Immersion Effect: September 22nd Edition

I took last week off due to some interesting changes in life, but I'm back. I don't think anybody actually follows this week to week, but it's new, so it'll take time. This week's games are okay, but nothing stands out as *the* game to immerse yourself in. However, with LSU already being a subject of this series two weeks ago, it made it easier to pick this weekend's immersion game.






Alabama was a team I pegged back in March as a darkhorse this fall, and Phil Steele made the same assertion. Their win over Arkansas was both dramatic and important. Saban and the Tide needed a victory like that - a game they would have lost last year, but won. They scored 41 points, something they did only once last year - against Louisiana-Monroe. You have to worry a bit about their defense, giving up 38 points and all. But, the Hogs offense, as everyone knows, has the stud running backs and a good offensive line. This week, with a more straight forward offense, I doubt Georgia scores too many on Saban's D, maybe 20. This game is much more important than the Florida State game next week, and Saban knows it. To stay with LSU in the SEC West, he needs to have his team win this game no matter what. How great would it be for these players and fans to see their team beat two SEC teams they usually would lose to? For Georgia, they need to bring the same defensive intensity they did 2 weeks ago in the loss to South Carolina. Alabama's offense is better at almost every position over the Cocks, so Georgia will be tested. I see this game staying close.

Georgia 20, Alabama 28

Drink of the Week
Crimson Tide
You'll need:
1/4 oz Southern Comfort
1/4 oz Sprite
1/4 oz Vodka
1/4 oz Coconut Rum
1/4 oz Raspberry Liqueur
1/4 oz Cranberry Juice
1/4 oz Maui Blue Hawaiian Schnapps

This one could get a little expensive, but a few things: 1.) You should have most of it anyway and 2.) Get the entire party to pitch in - it's the damn IMMERSION EFFECT people! Anyway, combine all that crap, chill over ice, and strain it into an old fashioned glass. Voila!

Recipe of the Week
Southern Grilled Barbecued Ribs
You'll need:
4 pounds baby back pork ribs
2/3 cup water
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup ketchup
1 cup water
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup prepared mustard
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place ribs in two 10x15 inch roasting pans. Pour water and red wine vinegar into a bowl, and stir. Pour diluted vinegar over ribs and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Baste the ribs with their juices halfway through cooking.

In a medium saucepan, mix together ketchup, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, butter, brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer barbeque sauce for 1 hour.

Preheat grill for medium heat.

Lightly oil preheated grill. Transfer ribs from the oven to the grill, discarding cooking liquid. Grill over medium heat for 15 minutes, turning ribs once. Baste ribs generously with barbeque sauce, and grill 8 minutes. Turn ribs, baste again with barbeque sauce, and grill 8 minutes.

Also, if you don't like your sauce TOO tangy or "vinegary," add a glop of honey and another spoonful of brown sugar to the sauce part of the recipe.

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The ribs are going to be amazing, and I hope you can get all the necessary alcohol for the cocktail. If not, google "Crimson Coma" and you'll find a really simple, red cocktail.