Fall is in the air with a cool breeze and a sea of red filling downtown Lincoln as fans countdown to kickoff of the first Husker football game of the season.

Thousands of Big Red fans were preparing for the game in classic tailgate fashion - with music, games, and lots of food.

"Great bratwurst, all kinds of flavors, and cheeseburgers," listed Mike Macholan as he flipped some sausages.

Macholan says he started setting up his tailgate at noon because it takes a lot of preparation to cook for up to 80 people.

"This is our Husker family, we do it every weekend. There's no better place," Macholan said.

Penny German says her family's been tailgating at every home game for 18 seasons. And while she's excited for this game, she can't help but look forward to next year too.

I'll miss the Big 12, but I look forward to what we're gonna do in the Big 10," German said.