obsession? The hilarious chalk talk with my brother. He’s adamant: I cannot be deprogrammed, because this is our family bonding topic for the next decade. I just texted to confirm if the Yale win year was in fact 1894 (I was 90% certain), and he said he didn’t go to any of those games. Honestly, Google is easier.

After IU’s Big 10 championship win, the team got a bye and didn’t play again for 26 days. But they prepped for the Rose Bowl like it was a military maneuver—5:30am practices, every day. My family’s Rose Bowl history runs deep: Bill Keck, Class of ‘41, was a yell leader and attended the game in 1968. Here he is in his back-in-the-day Christmas present—Rose Bowl IU gear— next to his son doing the same, 58 years later for the team’s second trip to Pasadena. Tradition, baby.

It should be noted that Dad, who brought his tonette (think: fourth grade tiny plastic flute) to every home or away game, played the IU fight song proudly, as the ultimate Hoosier fan and song leader. Getting thrown out of a Don Ho show in Hawaii for playing along to Tiny Bubbles is not part of this story, so don’t even ask.

My niece and nephew and their spouses made it to the Rose Bowl. I love the crimson glow behind them.

The Peach Bowl: Duck Soup and Meme Magic

At the next game—the Peach Bowl— Hoosier Nation turns out again in force. Oregon QB Dante Moore said in an interview, “I thought it was just that the seats were red, (sigh) but it was the Indiana fans”. I. Can’t. Stop. LAUGHING!!!! He sounded sad.

The game? IU stomped the Ducks 56-22. #DuckSoup The highlight: a pick six in the first 11 seconds. I didn’t even know what a pick six was at Christmas, but now I’m squealing as cornerback D’Angelo Ponds picked off Dante Moore’s pass and moved on down the field some 25 yards and right across the goal line. Hands on hips in a traditional Cignetti pose. The memes are on fire.

The Natty: More Tonettes, SuperMendoza & Hoosier the Bison

In the roll up to the National Championship in Miami, it was rumored that my nephew Joe wondered if I had a room full of Good Will Hunting formulas all over the wall, laying out the final game’s plays. Of course, I do! And YES! this is historically bad photoshop—ON PURPOSE lest anyone think I was serious about this—janky team logo intended. It’s not a LinkedIn profile photo, guys. Chillax.

Joe and Megan brought the boys to Miami, and America’s newest Bill Keck (born 100 years after the OG) brought the tonette.

The game was electric. Fernando Mendoza made the most outrageous run in college football history. With a fourth down timeout and AFTER the Field Goal Team was on the field, Coach called for a run-pass option. Fernando, a passer extraordinaire, did not pass – HE RAN… and then some. He said his moves were by instinct, opposite Coach’s call, and ending with a 360^o spin, and a Superman-style horizontal dive into the end zone. There is a meme of him flying with an IU crimson cape, earning him the title of SuperMendoza! Iconic. If you missed The Run, you need to see it. (with thanks to @HoosierHystrcs)

And somewhere in all this madness, I became a superfan of Hoosier the Bison, IU’s mascot who hasn’t been seen since the 60s. Yes, there’s a bison. Yes, it’s awesome.

So like that, I’m an Indiana University football fanatic!

On a final note – and by way of transition to the recipe – I had to share this meme from @brokenbracketology. Too funny and there is corn! Of course there is – it’s Indiana.

The Real MVP: Cheddar Apple Corn Muffins with Bacon Flags

Now, let’s talk food. Because honestly, the Super Bowl with the Seahawks and Pats? Yawn. But these muffins along with some Kicked Up Kick Off Chili? Excitement level? There’s a Bacon Flag on the play! Apples, cheddar, a little hot pepper kick—if bacon is not your style, feel free to skip it. Still yum.

But in my book, if you can add a bacon flag, you absolutely should.

Box mixes? Hard pass. Sugar and hydrogenated lard? No thanks. This savory cornbread is just as fast to make from scratch, and you get to feel smug about knowing your ingredients.

I chose Granny Smith apples and peeled and cored them before mincing finely. It’s important to keep the pieces small so they don’t create wet pockets in the bread. And I went with a standard sharp Cheddar, but maybe some pepper Jack if you’re feeling spicy. And don’t sleep on Hatch Chile Jack if you spot it.

Hearty Soups for Game Day

I have linked several soups below that would be good and sturdy for the beer swilling that will no doubt happen, but my go to for game day is the Kicked Up Kick Off chili. Of course, you don’t have to use Cutty Sark – can you even find it? – but don’t waste a single malt on beef and beans. Palease!!! The alcohol cooks off but it leaves behind a nice earthy aroma. I made this years ago for Cutty Sark and I continue to make it every time I make chili.  It freezes well too.

Final Thoughts: Joy, Football, and Bacon Flag Muffins

However you spend your weekend—may it be with friends, good food, and respect. Apologies to lifelong Hoosiers for my coattail riding and rookie football knowledge. It’s all about the joy, baby. And the bacon. Always the bacon

Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!!!

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Hearty Game Day Soups

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