This has haunted me for some time now.
We've always tried to prepare an entree that involves devouring the flesh of that week's opponent. For example, this week we plan to do "Baby Razorback Ribs".
Is this correct, or am I inadvertantly showing homage to said opponent?
And, what do you do if the current week's foe is not edible, like a Vol or a Commodore (although I suppose something involving a commode would be appropriate)?
Would preparing some sort of a gator dish be considered a faux-pas, or is this acceptable as long as it's eaten with an attitude of respect?
What about "Tebown" steaks?
Help! I'm confused and about ready to go with carrot sticks and celery!
Ooooh, the joys of planning a tailgate menu. It's one of my favorite things to do (menu-planning...not tailgating. Because it's just still to GD hot for me here in FL.) And I will tell you, it's absolutely acceptable to prepare a Gator themed dish respectfully. Other options I like to consider are orange-and-blue options (like an orange-and-blue burger, topped with, perhaps hot sauce and blue cheese?)
Your Razorback ribs sound delish (and I'm a little jealous I didn't think of that myself!) But if the opponent doesn't have a clear-cut culinary reference, I turn to cuisine that is traditional to the city the opponent is from (ie, for Tennessee, we did blonde brownies called Layla's, after Kiffin's wife, and topped them with a Tennessee Whiskey glaze, etc.) For Tennessee, we also did Kiffin's A Jerk Chicken Kabobs; you can always use your dish's name as an opportunity to give the opponent an extra dig. :)
We're lucky in the South to have so many different culinary options! Cajun fare for LSU, Carolina BBQ, dry-rub ribs for Vanderbilt, GA Peach Cobbler, Mississipi Mud Pie.... the possibilities really are endless! As long as you're creative with your dishes and are having fun with it- because tailgating is all about fun!
But when in doubt (as I sometimes am) I turn to my Tailgating Bible- The Tailgating Cookbook, found here at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Tailgating-Cookbook-Recipes-Big-Game/dp/0811846059
They even have a Tailgate Thanksgiving (and since we're playing the Seminole Indians that weekend, I think celebrating Thanksgiving at the tailgate is beyond symbolic!)
Hope that helps! Go Gators!