Food & Football: Hurricanes’ guide to tailgating Bethune-Cookman

Canes Fans! At 12:30PM ET the Miami Hurricanes football season officially Kickoff. However, 4-5 hours prior, in the Heart Rock Stadium parking lot, Tailgate Season for the Cane die hearts and the new additions to the Canes Family begins. In week 1, the Canes will welcome Bethune-Cookman (B-CU) for their annual Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) matchup. Before we crack that breakfast beer and talk "Game Meal" let’s get to know a little about B-CU.

B-CU is a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) that began as a co-ed high school in 1904, when Daytona Education and Industrial Training School (founded by Mary Bethune) merged with the Cookman Institute. The now university, as of 2007, is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Their nickname is the Wildcats and their mascot goes by "Wil D Cat."

Good Food:

Since we cannot use the mascot for "Game Meal" inspiration, like we try to do, we will have to focus on the location. When you think of B-CU, two things come to mind: attending the Florida Classic and Black College Reunion Weekend. While you’re in Daytona Beach, like most beach towns, you'll find a lot of seafood restaurants and because of this, having seafood at your tailgate will best represents B-CU. Top choices should be grilled Bass (State Fish), shrimp skewers, or grilled lobster tail. My top pick would be to mix the shrimp and lobster into seafood boil with corn and potatoes.

Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Thunder USA

Good Drinks:

Outside of your normal beer and fireball shots, incorporate some oranges or orange juice into your section. The addition of oranges ties into Florida state fruit as well as the early morning start. The possibilities are endless such as screwdrivers, tequila sunrise, or mimosas, but for this game try the "Florida Mule", recipe below.

Be safe Canes Family and drink responsible!

Florida Mule:

1 Part Vodka

1 Part Orange Juice

1 Part Ginger Beer