Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The Big East and the ACC are more often than not the Orange Bowl matchup, and since in most years each is a one BCS bid league, they actually virtually never get to perform at halftime of one of the big games. This year, the Pride of West Virginia and the Band that Shakes the Southland will be the latest to miss out--the Orange Bowl, by tradition, brings in a national act to perform at halftime, relegating the marching bands to pregame.
West Virginia:
Clemson:
Saturday, December 31, 2011
B4: 2012 Allstate Sugar Bowl - Michigan vs. Virginia Tech
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The Sugar Bowl is the football matchup that leaves most scratching their heads, believing there were more deserving schools for BCS inclusion this year. On the marching front, it matches the Michigan Marching Band, a Big Ten powerhouse who brought home the first Sudler Trophy, with the Marching Virginians, who, at least currently, represent the only BCS auto-qualifying conference without one.
Michigan:
Virginia Tech:
The Sugar Bowl is the football matchup that leaves most scratching their heads, believing there were more deserving schools for BCS inclusion this year. On the marching front, it matches the Michigan Marching Band, a Big Ten powerhouse who brought home the first Sudler Trophy, with the Marching Virginians, who, at least currently, represent the only BCS auto-qualifying conference without one.
Michigan:
Virginia Tech:
B4: 2012 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - Stanford vs. Oklahoma State
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Two teams and bands that had legitimate national title hopes find themselves meeting in Tempe for all the Tostitos. The Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band is perhaps the highest profile scramble band in the country, while the Cowboy Marching Band sides with tradition, being home to the Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
Stanford:
Oklahoma State:
Two teams and bands that had legitimate national title hopes find themselves meeting in Tempe for all the Tostitos. The Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band is perhaps the highest profile scramble band in the country, while the Cowboy Marching Band sides with tradition, being home to the Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.
Stanford:
Oklahoma State:
B4: 2012 Rose Bowl presented by Vizio - Wisconsin vs. Oregon
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
While I've known for some time that the Oregon Marching Band is the only college marching band entirely clad in Nike apparel, I've never asked what Phil Knight cooked up for their marching shoe. I sure hope they're comfortable, and if so, the Badger Band may do well to lace up some of the same under their spats--if not, it'll be a long trek down Colorado Blvd. for the Rose Parade with their high-impact marching style.
Wisconsin:
Oregon:
While I've known for some time that the Oregon Marching Band is the only college marching band entirely clad in Nike apparel, I've never asked what Phil Knight cooked up for their marching shoe. I sure hope they're comfortable, and if so, the Badger Band may do well to lace up some of the same under their spats--if not, it'll be a long trek down Colorado Blvd. for the Rose Parade with their high-impact marching style.
Wisconsin:
Oregon:
Friday, December 30, 2011
B4: 2012 GoDaddy.com Bowl - Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
I'll be honest. My least favorite part of bowl season is bowls with no history, tradition, or cachet on or after New Year's Day, and the GoDaddy.com Bowl has often seemed to be the least worthy of the lot. This year, at least, the game in Mobile matches two ten-win conference champions, and with them, the ASU Marching Band and the Huskie Marching band in this dogfight.
Arkansas State:
Northern Illinois:
I'll be honest. My least favorite part of bowl season is bowls with no history, tradition, or cachet on or after New Year's Day, and the GoDaddy.com Bowl has often seemed to be the least worthy of the lot. This year, at least, the game in Mobile matches two ten-win conference champions, and with them, the ASU Marching Band and the Huskie Marching band in this dogfight.
Arkansas State:
Northern Illinois:
B4: 2012 BBVA Compass Bowl - SMU vs. Pittsburgh
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Depending on whose lawyers are bigger and stronger in Big East realignment, this may actually be a conference matchup in 2013. SMU's Mustang Band is certainly on its way in in 2013; When Pitt and its Varsity Marching Band get to exit is anyone's guess.
SMU:
Pittsburgh:
B4: 2012 AT&T Cotton Bowl - Kansas State vs. Arkansas
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The Pride of Wildcatland has shared the Big XII with Texas foes for as long as the conference has been in existence. The Razorback Band returns to familiar turf in Jerryworld, where they met Texas A&M and the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band earlier this year in an annual rivalry game that will soon be an SEC West matchup.
Kansas State:
Arkansas:
The Pride of Wildcatland has shared the Big XII with Texas foes for as long as the conference has been in existence. The Razorback Band returns to familiar turf in Jerryworld, where they met Texas A&M and the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band earlier this year in an annual rivalry game that will soon be an SEC West matchup.
Kansas State:
Arkansas:
B4: 2012 Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl - Ohio State vs. Florida
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
On the football side of this game, the big storyline is that it matches Urban Meyer's former team, the Florida Gators, against his future team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. On the marching side of things, the two bands have a man in common as well, and surprisingly enough, it's the late boss of the New York Yankees, George Steinbrenner. Through charitable gifts, the Gator Marching Band calls the Steinbrenner Band Building home, while The Best Damn Band in the Land hangs their horns in the Joan Zeig Steinbrenner Band Center, named for his wife. The only thing that may have added significance here would have been if it were played in the Outback Bowl, which is played adjacent to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
Ohio State:
Florida:
On the football side of this game, the big storyline is that it matches Urban Meyer's former team, the Florida Gators, against his future team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. On the marching side of things, the two bands have a man in common as well, and surprisingly enough, it's the late boss of the New York Yankees, George Steinbrenner. Through charitable gifts, the Gator Marching Band calls the Steinbrenner Band Building home, while The Best Damn Band in the Land hangs their horns in the Joan Zeig Steinbrenner Band Center, named for his wife. The only thing that may have added significance here would have been if it were played in the Outback Bowl, which is played adjacent to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
Ohio State:
Florida:
B4: 2012 Capital One Bowl - Nebraska vs. South Carolina
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Both the Cornhusker Marching Band and and the Carolina Band are among the newest in their respective conferences. Nebraska is wrapping up its very first season as a member of the Big Ten, and while South Carolina is nearly 20 years deep in the SEC, they remain, with Arkansas, one of the newest until Texas A&M and Missouri join in 2012.
Nebraska:
South Carolina:
Both the Cornhusker Marching Band and and the Carolina Band are among the newest in their respective conferences. Nebraska is wrapping up its very first season as a member of the Big Ten, and while South Carolina is nearly 20 years deep in the SEC, they remain, with Arkansas, one of the newest until Texas A&M and Missouri join in 2012.
Nebraska:
South Carolina:
B4: 2012 Outback Bowl - Michigan State vs. Georgia
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
This year's Outback Bowl matches two conference runners-up and two Sudler trophy recipients in the Spartan Marching Band and the Redcoat Marching Band. Having lived in Tampa for two years, the Outback Bowl is a personal favorite of mine, routinely providing a quality band matchup and a full schedule, which includes a parade through Ybor City, a battle of the bands at Busch Gardens, and of course the game itself, in addition to whatever fan events the bands themselves set up.
Michigan State:
Georgia:
This year's Outback Bowl matches two conference runners-up and two Sudler trophy recipients in the Spartan Marching Band and the Redcoat Marching Band. Having lived in Tampa for two years, the Outback Bowl is a personal favorite of mine, routinely providing a quality band matchup and a full schedule, which includes a parade through Ybor City, a battle of the bands at Busch Gardens, and of course the game itself, in addition to whatever fan events the bands themselves set up.
Michigan State:
Georgia:
B4: 2012 TicketCity Bowl - Houston vs. Penn State
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The Cougar Marching Band had reason to believe they were BCS bound until the Conference USA championship game. Still, they can look forward to a championship-caliber opponent across the field in Penn State's Sudler Trophy-winning Blue Band.
Houston:
Penn State:
The Cougar Marching Band had reason to believe they were BCS bound until the Conference USA championship game. Still, they can look forward to a championship-caliber opponent across the field in Penn State's Sudler Trophy-winning Blue Band.
Houston:
Penn State:
B4: 2011 Chick Fil-A Bowl: Virginia vs. Auburn
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The Auburn University Marching Band has a bit of a change of venue from having appeared in last year's national championship game, but even in that season, they passed through the Georgia Dome, escorting an SEC championship home. Despite the University of Virginia being old money enough to have been founded by our nation's third president, the Cavalier Marching Band is a Johnny-come-lately on the scene, founded in 2004 as a football game replacement to the still-in-existence Virginia Pep Band, a scramble band that could easily have found its homei n the Ivy Leagues. With the Chick Fil-A bowl being the final game on New Year's Eve, it is fitting that they bring in UVA and the Good Old Song--after all, it shares its tune with Auld Lang Syne.
Virginia:
Auburn:
The Auburn University Marching Band has a bit of a change of venue from having appeared in last year's national championship game, but even in that season, they passed through the Georgia Dome, escorting an SEC championship home. Despite the University of Virginia being old money enough to have been founded by our nation's third president, the Cavalier Marching Band is a Johnny-come-lately on the scene, founded in 2004 as a football game replacement to the still-in-existence Virginia Pep Band, a scramble band that could easily have found its homei n the Ivy Leagues. With the Chick Fil-A bowl being the final game on New Year's Eve, it is fitting that they bring in UVA and the Good Old Song--after all, it shares its tune with Auld Lang Syne.
Virginia:
Auburn:
B4: 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl - Illinois vs. UCLA
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The Marching Illini and the Bruin Marching Band meet in one of this postseason's dual Sudler matchups. Both schools found themselves so close yet so far from where they wanted to be. After all, if you play in the Pac-12 or Big Ten, you dream of facing the other in a bowl game in California. But instead of New Year's Day in UCLA's home stadium, the 6-7 Bruins will meet the 6-6 Illini a bit farther north in San Francisco.
Illinois:
UCLA:
The Marching Illini and the Bruin Marching Band meet in one of this postseason's dual Sudler matchups. Both schools found themselves so close yet so far from where they wanted to be. After all, if you play in the Pac-12 or Big Ten, you dream of facing the other in a bowl game in California. But instead of New Year's Day in UCLA's home stadium, the 6-7 Bruins will meet the 6-6 Illini a bit farther north in San Francisco.
Illinois:
UCLA:
B4: 2011 AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Vanderbilt's Spirit of Gold doesn't go bowling too often, and for the second bowl game in a row--the last one being the Music City Bowl in 2008--they get to stay in state. As for the Bearcat Band, a season that began at home vs. Austin Peay and then on the road in Knoxville returns to Tennessee, playing Nashville's own Vanderbilt in Memphis.
Cincinnati:
Vanderbilt:
Vanderbilt's Spirit of Gold doesn't go bowling too often, and for the second bowl game in a row--the last one being the Music City Bowl in 2008--they get to stay in state. As for the Bearcat Band, a season that began at home vs. Austin Peay and then on the road in Knoxville returns to Tennessee, playing Nashville's own Vanderbilt in Memphis.
Cincinnati:
Vanderbilt:
Friday, December 23, 2011
B4: 2011 Hyundai Sun Bowl - Georgia Tech vs. Utah
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
I'm not sure anyone could have foreseen the matching of a pair of schools whose fight songs brag about their jolliness, but here you have it. The Marching Yellow Jackets drink their whiskey clear, like all the jolly good fellows, while the Pride of Utah, reportedly the jolliest gang you have ever seen, boasts about their coeds.
Georgia Tech:
Utah:
I'm not sure anyone could have foreseen the matching of a pair of schools whose fight songs brag about their jolliness, but here you have it. The Marching Yellow Jackets drink their whiskey clear, like all the jolly good fellows, while the Pride of Utah, reportedly the jolliest gang you have ever seen, boasts about their coeds.
Georgia Tech:
Utah:
B4: 2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas - Texas A&M vs. Northwestern
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
I very openly called this my early-on favorite for band matchups, and it got me a bit of press from the Wildcat Marching Band. I stand by it, as Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas--important distinction--brings us the second dual Sudler game as Northwestern meets the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band of Texas A&M.
Texas A&M:
Northwestern:
I very openly called this my early-on favorite for band matchups, and it got me a bit of press from the Wildcat Marching Band. I stand by it, as Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas--important distinction--brings us the second dual Sudler game as Northwestern meets the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band of Texas A&M.
Texas A&M:
Northwestern:
B4: 2011 Insight Bowl - Iowa vs. Oklahoma
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The Hawkeye Marching Band squares off against the Pride of Oklahoma in the first of five bowl games this year that matches two Sudler Trophy recipients. It should be a good time in Tempe, though sadly, the Fiesta Bowl, not the Insight Bowl gets the parade and the band national championships.
Iowa:
Oklahoma:
The Hawkeye Marching Band squares off against the Pride of Oklahoma in the first of five bowl games this year that matches two Sudler Trophy recipients. It should be a good time in Tempe, though sadly, the Fiesta Bowl, not the Insight Bowl gets the parade and the band national championships.
Iowa:
Oklahoma:
B4: 2011 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl - Mississippi State vs. Wake Forest
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
I don't know if the Famous Maroon Marching Band will be packing it, but the fanbase certainly will--Music City USA is about to get more cowbell. They'll meet up with the Spirit of the Old Gold and Black, who I saw live this year at their home in Winston-Salem.
Mississippi State:
Wake Forest:
I don't know if the Famous Maroon Marching Band will be packing it, but the fanbase certainly will--Music City USA is about to get more cowbell. They'll meet up with the Spirit of the Old Gold and Black, who I saw live this year at their home in Winston-Salem.
Mississippi State:
Wake Forest:
B4: 2011 New Era Pinstripe Bowl - Rutgers vs. Iowa State
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Iowa State's Cyclone Marching Band got to see their team play the role of giant killer as they dashed the championship hopes of Oklahoma State. As for the Marching Scarlet Knights, this virtual home game isn't their first rumble in the Bronx, as they played Army in Yankee Stadium earlier this season.
Rutgers:
Iowa State:
Iowa State's Cyclone Marching Band got to see their team play the role of giant killer as they dashed the championship hopes of Oklahoma State. As for the Marching Scarlet Knights, this virtual home game isn't their first rumble in the Bronx, as they played Army in Yankee Stadium earlier this season.
Rutgers:
Iowa State:
B4: 2011 Bell Helicopters Armed Forces Bowl - BYU vs. Tulsa
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
This year's game and matchup between the Cougar Marching Band and the Sound of the Golden Huricane takes place in Dallas while the stadium in Fort Worth is under construction. While the individual players and bands may or may not have visited before, BYU is a former WAC conferencemate of host SMU, while Tulsa and SMU shared both the WAC and now Conference USA.
BYU:
Tulsa:
This year's game and matchup between the Cougar Marching Band and the Sound of the Golden Huricane takes place in Dallas while the stadium in Fort Worth is under construction. While the individual players and bands may or may not have visited before, BYU is a former WAC conferencemate of host SMU, while Tulsa and SMU shared both the WAC and now Conference USA.
BYU:
Tulsa:
B4: 2011 Valero Alamo Bowl - Washington vs. Baylor
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
As Washington's Husky Marching Band meets Baylor's Golden Wave Marching Band, the latter will have plenty to play for. After all, this will be their first game action since their quarterback Robert Griffin III brought the Heisman Trophy back to Waco. Hopefully the Huskies show up big, because the short trip to San Antonio coupled with the excitement will likely bring plenty of Bears to this bowl game.
Washington:
Baylor:
As Washington's Husky Marching Band meets Baylor's Golden Wave Marching Band, the latter will have plenty to play for. After all, this will be their first game action since their quarterback Robert Griffin III brought the Heisman Trophy back to Waco. Hopefully the Huskies show up big, because the short trip to San Antonio coupled with the excitement will likely bring plenty of Bears to this bowl game.
Washington:
Baylor:
B4: 2011 Champs Sports Bowl - Florida State vs. Notre Dame
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
At the beginning of the season, both schools and bands surely had their sights set a little higher than Orlando for the Champ Sports Bowl, but this matchup has an old school feel to it. The Band of the Fighting Irish is in a Sudler Trophy-winning season, but the Marching Chiefs are themselves nothing to sneeze at in this tradition-heavy game.
Florida State:
Notre Dame:
At the beginning of the season, both schools and bands surely had their sights set a little higher than Orlando for the Champ Sports Bowl, but this matchup has an old school feel to it. The Band of the Fighting Irish is in a Sudler Trophy-winning season, but the Marching Chiefs are themselves nothing to sneeze at in this tradition-heavy game.
Florida State:
Notre Dame:
B4: 2011 Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl - California vs. Texas
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The flagships of two of the largest states in the Union will meet in the second of San Diego's bowl games this season as the Cal Band takes on the Showband of the Southwest. No telling of the embattled Longhorn Network gets any action on this one.
California:
Texas:
The flagships of two of the largest states in the Union will meet in the second of San Diego's bowl games this season as the Cal Band takes on the Showband of the Southwest. No telling of the embattled Longhorn Network gets any action on this one.
California:
Texas:
B4: 2011 Military Bowl presented by Northrup Grumman - Toledo vs. Air Force
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
As the Rocket Marching Band takes on the Flight of Sound, the Air Force Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps, I've got to get the "high flying" pun out of the way up front. With that behind me, I'll admit that it took a bit of research on my part to determine which of the Air Force's ensembles was affiliated with the Academy's football. On a personal note, with this game taking place in DC, I have to wonder if my former pep band director, himself an airman, trumpeter, and former member of the Airmen of Note, will make the trip down from the Baltimore area to attend.
Toledo:
Air Force:
As the Rocket Marching Band takes on the Flight of Sound, the Air Force Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps, I've got to get the "high flying" pun out of the way up front. With that behind me, I'll admit that it took a bit of research on my part to determine which of the Air Force's ensembles was affiliated with the Academy's football. On a personal note, with this game taking place in DC, I have to wonder if my former pep band director, himself an airman, trumpeter, and former member of the Airmen of Note, will make the trip down from the Baltimore area to attend.
Toledo:
Air Force:
Friday, December 16, 2011
B4: 2011 Belk Bowl - Louisville vs. NC State
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Bank of America Stadium will be a sea of red as the Louisville Cardinal Marching Band meets NC State's Power Sound of the South. The former is a conferencemate of mine, while I've seen the latter at this very bowl, in 2005 when it was still known as the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Louisville:
NC State:
Bank of America Stadium will be a sea of red as the Louisville Cardinal Marching Band meets NC State's Power Sound of the South. The former is a conferencemate of mine, while I've seen the latter at this very bowl, in 2005 when it was still known as the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
Louisville:
NC State:
B4: 2011 Little Caesar's Bowl - Western Michigan vs. Purdue
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
It's an all black and gold, midwestern matchup as Western Michigan's Bronco Marching Band out of the MAC meets Purdue's All-American Marching Band of the Big Ten.
Western Michigan:
Purdue:
It's an all black and gold, midwestern matchup as Western Michigan's Bronco Marching Band out of the MAC meets Purdue's All-American Marching Band of the Big Ten.
Western Michigan:
Purdue:
B4: 2011 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl - Missouri vs. North Carolina
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
#5 North Carolina meets #10 Missouri in... oh wait. This isn't basketball. Rather, the Marching Tar Heels and Marching Mizzou will step onto the gridiron instead of the hardwood.
Missouri:
North Carolina:
#5 North Carolina meets #10 Missouri in... oh wait. This isn't basketball. Rather, the Marching Tar Heels and Marching Mizzou will step onto the gridiron instead of the hardwood.
Missouri:
North Carolina:
B4: 2011 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - Nevada vs. Southern Miss
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Southern Miss' Pride of Mississippi surely enjoyed seeing their football team win the Conference USA title over Houston; unfortunately, in dashing Houston's BCS hopes, they may have cost themselves a payday that may have helped them make the trek out to Hawaii to meet up with Nevada' Wolf Pack Marching Band.
Nevada:
Southern Miss:
Southern Miss' Pride of Mississippi surely enjoyed seeing their football team win the Conference USA title over Houston; unfortunately, in dashing Houston's BCS hopes, they may have cost themselves a payday that may have helped them make the trek out to Hawaii to meet up with Nevada' Wolf Pack Marching Band.
Nevada:
Southern Miss:
B4: 2011 MAACO Las Vegas Bowl - Arizona State vs. Boise State
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Boise State's Blue Thunder Marching Band will face Arizona State's Sun Devil Marching Band as the football Broncos seek to defend last year's Las Vegas Bowl championship.
Arizona State:
Boise State:
Boise State's Blue Thunder Marching Band will face Arizona State's Sun Devil Marching Band as the football Broncos seek to defend last year's Las Vegas Bowl championship.
Arizona State:
Boise State:
B4: San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - TCU vs. Louisiana Tech
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The Pride of TCU have gotten around this year. They began it at the Granddaddy of the All, meeting Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. About a month later, they hopped over to Arlington for the Super Bowl festivities. Now it's back to southern California to face the Louisiana Tech Band of Pride.
TCU:
Louisiana Tech:
The Pride of TCU have gotten around this year. They began it at the Granddaddy of the All, meeting Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. About a month later, they hopped over to Arlington for the Super Bowl festivities. Now it's back to southern California to face the Louisiana Tech Band of Pride.
TCU:
Louisiana Tech:
B4: 2011 Beef O'Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl - FIU vs. Marshall
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Welcome to the Thunderdome! Oh wait, we're caling it Tropicana Field now. The FIU Marching Band will brave Alligator Alley en route to St. Pete where the Marshall Marching Thunder will seek to return the thunder to the home of the Rays.
FIU:
Marshall:
Welcome to the Thunderdome! Oh wait, we're caling it Tropicana Field now. The FIU Marching Band will brave Alligator Alley en route to St. Pete where the Marshall Marching Thunder will seek to return the thunder to the home of the Rays.
FIU:
Marshall:
B4: 2011 R + L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - San Diego State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The San Diego State Marching Aztecs will meet the Louisiana-Lafayette Pride of Acadiana in one of three bowl games slated for the Big Easy this season. The Pride will enjoy a relatively short bus trip across Cajun country, while the Aztecs will start getting used to the plane travel that Big East play may bring in 2013.
San Diego State:
The San Diego State Marching Aztecs will meet the Louisiana-Lafayette Pride of Acadiana in one of three bowl games slated for the Big Easy this season. The Pride will enjoy a relatively short bus trip across Cajun country, while the Aztecs will start getting used to the plane travel that Big East play may bring in 2013.
San Diego State:
B4: 2011 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Ohio vs. Utah State
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
Next up, the Ohio University Marching 110 head to Boise's smurf turf to step off against Utah State's Aggie Marching Band. A perennial crowd pleaser, the 110 went viral this past season with a rendition of Party Rock Anthem.
Ohio:
Utah State:
Next up, the Ohio University Marching 110 head to Boise's smurf turf to step off against Utah State's Aggie Marching Band. A perennial crowd pleaser, the 110 went viral this past season with a rendition of Party Rock Anthem.
Ohio:
Utah State:
B4: 2011 Gildan New Mexico Bowl - Temple vs. Wyoming
Big Band Bowl Battle (B4) Disclaimer: Whenever possible, I tried to post band videos on equal footing; that is, amateur vs. amateur, professional vs. professional, pregame vs. pregame, halftime vs. halftime, and so on. I am, of course, limited to that which is available on YouTube. While I can appreciate if I selected a video that doesn't portray your band in the best light, keep in mind B4 is for entertainment purposes only. Thanks for stopping by!
The 2011 bowl season kicks off with the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, where Temple's Diamond Marching Band meets Wyoming's Western Thunder. Temple caught my eye earlier this year as a band who put Kanye West's All of the Lights, a song which just begged to be done by a marching band, on the field.
Temple:
Wyoming:
The 2011 bowl season kicks off with the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, where Temple's Diamond Marching Band meets Wyoming's Western Thunder. Temple caught my eye earlier this year as a band who put Kanye West's All of the Lights, a song which just begged to be done by a marching band, on the field.
Temple:
Wyoming:
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Big Band Bowl Battle: Before the B4
Tis the season. Bowl season is upon us. You may be suffering the irritable bowl syndrome of too many bowls, you may be celebrating the fact that it's football's final hurrah, and you may be making your selections in various pick 'em pools about the outcomes of games in which you've got moderate to no interest.
Have we got the action for you!
80 Minutes of Regulation is proud to present the Big Band Bowl Battle, or B4. In addition to a pair of football teams, each bowl matches up two fanbases, two traditions, and of course two marching bands. the B4 will go through ALL 35 bowl games and preview the band matchup with a quick synopsis and footage from YouTube for your viewing pleasure. Be on the look out for the previews on the following dates:
12/17-12/27 (Gildan New Mexico Bowl - Belk Bowl): Friday, 12/16
12/28-12/31 (Military Bowl presented by Northrup Grumman - Hyundai Sun Bowl): Friday, 12/23
12/31-1/8, non-BCS (AutoZone Liberty Bowl - GoDaddy.com Bowl): Friday, 12/30
All BCS Bowls: Sunday, 1/1/2012
Worth noting this season: Five bowls match up two Sudler Trophy-winning bands, up from four last year and on par with the 2009 season, which also had a dual Sudler national championship game in Alabama-Texas. This year, two Sudlers duke it out in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (Illinois vs. UCLA), Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas (Northwestern vs. Texas A&M), Insight Bowl (Iowa vs. Oklahoma), Outback Bowl (Michigan State vs. Georgia) and the National Championship Game (Alabama vs. LSU).
Be on the look out for previews of these and all of the bowl games, and happy bowl season!
Have we got the action for you!
80 Minutes of Regulation is proud to present the Big Band Bowl Battle, or B4. In addition to a pair of football teams, each bowl matches up two fanbases, two traditions, and of course two marching bands. the B4 will go through ALL 35 bowl games and preview the band matchup with a quick synopsis and footage from YouTube for your viewing pleasure. Be on the look out for the previews on the following dates:
12/17-12/27 (Gildan New Mexico Bowl - Belk Bowl): Friday, 12/16
12/28-12/31 (Military Bowl presented by Northrup Grumman - Hyundai Sun Bowl): Friday, 12/23
12/31-1/8, non-BCS (AutoZone Liberty Bowl - GoDaddy.com Bowl): Friday, 12/30
All BCS Bowls: Sunday, 1/1/2012
Worth noting this season: Five bowls match up two Sudler Trophy-winning bands, up from four last year and on par with the 2009 season, which also had a dual Sudler national championship game in Alabama-Texas. This year, two Sudlers duke it out in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (Illinois vs. UCLA), Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas (Northwestern vs. Texas A&M), Insight Bowl (Iowa vs. Oklahoma), Outback Bowl (Michigan State vs. Georgia) and the National Championship Game (Alabama vs. LSU).
Be on the look out for previews of these and all of the bowl games, and happy bowl season!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
A Familiar Tune in the Marching 100
Three have been arrested at FAMU in conjunction with a hazing incident that left a band member with a broken leg. The hazing was related to membership in the Red Dawg Order, a group in no way sanctioned by but tied to the Marching 100 that accepts band members from Georgia.
I actually typically show a good deal of restraint with respect to the language used in this blog. That said, this shit must stop.
I stated before that the "death penalty"--shutting the program down for a number of years--may be the necessary course of action, and despite my love for the 100 and their style of marching, I'm even more sure of it now. I can, to some degree, appreciate the sentiment that this is taking place as a wrong of passage into other organizations, not the 100 itself, but frankly, my response is no different. While it may be cutting out healthy tissue to erradicate a cancer, it is absolutely what must be done. While these section fraternities, affinity groups, auxiliaries, and other entities are not a part of the Marching 100, it seems they have not been made inimical enough to deter their appeal. You know how you keep this mess from your program? Declare any group with a known history of hazing--and sadly, that seems to be the bulk of them--persona non grata to anyone with any association with the 100. Make any reference to these groups, paraphernalia, throwing up signs, or otherwise repping a group known to be an enemy of the 100 a suspendable offense. Anyone choosing to get involved will have to choose against the very reason such groups are appealing in the first place: The Marching 100. It needs to be crystal clear: You cannot stand for both.
So where do we go from here? Some will come down to who knew what and when. Dr. White, Director of Bands, was placed on administrative leave and scheduled to be dismissed on December 22 (because of a collective bargaining agreement in place). After lawyers got involved, White was un-dismissed (though the leave remained), a move that I thought was at best simply legal prudence to cover their backsides, and at worst a foolish maneuver geared towards protecting the band at all costs. As the story continues to be told, however, it seems that White warned against hazing in the band, even going so far as to recommend not taking the band to the Florida Classic, the very trip upon which Robert Champion died. It may be possible that there was some protecting of the throne taking place here, but it may not have been on the part of Dr. White. A recent discovery uncovered possible "employee fraud and misconduct" at the university as well, so it's possible we've only begun to scrape the surface. University president James Ammons, who had initially fired White, was publicly reprimanded by the Board of Trustees, a censure that took place in lieu of the administrative leave that was originally on the table. Depending on who knew what, that may need to be reconsidered.
On the part of Dr. White, the biggest piece I'd like to know is what all was done to prevent hazing in the band. In a video that I'm having trouble re-finding, White is heard emphatically telling the listeners that he said time and time again "do not haze". But was he equally emphatic about submitting to hazing? Even a definition on exactly what hazing is? I can appreciate that it seems White has been steadfast in punishing those caught hazing, and even reactions such as suggesting the band not go to the Classic, how proactive has he been? I don't know the answer to this, but to me it is key in if you can even consider keeping him employed by the university.
Because of the timing of the two, those who follow both activities couldn't help but draw parallels between this and the situation at Penn State. Both were despicable in their own right--one involved child molestation and the other led to the death of a young man. True enough, Julian White is no Joe Paterno--that distinction would go to his predecessor and mentor Dr. William P. Foster--but both sat atop an enterprise which, based on its prestige, some felt the need to protect at all costs. At FAMU, any number of previous incidents had been "handled internally," a strategy which, among other things, is built to protect the most prestigious entity on campus at the expense of the victims. Shortly after White's now-revoked firing, supporters protested on campus for reinstatement, not unlike Paterno. And in each case, regardless of legal proceedings, lawsuits will abound, and sadly, the only real winner will be the lawyers.
I actually typically show a good deal of restraint with respect to the language used in this blog. That said, this shit must stop.
I stated before that the "death penalty"--shutting the program down for a number of years--may be the necessary course of action, and despite my love for the 100 and their style of marching, I'm even more sure of it now. I can, to some degree, appreciate the sentiment that this is taking place as a wrong of passage into other organizations, not the 100 itself, but frankly, my response is no different. While it may be cutting out healthy tissue to erradicate a cancer, it is absolutely what must be done. While these section fraternities, affinity groups, auxiliaries, and other entities are not a part of the Marching 100, it seems they have not been made inimical enough to deter their appeal. You know how you keep this mess from your program? Declare any group with a known history of hazing--and sadly, that seems to be the bulk of them--persona non grata to anyone with any association with the 100. Make any reference to these groups, paraphernalia, throwing up signs, or otherwise repping a group known to be an enemy of the 100 a suspendable offense. Anyone choosing to get involved will have to choose against the very reason such groups are appealing in the first place: The Marching 100. It needs to be crystal clear: You cannot stand for both.
So where do we go from here? Some will come down to who knew what and when. Dr. White, Director of Bands, was placed on administrative leave and scheduled to be dismissed on December 22 (because of a collective bargaining agreement in place). After lawyers got involved, White was un-dismissed (though the leave remained), a move that I thought was at best simply legal prudence to cover their backsides, and at worst a foolish maneuver geared towards protecting the band at all costs. As the story continues to be told, however, it seems that White warned against hazing in the band, even going so far as to recommend not taking the band to the Florida Classic, the very trip upon which Robert Champion died. It may be possible that there was some protecting of the throne taking place here, but it may not have been on the part of Dr. White. A recent discovery uncovered possible "employee fraud and misconduct" at the university as well, so it's possible we've only begun to scrape the surface. University president James Ammons, who had initially fired White, was publicly reprimanded by the Board of Trustees, a censure that took place in lieu of the administrative leave that was originally on the table. Depending on who knew what, that may need to be reconsidered.
On the part of Dr. White, the biggest piece I'd like to know is what all was done to prevent hazing in the band. In a video that I'm having trouble re-finding, White is heard emphatically telling the listeners that he said time and time again "do not haze". But was he equally emphatic about submitting to hazing? Even a definition on exactly what hazing is? I can appreciate that it seems White has been steadfast in punishing those caught hazing, and even reactions such as suggesting the band not go to the Classic, how proactive has he been? I don't know the answer to this, but to me it is key in if you can even consider keeping him employed by the university.
Because of the timing of the two, those who follow both activities couldn't help but draw parallels between this and the situation at Penn State. Both were despicable in their own right--one involved child molestation and the other led to the death of a young man. True enough, Julian White is no Joe Paterno--that distinction would go to his predecessor and mentor Dr. William P. Foster--but both sat atop an enterprise which, based on its prestige, some felt the need to protect at all costs. At FAMU, any number of previous incidents had been "handled internally," a strategy which, among other things, is built to protect the most prestigious entity on campus at the expense of the victims. Shortly after White's now-revoked firing, supporters protested on campus for reinstatement, not unlike Paterno. And in each case, regardless of legal proceedings, lawsuits will abound, and sadly, the only real winner will be the lawyers.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Army-Navy: Tradition at its finest
I think I really dropped the ball on this one; I maintain a spreadsheet of band travel games from each week, I follow college football, and I have solid ties to both Philly and DC. Yet somehow, I missed that this year's Army-Navy game is in DC (OK, Landover), not Philly. The kicker? I'm in DC (OK, Alexandria) as we speak. I'm up here because my brother, himself a soldier in the US Army is on this coast briefly between training in AZ and his next duty station in WA, and we're gathering with family at my grandma's. So while we may have made plans to go, we'll watch on TV, if at all.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Big Everywhere (That's What She Said) Conference
The Big East has finally made the moves necessary to come out on the plus side, at least numbers-wise, in the conference expansion game. The conference announced earlier this week that UCF, Houston, and SMU will join as all-sports members, while Boise State and San Diego State will join as football only members. With expansion as far as the West Coast, I'm henceforth referring to the Big East as the Big Everywhere (That's What She Said) conference.
With that, I'm not being the sort saying "Hurr, Big EAST, huh?" After all, if I were a stickler for definitions, I'd have to feel the same way about a ten team Big XII, a twelve team Big Ten, a Pac-12 with teams from states that don't touch the Pacific, or a Southeastern Conference that stretches into Texas and Missouri (though at least there's historical precedent for them aligning themselves with the Southeastern US). That said, I like my conferences with some semblance of regionality, and while I first suspended my disbelief with TCU was Big East bound, Boise State and SDSU are a bit of a stretch for me. Still, if it keeps the conference viable, I certainly can't protest it.
A few interesting facts: First of all, there's no debating that the conference is weaker than it was before the defection of WVU, Syracuse and Pitt. That can't be helped. Still, the Big East likely picked up some of the best available in their attempt to stay afloat. Boise State, of course, is a perennial BCS buster; Houston almost made it to the party this year; and SDSU, SMU, and UCF have showed flashes of promise as well. Recruiting-wise, the state now has schools in talent-rich Florida, Texas, and southern California. And in a conference with schools in all four time zones that literally stretches from sea to shining sea, there's plenty of regional interest and big media markets. Still, in most cases, the schools in the conference are also-rans in their respective markets.
As a USF fan, I'll have to concede that nearby nuisance UCF will become nearby conference rival UCF; the folks over at Voodoo Five address that well here.
There's one more wrinkle: While I think it's simply talk right now, there has been discussion of the BCS doing away with auto-bids, meaning that the allure of being in an AQ conference is no more. If this comes to pass, will the western edges of the conference stick around or head for nearer pastures?
With that, I'm not being the sort saying "Hurr, Big EAST, huh?" After all, if I were a stickler for definitions, I'd have to feel the same way about a ten team Big XII, a twelve team Big Ten, a Pac-12 with teams from states that don't touch the Pacific, or a Southeastern Conference that stretches into Texas and Missouri (though at least there's historical precedent for them aligning themselves with the Southeastern US). That said, I like my conferences with some semblance of regionality, and while I first suspended my disbelief with TCU was Big East bound, Boise State and SDSU are a bit of a stretch for me. Still, if it keeps the conference viable, I certainly can't protest it.
A few interesting facts: First of all, there's no debating that the conference is weaker than it was before the defection of WVU, Syracuse and Pitt. That can't be helped. Still, the Big East likely picked up some of the best available in their attempt to stay afloat. Boise State, of course, is a perennial BCS buster; Houston almost made it to the party this year; and SDSU, SMU, and UCF have showed flashes of promise as well. Recruiting-wise, the state now has schools in talent-rich Florida, Texas, and southern California. And in a conference with schools in all four time zones that literally stretches from sea to shining sea, there's plenty of regional interest and big media markets. Still, in most cases, the schools in the conference are also-rans in their respective markets.
As a USF fan, I'll have to concede that nearby nuisance UCF will become nearby conference rival UCF; the folks over at Voodoo Five address that well here.
There's one more wrinkle: While I think it's simply talk right now, there has been discussion of the BCS doing away with auto-bids, meaning that the allure of being in an AQ conference is no more. If this comes to pass, will the western edges of the conference stick around or head for nearer pastures?
Saturday, December 3, 2011
BOTR Game of the Week: Championship Week
It's championship weekend! Four of the six AQ conferences are holding (or at this point, have held) championship games this weekend; a fifth, the Big XII, will crown a champion on the field during Bedlam, and the Big East championship will be decided today s well, though not through a direct matchup.
On the band front, each championship scenario hask at least one Sudler band in the mix except for the ACC. The SEC matches two against one another in UGA's Redcoat Band and LSU's Golden Band from Tigerland. But for my game of the week, I'm headed up north to the inaugural Big Ten championship game as Wisconsin's Badger Band meets the Michigan State Spartan Marching Band. I was asked on Twitter this week which band was the better band in this matchup, and while I haven't seen both live, I know from having seen the Badger Band that they are barrels of fun and bring entertainment in spades. I've conceptualized them as the band most likely to mount cupholders on each of their drums. That said, Michigan State's got a Sudler and puts on an impressive show in their own right. Bands, take the field!
It's worth noting that while they probably think of this more as a sporting event, this is one more piece of the impressive niche Indianapolis has carved for itself as an epicenter of the marching arts world. The city that hosts the DCI World Championships, BOA Grand Nationals, and PASIC now adds a pair of Big Ten heavyweights each year.
On the band front, each championship scenario hask at least one Sudler band in the mix except for the ACC. The SEC matches two against one another in UGA's Redcoat Band and LSU's Golden Band from Tigerland. But for my game of the week, I'm headed up north to the inaugural Big Ten championship game as Wisconsin's Badger Band meets the Michigan State Spartan Marching Band. I was asked on Twitter this week which band was the better band in this matchup, and while I haven't seen both live, I know from having seen the Badger Band that they are barrels of fun and bring entertainment in spades. I've conceptualized them as the band most likely to mount cupholders on each of their drums. That said, Michigan State's got a Sudler and puts on an impressive show in their own right. Bands, take the field!
It's worth noting that while they probably think of this more as a sporting event, this is one more piece of the impressive niche Indianapolis has carved for itself as an epicenter of the marching arts world. The city that hosts the DCI World Championships, BOA Grand Nationals, and PASIC now adds a pair of Big Ten heavyweights each year.
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