Photo by Cliff Grassmick

Ralphie comes out of a cloud with the Buffs at the start of the game against West Virginia last month.

Since it's Homecoming weekend at the University of Colorado, it's time to do things right.

Get pumped up! Yeah, yeah, the Longhorns are ranked No. 5.

That doesn't mean the Buffs can't grab 'em by the 'Horns and kick 'em back to Texas.

Here are some unofficial CU traditions you should follow to get ready for the big game.

Go Buffs!

1. Pearl Street Stampede

1300 block of Pearl Street, Boulder

Start off the weekend by rallying right. At 7 tonight, join the Buff Stampede on the Pearl Street Mall. The Golden Buffalo Marching Band will bring the noise and the CU football team will bring the boys. Ladies, front and center. Oh, and they usually bring Ralphie, too.

Info: www.boulderdowntown.com

2. Get Buffed up

CU Book Store, 1669 Euclid Ave. in the UMC, Boulder

Grab the face paint, temporary tattoos, beads, buttons and hats. Since it’s Homecoming weekend, you’ll need at least 17 pieces of flair. The CU Book Store will have what you don’t. Time to turn black and gold.

Info: www.cubooks.colorado.edu

3.Tailgate

CU campus, Boulder

There’s nothing like daytime drinking on campus with thousands of fellow Buffs. Game time is 5 p.m., so pregame should be no later than 2 p.m. Bring the beer (within the tailgating premises, kids), find the parties and trash talk those Texans — sans fisticuffs, of course.

Info: www.colorado.edu

4. Head to the game

Folsom Field, Boulder

If you’ve got tickets — it’s sold out — student tradition calls for a fashionably late appearance. We’re not condoning a late start, but you can’t help it if the beer isn’t finished. Try to get there by at least the middle of the second quarter. Hey, it’s better late than never, right?

Info: www.cubuffs.com

5. The Sink

1165 13th St., Boulder

The buzz is wearing off, and it’s only the third quarter. Time to head to the Sink on the Hill for shots. You should stay and finish the game, but you’re very thirsty. At least the restaurant has six new widescreen TVs, so the close-ups of Cody Hawkins hopefully will wash away the guilt of ditching your team early.

Info: www.thesink.com