Dust off your gun belts and bust out your pirate flags: Our weekly tailgating guide returns to Texas, this time stopping in Lubbock for Texas Tech's date with Oklahoma.

The Lowdown.
The thing that makes Lubbock special is that you have to really, really want to get there. It's nowhere near a major city; most Red Raider alums of our acquaintance make the five-hour drive from Dallas every game day, which has the effect of making the crowd that much more emotionally invested in the game.

Couple that with the relatively small size of Jones Stadium (around 59,000 capacity) and you get more of a personal feel to the victory vibes. It's a lot like a high school environment, and we mean that in the best way. Everyone you'll meet is fired up like it's their own kid playing out there. This feeling will only be magnified if you can manage to score a school ID and watch the game from the best seats in the house, the Double T on the grass. And make sure to snap a picture of the decrepit Double T scoreboard, as well, a source of ironic pride for many fans.

We assure all doubters, West Texas hospitality is not a myth. Lubbock has an exaggerated reputation for being unfriendly to visitors, but as with any school worth its tailgating cred, you've just got to behave and they'll open right up. Engage politely with a local and you'll find yourself stuffed to the gills with delicious barbecue before you know it. Added bonus: Lubbock's once-stringent blue laws have been relaxed, making beer available for purchase within the city limits.

What To Wear.
Parking will be harder to come by than in recent years thanks to new stadium construction, and it's a big campus, so be prepared to do some walking. T-shirts, jeans and boots are de rigeur, although girls are dressing up more than they used to. But whatever you throw on, pack some layers. Lubbock gets cold fast when the sun goes down, and high winds frequently kick up some dust, so bring sunglasses. And if you really want to blend in, doll up in your finest brigand wear and join the merry crew of Mike Leach's Pirate Academy.

Pregame Stops.
• Chimy's, 2417 Broadway. Homestyle Mexican food and killer margaritas.
• One Guy From Italy, 1101 University Avenue. Pizza joint heavily favored by students despite the terrifying jingle on the website.
• Spanky's, 811 University Avenue. Our Red Raider brethren swear, "Nothing settles an upset stomach better than fried cheese logs."

Postgame Stops.
• Lone Star Oyster Bar, 3040 34th Street and 5116 58th Street. Absolute dive that's not to be missed; try the Hot Shrimp.
• Blue Light Live, 1806 Buddy Holly Avenue. Live music and wiggling coeds.
• Cricket's, 2412 Broadway. Right across from campus with a nice beer selection.

What To Drink.
Our Texas Tech correspondent responds, in all caps, "KEYSTONE." Any manner of light beer will do, really, but if you're of a cocktail bent try a Raider Red, a sublime concoction of Big Red and vodka. Guns up!

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Tip of the tricorn this week to Seth, Skin Patrol, and the rest of the fine folks at Double T Nation.
Holly welcomes your adulation and veiled threats at nastinchka-at-yahoo, etc.