College Football Awards: Fight Songs and Music

In honor of the upcoming rivalry weekends, conference championship games, and bowl games, I took it upon myself to search the nation over… or the teams I have watched on TV for the best/worst of college football. One of the things that makes a college football game great is music. Sure, there’s music that comes over the loudspeaker, but mostly from the “band geeks”. From the drum line, to the trombones, to the giant tubas there is something special about the songs and the unique way all the instruments blend as one harmonious sounds. Not to mention, there’s something about the band with a touchdown that makes you feel that much better when the home team scores.

So, without further adieu, here are the college football music awards *fanfare, fanfare*

1. Best Entrance Music

A good start can lead to an even better finish. Here, in rank order, are the best songs for a college football entrance

3. “2001 Space Odyssey” South Carolina Gamecocks

Not only did this fight song come from a great movie, the South Carolina band has a great tribute to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the movie that it parallels. Plus, who wouldn’t get pumped up to a song like that? It’s a great tradition and it definitely deserves praise for one of the best entrance songs

2. “Battle Hymn of the Republic” Georgia Bulldogs

There is something about this song that I will never begin to understand. However, when the lone trumpet player stands in the southwest corner of Sanford Stadium, there is a glimmer in every Georgia fans eyes, goose bumps and hair on the back of people’s neck stand up, and this song charges up every single Georgia fan until they explode with excitement. The game I attended left me speechless, and I have never heard a stadium so loud in my life. Kudos, UGA, kudos.

1. “Enter Sandman” Virginia Tech Hokies

For anyone who has known me, I am very much against music that comes from a loudspeaker at a college football game. However, when I attended the ACC Championship Game last year in Jacksonville Florida. There were thousands of Virginia Tech fans literally starving for that song when they saw the Hokies in the entrance tunnel. When the loudspeaker turned on the song, “Enter Sandman” there has never been a time where I have seen a crowd go from excited, to downright insane. One of the best college football moments I have ever been a part of. Never, in my life, have i seen fans that are almost dependant to start a game as Hokie fans are. If you get a chance to see it live, you will not be disappointed.

2. “I get it, we’re a panther” award…

Comic great Jon Reep made an astute observation when he stated that the NFL team the Carolina Panthers play the “panther sound effect” far too often. So let me share the top 3 schools that play a certain fight song way too often…

3. “Tribute to Troy”  USC Trojans

By itself, it’s a catchy song, and I am sure if I went to USC, maybe I would enjoy it. However, the Marching Trojans play this song to nausea as the Trojans march towards their 70^th point over weak Pac-10 teams.

2. “War Chant” Florida State Seminoles

Normally, this would be my #1 and it has been for some time. However, FSU fans, this chop can be done significantly less. I have been to 4 Florida State games in my life and I have heard the “War Chant” at least 100 times per game. It also becomes bad news when other schools mock “the chop” when Florida State loses, and why not? FSU has a great fight song, play that a few more times…

1. “Boomer Sooner” Oklahoma Sooner

I will give credit to the Sooners for a unbelievable win over Texas Tech, but if I heard a variation of that song one more time, I would have stabbed my eardrums, and even then, the ear piercing sounds that would have ensued would still be less painful then this fight song. Not only do they play the song when the Sooners score, they play variations on first downs, interceptions, and field goals to say the least. I have to figure the band hated playing the song by the time the game is over. Oklahoma, you have the most uninventive song selection of any band I have ever heard.

3. Most Overplayed Songs by different schools

You may have the trademark to this song, but other colleges are using it. It’s time for someone to put their foot down and make a stand to say, “This is our fight song dammit!” I will provide the song and whom it should belong to…

3. “Glory, Glory Hallelujah!” Belongs to: Georgia Bulldogs

A song that praises the word of Christ has been used for States and Universities in their band repertoire. It’s Georgia’s fight song, but Colorado uses it, various high schools use it, even Auburn uses it. It’s a good song (and very simple might I add) in it’s context, but it’s Georgia’s fight song, let’s keep it that way.

2. “Tiger Rag” Belongs to: Clemson Tigers

This may be just a problem of how many schools name their mascot the “Tigers” but with every school, they have to play the song, Tiger Rag… and I have about had it with that song. Clemson uses it as their main fight song, and they include a cool spelling of: C-L-E-M-S-O---N! at the end.  It’s a good tradition, good song, but it needs to stay in South Carolina

1. “Kernkraft 400” Belongs to: Nobody

In a successful attempt to make Euro-chants trendy in the United States, Zombie Nation created the song “Kernkraft 400” that is about as well know as the “Olay Olay” chant. Nevertheless, It really shows how much American’s know about chants in premiere league soccer in Europe. Colleges around the country use this song before games and kickoffs, and unfortunately, I bleed from the ears every time I hear it. This song should be stricken from the records and should never be played in another college stadium, ever… again…

4. Worst Fight Songs

A fight song should be exciting, should bring adrenaline to the fans, and should be a song of celebration (not to mention easy to remember). However these songs put shame to all that is good about fight songs

3. “Hail to the Victors” Michigan Wolverines

Before all the Buckeye fans cheer and laugh at this ranking, don’t be too proud, your fight song was a close #4. Besides the overwhelming tradition that Michigan has, I wish their fight song would do the same, and let’s put the irony that Michigan has won 3 games all season aside. This fight song is bland, cliché, and just downright boring. Besides Michigan, nobody gets excited about this fight song. Sorry Michigan, even I am not cutting you a break this year.

2. “The Waving Song” Oklahoma State Cowboys

There is something that really bothers me about this song selection by Okie State. Now, I believe that “Ride ‘em Cowboys” is the official fight song of Oklahoma State. If that is the case, then why in the world do the Cowboys play the “Waving Song” after a touchdown? It is the pokiest, Busch league, state fair song I have ever heard in a college stadium. It literally sounds like drunken cowboy music from a Loony Tunes episode. You’re a great team, with a great coach, and have a good fight song, stop playing this state fair song after touchdowns, cowboys!

1. “The Good Ole’ Song” Virginia Cavaliers

If you think I am biased, let me give you an example of how boring this fight song is. When I attended Appalachian State, a couple of my friends and I played NCAA Football 2008. My friend decided to be Virginia for a season and quit 3 games in because he could not stomach the fight song. So picture this, after Virginia scores a touchdown, the Virginia faithful puts their arms around each other, swings to and fro, and sings the “Good Ole’ Song” which is identical to that holiday classic “Olde Lang Syne”. If there is a more boring song on the face of this earth that is featured on a college field, I want to hear this song. However, UVA is filled with a bunch of bright kids, I believed they figured out that, “Maybe if we make the students fall asleep with our fight song, they wont have to watch the rest of the UVA v. USC game.” Lord knows, no one wants to be awake for “Tribute to Troy” anyway. Brilliantly done, UVA.

5. Best Fight Songs

Now, to show that I am unbiased, I am leaving the Alabama fight song out of the running for best fight song (even though it is the best). In fact, I have taken out all fan biases to make this list. This is based on the fight song, and the fight song only. So here is the cream of the crop… according to me…

3. “NCSU Fight Song” NC State Wolfpack

Not exactly the most inventive name or most original song. However, NC State took the song “Army Goes Rolling Along” and sped the tempo up. It’s hard to sing, but its very exciting, it matches the feeling of how a touchdown should feel, and isn’t that the point of a fight song. Now, I am fan of military songs in general, but this method was well done and it’s something I can celebrate to.

2. “Rocky Top” Tennessee Volunteers

Remember when I said that this was based on “just the fight song”, well here is the example. Now, I hate Tennessee, I hate the town, I hate the stadium, I hate (most of) the fans, and I hate that shade of orange. However, when the Tennessee band plays the famous bluegrass song, it literally projects through the stadium and your home whether you want it to or not. Now, Tennessee fans will force you to listen to this song and it’s painfully annoying. However, take this song with any other university, and it’s a classic.

1. “Texas Fight” Texas Longhorns

Now, aside from the worst band uniforms in college football (which look like a cowboy costume I wore when I was 5) this is the most complete fight song I have heard. Fast tempo, chanting, easy lyrics, and people can use profanity if they want to in this song. Colonel Walter S. Hunnicutt had something on the ball when he wrote this. This is something you have to hear for yourself.  However UT, do us all a favor, try shifting those talents to the person who makes the band uniforms, “band geeks” don’t need anymore hassle (though, chaps are a good look for cheerleaders). 

Excessive Celebration: The Death of Fun

There is nothing quite like a college football game. The smell of the grill, the noise of the crowd, and the overwhelming sensation when the team we watch wins a big game. It’s an adrenaline rush for the fans and for the players playing the game. Or at least it was…

We have witnessed, over the past ten years, a penalty that is ruining the fun of college football, and that is the excessive celebration penalty. That’s right, if you mock the crowd or jump for joy too much, you cost your team 15 penalty yards assessed on your next kickoff or on the extra point attempt. In theory, this could be a penalty to stop the inevitable Chad Johnson type circus show after a touchdown. However the NCAA has taken this penalty way too far: it’s inconsistent and it has cost some teams to lose a game due to a celebration after an emotional touchdown.

First and foremost, where do we draw the line with this type of penalty? Three players went to Tiger Stadium at Louisiana State University and made the same gesture after their respective touchdown. Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow of Florida dialed his fake phone taunting the LSU crowd, no flag. Superstar running back, Knowshon Moreno of Georgia dialed his fake phone taunting the same crowd, no flag. So why is it that senior quarterback, John Parker Wilson of Alabama gets 15 yards of unsportsmanlike conduct for the exact same gesture as the last two players. There has to be a standard, and if referees assess the penalty one time, then they need to keep doing it.

Let’s not forget that this penalty has cost a few teams the game. In 2005 unranked Vanderbilt faced the thirteenth ranked Florida Gators. In an emotional game that saw a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter by Vanderbilt to make the game 34-35 with 54 seconds remaining, Vanderbilt decided to go for the gutsy call as head coach Bobby Johnson held his fingers to say, let’s go for two and the win. However, put those fingers down, Vanderbilt was charged with excessive celebration. How does one celebrate excessively when you tie the thirteenth ranked team in the country? As a result, Vanderbilt kicked a field goal and eventually lost that game in overtime. It was a game that led people to ask, why didn’t Vanderbilt have that shot to go for two?

More recently, unranked, and still winless Washington scored a late touchdown against fifth teen ranked Brigham Young with two seconds left to put the Huskies within one. It was an emotional score at home to possibly upset a great BYU team. Hold your horses though, here comes that hankie falling to the field. Once again Washington was charged with excessive celebration. ESPN analysts couldn’t see it, the announcers couldn’t see it, and as a result BYU blocked the extra point that was knocked back 15 yards. Another excellent call by the officials to further ruin another game.

Though the highlight of the century, in my mind, with relation to this penalty had to have been last years, Florida vs. Georgia game. Florida had Georgia’s number for many years, and it was to be another tight game. It wasn’t until Georgia came close to the goal line that Knowshon Moreno stretched for the end zone and scored. Mark Richt told his team that they had better get an excessive celebration penalty. The result was the entire Georgia team rushing the field and dancing into the end zone. It sent the players and the fans into a frenzy and the Bulldogs beat the Gators in an emotional win. The action by Richt was criticized by the media (and Florida fans) and was seen as a sign of disrespect. However, in the grand scheme of things, it was a middle finger to the NCAA for penalizing teams for celebrating. The idea that we had better get a penalty made a team run through walls for coach Richt and it was a brilliant move.

Where does it end though? Do all teams have to run back to the sidelines like robots after an emotional touchdown? Can we raise our hands in the air? Can we high five? One game is enough damage; let’s stop the madness once and for all. Players aren’t sliding down the goalpost, giving the football CPR, or playing putt-putt with the pile-on. I believe it was Tom Landry that said, when you score a touchdown, act like you’ve been there before, and I agree. However, when we are penalizing teams for enjoying the game, it’s become an absurd suggestion. If we are going to penalize players, let’s penalize Les Miles for his overexcitement when LSU scores. Why not?

All in all, I am going to miss moments when players tackle their own defensive linemen after a touchdown when the “big man” rumbles for six.  Or when a player catches a Hail Mary pass at the end of the game and the entire bench erupts. Football is an exciting and expressive game; players and fans alike should be able to be allowed to go nuts about the game that they love. However, despite the criticisms by the media and fans to get rid of this penalty, the NCAA probably never will. We want to tell the officials to keep that yellow flag in their pocket and let the boys play, but they never will…

And thus, will be the death of fun in college football… and this was the eulogy. Rest in Peace. 

Billy's beginning...

Note: If you are confused by this post, look at the post, "Coming soon, to a blog near you..." 

A long time ago, in the plains of Auburn, Alabama. Lived a young man named Jim-Bob Skeeter. Jim-Bob lived a normal life in Auburn. He plowed his fields, milked the cows, had late night dates with his sheep, and had long walks on the manure filled fields of his farm. Jim-Bob was a happy man, he was the first graduate of Auburn University with a Masters in coloring. He was a well respected man for his achievements, however, his ordinary life was about to change. 

As Jim-Bob was plowing the field he noticed a bird flying through the sky with nobility and grace. Jim-Bob immediately grabbed his shotgun and shouted, "It's comin' right fur us!" As he unloaded rounds from his 12 gauge, he finally made contact with the bird. This scene was comparable to Bambi's mother dying... it was very sad, trust me. As the dear eagle spun out into the ground, Jim-Bob walked with confidence as he thought, "Shit yeah, I dun got me some deener". However, he was about to discover something unexpected...

The eagle that was shot, was pregnant...

"SWEET", Jim-Bob said, "I dun got room for deesert now"

Though as Jim-Bob looked at the baby bird, he had a compassion and love for the bird. The bird turned and said...

"Ugh, where am I?" (Yea, I know, talking bird...)

"You're in Auburn, son" Jim-Bob explained

The bird was confused, and could not establish many things that were going on. It was then that he realized that half of his brain had been shot off. Suddenly, despite the rancid smell, the hot weather, and boring scenery, Auburn suddenly seemed like a great place, although he didn't understand why.

"Young feller, you need a name: I will call you, Billy... after the great Billy Jean Thorton."

The eagle didn't know who that was, but it seemed fitting at the time. So there Billy lived, day-by-day on the farm. He helped out as much as he could with Jim-Bob's work. Jim-Bob spoke all day of the joy and wonders of Auburn, and due to the fact that Billy had half of his brain gone, he responded and believed what Jim-Bob told him.

One day, Billy decided to help get a hoe for Jim-Bob (the garden tool, people). As he stepped into the barn, he was shocked in awe. It was one of the most amazing things he had ever seen and it would change his life forever...

Find out what that is in the next episode of: Billy the War Eagle!

Set forth for a journey in the sky!

Watch him soar through the clouds so high!

Soar Billy, The War Eagle!

Soar Billy, the War Eagle!

Hurry, Billy, the time is come!

You must help before it's too late,

Thanks to you, dear old Billy

Drunken Auburn fans can finally Celebrate!

For you old Billy...

John Nash Lesson #3: Stop Pushing Political agenda on the rest of us. You're not persuasive, you're a douche

John Nash Lesson #3: Stop Pushing Political Agenda on the rest of us. You're not persuasive, you're a douche

I didn't want to do it now. I wanted to explain other helpful methods to make our lives better. However, I just cannot take it anymore. Let me begin this John Nash by introducing a story...

I was sitting at a bonfire the other night, and amongst many heated debates, which is great, but there became the discussion about the election. I didn't have my iPod with me, so unfortunately,  I had to listen to the Palin haters. At one instance someone stated, "I just can't see any rationale behind voting for McCain". Others agreed and then asked me who I was voting for, like I didn't know the correct answer to this question...

I am all about politics, but the question, "Who are you voting for" has become the worst "true-false" question in the world. There is simply no right answer. Sure, I could apply methods of group-think and said that I am voting for Obama. Well is there individuality in that? Do I really support Obama? So what if I said, "I am voting for McCain"? I guarantee you I would be bombarded with misleading statements and questions undermining my decision and the person who I was voting for. Well, screw that, I don't like confrontation about this issue. So what if I said, "I am not voting".

Oh then I would have just opened up Pandora's box with that loaded statement. "You have to vote, it's an american right." or "Don't you know what your doing to the world by not voting"? Yes, but the main thing is this... pay attention... People (with one exception) want people to vote for the candidate that they want. They have no interest in you actually voting as a right, they just want you to vote for their candidate. If I would have said, "I am voting for McCain" then I would have been swarmed with condescending questions and comments. That, my friends, is your proof. If you are not voting for their candidate, people around you could care less about voting.

My colleague and good friend of mine, Alex Bea may have saved my vote this year. In all actuality, I vote on principle. I don't care what dumb thing a candidate said, I don't care about race, or sex, or age, it's irrelevant. I am voting because I want my values to be upheld by the person in office. Now, Alex made an excellent comment about how we do not have a complaint if we do not cast a vote. Which is true, if i complain about the president, and I don't vote, I have no voice. However, the difference in Alex vs. about 98% of the population is that I have never seen eye-to-eye with my colleague. However, he has never attacked my values, never said my reasoning was dumb, and never questioned who I voted for. He has been up for debate and was open-ended about the choice I made. That is a real relief

Heaven forbid you say, "I am unsure who I'm voting for". Then the political nazi's will parachute from the skies with pamphlets and buttons, and then explain how great their candidate is. You know what? Get that out of our face, If someone wants to vote and is receptive to your call, then that's fine. However, if someone says they are unsure and does not want to hear pitches, then respect it, and change the topic.

So there is a lesson for people. Don't tell me who to vote for, and honestly, don't make you political views so transparent that people will not want to participate. We all have strong opinions about certain things. However, if we express those strong opinions right off the bat, an introverted person will have no reason to speak up. Who knows? that introvert may have had something really interesting and eclectic, and now they never had that chance to speak up. If you do this, and don't allow others to openly express their political beliefs, you are, and forever will be, a douche.

In essence, shut up about what you saw on YouTube, or the really good point you saw on CNN or Fox News. Get your information from a variety of sources and never just trust one (believe me). Keep your mind open about different things in life. If you are not willing to do that, then you are cutting off the communication process, and that is disrespectful to others. Be respectful of the voting process. It is a wonderful right. The right to vote for whom ever YOU choose. 

John Nash lessons, helping for a better... or at least more tolerable tomorrow...

The Hyperbole is back!

To my loyal readers. I know that I have been not been blogging in recent days. Due to my last trip to Georgia (which was TOTALLY worth it) I have been behind on school. However, I got a load of work done this week and I am ahead of the game. So therefore, Life as a Hyperbole will be back on it's regularly scheduled time with John Nash lessons, top 30 movies, making fun of people, and of course, explaining how great Bama and VT are in football. That's all ahead, and I appreciate you thanks, applause, and free stuff is always appreciated. So welcome back Hyperbole, we missed you...

Coming soon, to a blog near you...

I am always very intrigued by tradition. The overwhelming satisfaction of why certain schools do certain motions and chants has always fascinated me. It had occurred to me that I had no idea why Auburn University said "War Eagle" before each game, and that the eagle swooped onto the field before the opening kickoff. At first, I thought it was another Mascot. Like the Tigers, were also the eagles, were also the plainsmen, I didn't get it. So Mr. Josh DeLung, my colleague and fellow VT blog writer went on our information source, Wikipedia to see what was the origin of this tale. After first glance, I thought it was a joke, but this is directly off the Auburn website...

"War Eagle" is Auburn's battle cry, not a mascot or nickname. The most popular story about the battle cry dates back to the first time Auburn met Georgia on the football field in 1892 and centers around a spectator who was a veteran of the Civil War. In the stands with him that day was an eagle the old soldier had found on a battlefield during the war. He had kept it as a pet for almost 30 years. According to witnesses, the eagle suddenly broke free and began majestically circling the playing field. As the eagle soared, Auburn began a steady march toward the Georgia end zone for a thrilling victory. Elated at their team's play and taking the bird's presence as an omen of success, Auburn students and fans began to yell "War Eagle" to spur on their team. At the game's end, the eagle took a sudden dive, crashed into the ground, and died. But the battle cry "War Eagle" lived on to become a symbol of the proud Auburn spirit.

So, the war eagle is not a nickname. Auburn usually states, "Alabama doesn't say Roll Elephant, it's the same concept". First of all, I would hope an Elephant wouldn't roll anywhere, that seems incredibly dangerous. Second of all, this description was way too "mock epic", blown way out proportion, and hilarious at the exact same time. This doesn't seem like an origin of a battle-cry, It seems like a Disney movie that never quite made it through storyboard. This description seems so ridiculously cheesy. I can imagine it would be one of those straight to Disney DVD. Therefore, "Life as a Hyperbole" will be doing the untold dramatic and heartwarming mini-series of, "Billy, The War Eagle". 

A wonderful journey set place in the civil war about an eagle named, Billy. Who flew throughout the plantations and the battlefields in the Plains of Alabama. This heartwarming tale about an eagles flight throughout the war, the injury and loss that he sustained, and his final epic flight over Jordan Hare Stadium. He's Billy... The War Eagle

Set forth for a journey in the sky!

Watch him soar through the clouds so high!

Soar Billy, The War Eagle!

Soar Billy, the War Eagle!

Hurry, Billy, the time is come!

You must help before it's too late,

Thanks to you, dear old Billy

Drunken Auburn fans can finally Celebrate!

For you old Billy...

Malibu's Most Wanted

I suppose once you go black... Well, you know the rest. Normally I do one post a day, but this was too great to keep to myself. Black and Whiteouts must be the new thing in high t-shirt sales these days. All over the country, teams are either going black or going white for football games. Virginia Tech went white for their opening game. Go ahead and do a google search. Do you see any white in those home uniforms? I told the Hokies, let Penn State do the white-outs. We should stick to the Orange and Maroon effect. So all that is fine and dandy right? Well, the new thing for college football this week, is the Blackout, and I gotta admit, the "Life as a Hyperbole" is feeling the black trend myself...

So here's the skinny, (yeah, i said skinny). I pay strong attention to 3 teams in college football: Virginia Tech, Alabama, and Appalachian State. 2 of these teams will be playing in a blackout game. Can you guess who?

No, It's not App. State!

Alabama and Virginia Tech are going on the road to host blackout games. Alabama goes to Athens to play Georgia and Virginia Tech to Lincoln to play Nebraska. Both Georgia and Nebraska are doing blackouts. Georgia realizes the impact of this game and decided to go black (I will levee, the uniforms do look cool). Also, Nebraska was once known as the "Black shirt defense". But let's view the jerseys

No Black there...

Not much black there...

So what is the deal? What confuses me more is that these are NIGHT games, in BLACK-Shirt filled stadiums. One lesson that my Mom always told me is if your going to play at night, wear something BRIGHT! Now, i know there are blaring lights in the stadium. I'm not Joe Paterno, we can play night games right now. But won't the Georgia/Nebraska fans tend to blend in with their own team? I can just imagine Matthew Stafford, "Ok, i got the ball, let's see... Well I know who NOT to throw too. But um, all im seeing are red helmets running around...crap". I know, that wont be the case. However, Black and Night....they tend to blend together the last time I checked

Let me put it in perspective here. Appalachian State and Missouri... not doing blackouts today. Nebraska and Georgia, going black. Um, can't we do a promotion like... "The Red Sea"? That's pretty catchy. I'm all about student unity... and blatant commercialism... but um, use the colors that you normally use! That goes for you to Virginia Tech... no more whiteouts.

Blackouts are fine, I'll even let Nebraska and Georgia doing a blackout slide... DO IT ON DIFFERENT WEEKS!

Though, I'm digging the new template scheme... Maybe these two teams have caught on to something...

Who made you Mozart?

So I was browsing through iTunes the other day looking for the new Bloc Party album that is out on Mp3 format. Not on iTunes, crap. Now I have a sequence of looking through my favorite bands which proceeds something like: Bloc Party, Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, The Hives, and the Foo Fighters. There are many other bands, but those are my top 5 in the batting order. 

Now, Kings of Leon and My Morning Jacket have recently come out with new albums, and I am really losing faith in both of them. MMJ recently released the album, "Evil Urges". Now, I enjoyed their previous albums, "It Still Moves" and "Z" and they are brilliantly done. I can jam out, and sing along in my car. However, this new album did not impress me, in fact, it put me to sleep. 

So I went on iTunes to see if other people were sharing my dismay, and sure enough there were a bunch of people writing, "WTF, Mate?". However, with any person that has to be a "hater" there is always a purist *barf*. I have seen this over and over, too. From the music genius, he stated to the people that didn't like the album:

"You just don't understand music"

What the hell is that even supposed to mean? I don't understand music? Care to enlighten us on what music is, Franz Liszt? I have taken music classes in college, I can effectively play 3 different instruments, so what do I not get about music? 

I have a philosophy on artists and bands, and that is... ready for this... Bands and Artists can begin to play crappy music, despite awesome starts. For example, Kings of Leon released, "Youth and Young Manhood" which was incredible. Their new album diverted from that style completely. It's slower, and more drawn out. Weezer is the same way, "The Blue Album" was outstanding. However the new albums (ok, red album is not bad) are so poppy and whiney, i cannot take listening to the whole thing. 

That is not to say all artists are that way. The Strokes started out with a great debut album, had a rougher patch, and then had another awesome album. So I will renew my faith if something makes my toe tap.

Bottom line is, we hear the old saying "Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder". This applies well with music, I believe. My Morning Jacket had a "Jam Band" first album, and then stopped. Ok, well, I like Jam Bands, and now that they have stopped playing that, I have not enjoyed it. It doesn't mean I don't understand music. It means that I have developed an expectation about certain bands, and it was not met. Who knows, maybe I don't understand music. But what the hell am I doing then?

My challenge to my readers, if you "understand" music; enlighten me. What am I missing here? I believe an artist can pour his/her soul into a song, and it can still sound like crap. I leave the comment section to the music fans here...

THE Game: #3 Georgia v. #8 Alabama Preview

*Ahem* Cue the Hans Zimmer Music!

September 27th, 2008 is the date for the Blackout between the Hedges. The media has fled to the deep south for the game of the week, could be the year. A match-up that ended in dramatic heroic fashion will be underway in a couple days. Athens, Georgia hosts the "Clash of the Titans" of the SEC. Not many people expected the impact that this game would have. However, it is upcoming, and rest assure football fans, this is one of those games where fans will say, "I was there for that game". And this distinguished author will be down in Georgia in deep cover to see the spectacle that is: The Battle between the hedges.

All sports stories fail in comparison because of this game, in my opinion. Therefore, not only would I like to make a pick for this game, I want to give a full-blown analysis to why and how this game will end like it will. Therefore I want to give the impact players, the key match-ups, the x factor, and why UGA or Bama will win. So buckle up for one hell of a ride...

The Players that will have to be on their game...

UGA: (C) Kevin Perez

Not Moreno? not Stafford? not Green? I think it's a given that all three need to be playing well for this game. However the 6-3, 270 pound sophomore will need to be on his A game for this battle. Why? Because he has to deal with the 6-5, 365 pound nose-tackle Terrence Cody. UGA has not been known for their line, they are young and inexperienced. This line probably needs to consider a bunch formation to deal with the monster D-Line of Alabama.

UA: (QB) John Parker Wilson

JP Wilson needs to be on key for this game. Thankfully he has been known to do well under the major spotlight (against Clemson, Tennessee 2007). Georgia defense will give many different looks on defense. They will constantly put eight men in the box and blitz, blitz, blitz. They will make Alabama throw the ball. Alabama does have some good receivers for quick routes, and they will need that to keep the Georgia defense off the field and away from the backfield.

Key Match-ups:

It's going to start and end on the lines. Georgia and Alabama need to give their respective quarterback time to pass. They need to give their running games the proper lanes. Both of these defenses are fast and brutal. The opposing teams have had trouble scoring in every game against the two teams. It'll be different for this game, but the defenses will be strong. Therefore the offensive lines will have to be even stronger.

The X-Factor

UGA: Special Teams

One thing that Alabama has some major concerns with is kickoff coverage. Georgia needs to take advantage of this. They need to get great field position in every drive that they have. They also need to use the lanes that are given to them. They may find a touchdown on a kickoff that they didn't expect.

Alabama: Tick, Tick, Tick

Georgia has an outstanding defense. However, between their previous opponents (GA Southern, CMU, USC, ASU) have had lousy run games, or no offense at all. Alabama will not be this way, they run the ball...a lot. Alabama needs to keep that defense on the field, control the clock, quick outlet passes. This will be key to compete in this game

What does Georgia have to do to win?

First, Georgia has to blitz, a lot. Make John Parker Wilson pass the ball. He has not seen the like of this Georgia defense and if you get Bama on their heels early, Georgia will sick 'em against the tide.

Second, Once again, they need field position. Get good field position off the kickoff and keep Alabama near the end-zone. Moreno will break a few big runs. It would be a lot better if he had them when they are midfield as opposed to their own 20

Third, If Matthew Stafford has ice in his veins. Georgia is very likely to win. He cannot be nervous in this game. Make sure your wide receivers are open and don't be afraid of getting sacked. You have one of the best freshman receivers in the NCAA, 3rd and 20 is always an option instead of an INT.

Last, Georgia is worst in the SEC about penalties. This has to stop in this game, period.

What does Alabama have to do to win?

First things first, Bama has to strike. If this was a boxing match, do not start with your jabs. If Alabama gets the ball first, they need to throw a few haymakers. Alabama is a running team, so show them otherwise. Show that you can get Georgia on the run and the pass. That balance will make the defense uneasy and it will make a gigantic difference.

Wrap Moreno Up: Do not quit on this guy. Moreno runs like he wants to score on every play. He keeps his feet moving. Do not try to knock him down, throw him down to the ground. This is so vital to Alabama. They need to keep Georgia guessing and on their toes.

Run Forest Run: Mark Ingram and Glen Coffee need to be big in this game. If the dynamic duo can get more than 200 yards on the ground. Bama will win this game. There will be some home-run balls and these two will be essential in winning this game.

The Prediction:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final

UGA 7 7 3 7 24

Bama 10 7 0 10 27

Bama 27 UGA 24

Game winning field goal by Tiffin with :20 left.

Last Notes:

We'll miss you Munson

Larry Munson, long time announcer for the Georgia Bulldogs is finally done. He will be missed as being one of the best announcers in college football.

"The pass is in the air, and we jump up... TOUCHDOWN, OH GOD, A TOUCHDOWN!!!"

You will be missed...

Until next time sports fans... ROOOOOLLLLLLL TIIIIDE! ROLL!

Taking a Break

It's hard to take a break on Monday when there was such a wonderful week of sports. US. didn't need the "Eye of the Tiger" (Woods) and they still won in dramatic fashion. Yankee stadium had a last great game with the Yanks beating the Orioles. The Miami Dolphins crushed the Patriots in the NFL. Lastly, Alabama had a pig pick'n with Arkansas and look to play UGA next week. Which I will have a full fledged analysis of that game (which will be incredible) and will be attending the game where the Crimson Tide BEATS the Georgia Bulldogs in the best game of the season so far. You don't want to miss it...

Alas, there will be no sport stories, no John Nash Lesson, I can't even make fun of anyone (They won the Ryder Cup without you, Tiger). The "Life as a Hyperbole" staff: aka. Me, has to take a break to study for an exam. Rest assure that I will be back tomorrow with a great post about how ridiculously funny it was to see the US. win without Tiger.

USA! USA! USA!

College Football Predictions Week #4

Does this scene look familiar? For Alabama and Arkansas fans alike, this picture bring backs either fond or painful memories. Unranked Alabama knocked off #16 ranked Arkansas in one of the final plays of the game. With this, I introduce, week #4. This week has some intriguing match-ups. Namely the Bayou Bengals vs. the Tiger/Plainsmen/War Eagles of Auburn who scored a whopping 3 points against the MSU Bulldogs. In addition, the ACC (aka the please wake me up when it's over conference). Has a crucial game between the Tar Heels of UNC vs. the Hokies of Virginia Tech. Now, UNC looks a hell of a lot better than the Hokies do, and they are playing in Chapel Hill. Still, I do not have faith in Butch to pull this one out. Either way it's going to be the best glorified pillow-fight of the week! 

Now, this is the real "dormant" week, the calm before the storm. Why? Because (hopefully) next week will be a clash of the titans Georgia vs. Alabama. I am rooting for both of them to take this week by storm and look excellent for the best SEC match-up of the season. Maybe the best NCAA match-up of the season to date. Because, if it was anything like last year, it's going to be a outright war between the hedges at Georgia, and the esteemed author of this blog will be there rooting for the Tide.

Last week was not a good week for me, I went 10-6 and lost some of my lead in the standings. However, Colorado winning last night prevented me from going 0-2. This is a big weekend for picks and I am ready to watch some football. Here's a look at my teams in action, and some guest visitors will be in the mix this week.

My Teams in Action

Virginia Tech @ North Carolina: Go Hokies!

Alabama @ Arkansas: Roll Tide!

Appalachian State @ James Madison: Win App!

My teams need to be road warriors this week

Last week: 2-0

Overall Record: 6-2

Guest Appearances:

Georgia @ Arizona State: Remember, Athens will only be great if both of us win. GO DAWGS!

and as always: I hope you lose,: UVA, UNC, Notre Dame, and Auburn

The standings and picks for the week:

 

Overall Standings Through Week 4
Rank	Selection	W-L	Pts
1	esdaniel2009's picks	51-14	632
2	smbaloch's picks	53-12	610
3	debo9's picks	54-11	607
4	Evan	49-16	597
5	Josh's Picks	51-14	591
6	Give 'em Hell Herd	51-14	590
7	vkdelung's picks	49-16	545
8	Shawnb24's picks	48-17	526

• 

Date	Away Team	Pick	Point Value	Pick	Home Team	Home Spread (info only)	Selection
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	(13)Alabama (3-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Arkansas (2-0)	+8.5
Sat 09/20 03:00pm	Boise St. (2-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		(12)Oregon (3-0)	-12.5
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	(17)East Caro. (3-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		North Carolina St. (1-2)	+7.5
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	Eastern Mich. (1-2)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Maryland (2-1)	-21.5
Sat 09/20 03:30pm	(4)Florida (2-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Tennessee (1-1)	+7.5
Sat 09/20 08:13pm	(3)Georgia (3-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		(24)Arizona St. (2-1)	+6.5
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	Iowa (3-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Pittsburgh (1-1)	-1.5
Wed 09/17 08:00pm UL over KSU 38-29	Kansas St. (2-1)		12		Louisville (2-1)	+3.5
Sat 09/20 03:30pm	(6)LSU (2-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		(9)Auburn (3-0)	+2
Sat 09/20 03:30pm	Marshall (2-1)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Southern Miss. (2-1)	-9.5
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	Miami (1-1)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Texas A&M (1-1)	+3
Sat 09/20 03:30pm	Notre Dame (2-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Michigan St. (2-1)	-8.5
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	Rice (2-1)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		(7)Texas (2-0)	-30.5
Sat 09/20 03:30pm	Rutgers (0-2)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Navy (1-2)	+5
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	UCF (1-1)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Boston College (1-1)	-11
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	Vanderbilt (3-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Mississippi (2-1)	-5.5
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	Virginia Tech (2-1)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		North Carolina (2-0)	-1.5
Sat 09/20 12:00pm	(18)Wake Forest (2-0)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		Florida St. (2-0)	-4.5
Thu 09/18 08:30pm CO over WV 17-14	(22)West Virginia (1-2)		3		Colorado (3-0)	+3
Sat 09/20 03:00pm	Wyoming (2-1)		20  19  18  17  16  15  14  13  11  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  2  1		(11)Brigham Young (3-0)	-26.5
Awarded Points			3