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We rank 'em. You react. That's how the Daily List rolls.8/29/2007 12:44:00 PM Top college football traditions
By Arash Markazi, SI.com
You can't fully appreciate Script Ohio until you see it in person.Photo by AP
Mike Stoops has been involved in college football for over 25 years. He played in the Rose Bowl as an Iowa Hawkeye and coached in nearly every major bowl (Orange, Cotton, Rose and Sugar) as Oklahoma's defensive coordinator. Stoops is now in his fourth year as the head coach at Arizona and while he admits there are no traditions that stick out to him in Tucson just yet, here's his top five college football traditions.
1. The dotting of the "i" at Ohio State: Yeah, I'm from Ohio, but I didn't think it was that big of a deal until you see it and understand what it's about, so it's kind of unique.
2. The Texas-OU game at the Cotton Bowl: Now that's always unique. There was almost a fight before the game one year, so that was that. And then Roy Williams jumping up and hitting Chris Simms, and knocking the ball out and Teddy [Lehman] scoring.
3. The Florida-Georgia game: The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is always a great game. Jacksonville always gets crazy for that game.
4. Iowa vs. Minnesota for the Floyd of Rosedale: I played at Iowa, and this game is a big deal. Playing for that bronze pig was always a highlight.
5. The Death Valley at Clemson and rubbings the rock: I thought that's really unique, what they do down there, watching that. Those guys get really into that.
So what are your top college football traditions?posted by SI.com | View comments |
Comments:
You are so right about script OHIO you just do not get a buckeyes game until you have been there and done it. I was 35 when I went to my first one and before I went I was a yeah I like the Buckeyes, I mean I am from ohio. But afterwards I am a fan!!
O-HCamp Randall Stadium, Before the Fourth Quarter, House of Pain's Jump Around. Its been called the craziest 3 minutes in college sports. Gotta see it to believe it.the cannon going off on Tightwas Hill after the Cal Bears scotre in Strawberry Canyon. "Take off that RED shirt!"I would say the Iowa vs Iowa State game. Tradition goes a ways back on this one and great rivalry!
Or the Iowa vs Wisconsin football managers flag football game for the battle of the toolbox. Has become a great tradition!How about the forming of the "T" at the real UT -- the University of Tennessee!The Army-Navy Game. Opponents on the football field, teammates on the battlefield. If you are not moved after watching the singing of their respective alma mater's and seeing all of that emotion, than you don't have a pulse.The oldest trophy rivalry in college football!!! ASU Vs U of Eh.Waving the Wheat in Kansas, no one can say they do that.The eagle flying down from the upper deck, circling the stadium, then landing at midfield at Auburn football games is absolutely one of the best traditions around. It brings chills to everyone (home and guest). Amazing beauty and grace that transcends a single event.Waving the Wheat in Kansas, no one can say they do that.Army/Navy...speaks for itselfPenn State's drum major flip has to be up there!Rolling Toomers Corner at Auburn!
WDE!Singing Notre Dame our mother after ND games. USC vs ND quite an atmosphere under the watchful eye of Touchdown Jesus to the sound of the most recognizable fight song in the country.Ralphie the buffalo leading the Colorado Golden Buffalos onto Folsom Field, then turning at the end zone and running full speed back up the opponents' sideline.Franklin Field, U. of Pennsylvania: The throwing of toast at the end of the 3rd Quarter after singing "Drink a Highball"The author has obviously never been to a football game at Kyle field and seen the spirit of the "12th Man" alive and well. Gig'em.The most exciting 20 seconds in college football history-Rubbing the rock and running down the hill at Clemson! With the tiger roaring and the balloons released-the stadium in solid orange. It makes anyone a football fan.How about the National Anthem, anywhere or antime?How about the real oldest trophy, Minnesota vs. Michigan.The ND players slapping the "Play like a Champion Today" How can that not be number one.AGGIE BONFIREThe script UCLA done in the stands by the students with cards. (Don't know if they do it anymore, but it was pretty impressive when it was a tradition and they added animation to their signs.) Stanford added a trick to the card stunts because their stadium is oriented N-S. The Card raised reflectorized cards in the east stands and baked the visitors in the west stands with sunbeams.what about the notre dame players slapping the play like a champion today sign or the aggie 12th man those are classics.Ralphie rumbling up and down Folsom Field at CU. I only wish they would let her plow through the opposing teams bench so we can watch them scramble up the railing and duck for cover!The fact that any of the traditions from A&M are left off this list is a joke. A&M is the most tradition rich school in college football. The 12th man, the student body standing the entire game, kissing your date after an Aggie score, the bonfire, the yell leaders, the band with their block T, carrying the yell leaders and throwing them into a pond after a game, the cheers themselves, the Aggie War Hymn that litteraly makes the stadium sway (they'll warn you when you get into the press box for the first time), the Corps of Cadets, the Friday night yell practice, everything. Obviously the author of this article hasn't been to Kyle Field before. It's like creating a list of the best homefield advantages in the NFL and leaving off the Chiefs.I have lost respect for this column. The greatest college football tradition without a doubt is the Army/Navy game. And it didn't even make your list. What a shame.Hell Yeah! go Clemson. you cant beat the most exciting 25 seconds in college football(as said by Brent Mushbuger). with the hill, the rock, and THE REAL DEATH VALLEY. Clemson better be in this list.HELLO????
FSU???
CHIEF OSCEOLA, this isn't even close man. WOW. first you give them no love for the uniforms now this?They still do it at UCLA. I'm a current student and besides the script UCLA there were a few others. One was the Bruin mascot, one was beat 'SC, when we beat 'SC. Then there was one with movement, but I forget what that was.Anyone out there have a soft spot for the Old Oaken Bucket? There's tangible history in that chain of brass Is and Ps (though, a few too many Ps for my Hoosier heart).The Virginia Tech Defense's Lunchbox!Enter Sandman, after the cannon has blown, as the Virginia Tech Football team enters the field. 66,000 people jumping up and down.from da boy vince
I am underwhelmed boyyz
holla by balla shot cal-REJECTED!
your moms sisters uncles friends lawyerDitto RalphieRunning through the "T" in Knoxville in front of 107,000 screaming, orange painted fans while "Rocky Top" so delightfully rings in the background!!IOVirginia Tech and the Homecoming Hokie Pokie at half-time!The Orange Bowl, big game at night, and the Miami Hurricanes enter the stadium through a field of smoke. The electricity is unmatched!How about the traditional playing of JUMP AROUND to start the 4th quarter at Camp Randal home of the soon to be Big Ten Champs Wisconsin Badgers!!!!!!!!!At any home Illinois game, the ChiefThe fifth quarter in Madison. . .Jump Around is cool, but it's only been happening for 15 years. Fifth quarter goes way back. By the way, the rivalry for Paul Bunyan's axe which used to be the "slab of bacon" (Wisc vs. Minn.) matches the two div I college teams who have played each other more than any other. . . 116 games. First game 1890Ohio script is the lamest thing i've ever seenI can't leave the first poster hanging, so.....
I-O!!!!Watching the ND players raise their helmets in salute of the student section-win or lose-while the fight song plays in the background......
Next runner up has to be a tie b/t the 12th man and TENN forming the 'T'A&M's 12th Man Kickoff team is not a tradition as it has changed. It used to be an all walk-on kick off team. That ended when Rodney Blackshear of Texas Tech became the first to ever runback a touchdown on the 12th Man. End of the season it changed to one person on the kick off team being a walk-on. Hard to be a tradition when it changes.How can you mention tradition and not include Notre dame or Alabama? Did you get your answers from Mark May?Tommy Trojan and Traveler circling the field after a USC score.The Battle of the Bands and halftime show at the Bayou Classic (Grambling vs. Southern).I have three: Army-Navy when the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets march onto the field and also when they sing each other's alma mater; the flaming spear and Chief Osceola at FSU. Nothing beats that!Would like to point out that Script Ohio was first performed by...The University of Michigan Marching Band the first time Michigan and Ohio State played at Ohio Stadium.The University of South Carolina and the playing of "2001", gives chills to anyone.I have three: Army-Navy when the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets march onto the field and also when they sing each other's alma mater; and the flaming spear and Chief Osceola at FSU. Nothing beats that!I have three: Army-Navy when the Brigade of Midshipmen and Corps of Cadets march onto the field and when they sing each other's alma mater; and also the Flaming Spear and Chief Osceola at FSU. Nothing beats that!The Iron Bowl......Alabama VS. Auburn. No bigger footbal fanatics anywhere, period.Army - Navy is the best tradition hands down. No one cares about what their records are, they just respect what those kids will be doing for our country.
Notre Dame....all of it.It is Jump Around in Madison. It's probably not even close. The men hide the women and children in the concourse of the stadium until its over!!!5th Quarter, from the true Best Band in the Land, University of WisconsinRolling Toomer's Corner in downtown Auburn is definitely up there, as is the "Tiger Walk" before each home game!
WDE right back atya,Singing and swaying to "We Are the Boys from Old Florida" after the 3rd quarter of every Gator game. I even once saw a Miami fan clap after we did it.It has to be Notre Dame players slapping the "Play Like a Champion Today," sign. What about the march into Notre Dame stadium with the country's oldest Marching Band? Or the singing of Notre Dame our Mother after each game? So much tradition and to not have one of these not in the top 5 is a tragedy!Texas Tech's tortilla toss at every kickoff...before the Raiders started getting penalized 15 yards each time!I'm sorry but the oldest trophey rivalry game in college football is for the little brown jug between minnesota and michigan. Go GophersI hate to burst your guys bubbles, but Miami University vs. Cincinnati for the Victory Bell takes the cake for the longest rivalry game, and the 5th most played of all time, dating back to 1888. Before Wisc/Minn, before OSU/Mich. Don't forget about the little guys, who play for the 120th year and 111th time this year.Script Ohio? Come on...one guy learns where to go, and the rest of them follow the leader. Easiest. Marching. Ever. Try doing it one time...High School bands do it all over Ohio.WOOOO, PIG, SOOOIE! RAZORBACKS! Calling the hogs...you know exactly where you are when you see middle-aged men in silly plastic hats screaming such nonsense."kind of unique" doesn't warrant being called the #1 College Football Tradition. Try harder next time.
While it is used in other sports, a fly over from a set of F-16 United States fighter jets has to be up there. Gives me chills EVERY time.Let's talk about the most OVERRATED football tradition, and that's Saturday Night in Death Valley. If LSU is truly as great as they say they are, they can win at any hour. LSU night games are 92,000 obese drunks (minus the visiting fans) who don't know how to act in public and worship a caged tiger.How about the tradition of "homecoming" that was started at the University of Missouri?! Go Tigers! fjbNotre Dame's painting of the helmetsThe moment before the U of Florida Gators come out onto the field. The Jumbotrons show a video of alligators in a swamp with the JAWS theme in the background. And then, "Welcome to the Swamp, where only GATORS get out alive! HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERE COME THE GATORS!!!!!!" I get chill bumps now just thinking about it. If you don't believe me go to YouTube and search "the swamp".What about WVU's John Denvers "Country Roads" after every home win.Bashing LSU because maybe there is a little jealousy. No one does it like the tigers. There are many(6 or 7 per game) tiger fans that aren't obese. Its because of all the rice and gravy.I'm always amazed people aren't more impressed with running a live 1200 pound buffalo on the field prior to game time.Hail to the Victors anyone. the best fight song in college football. lets go blueVa-Tech's "Hokie Pokey". 60,000 people putting their right hand in, taking their right hand out...
So simple, yet so entertaining. Week in, week out, that little tune gets the crowd louder than it is at any other point in the day.the real UT is T E X A S!!!the only meaningful team sports event in Indiana -- The Bucket Game!! Go Hoosiers!It's been said Madison knows how to party... take a look for yourself. Opposing players STARE at the student section in amazement while the Badger players get jacked up. Nothing like it. (please watch entire video to appreciate the student section)
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=3211700When we sway in the stands at UVA and sing Auld Lang Syne with our arms draped around each other. Trust me; it intimidates the heck out of our foes.Script OHIO was first performed by UM's marching band, but they did it in formation, instead of marching it out. The block M, on the other hand, was first performed by the "Pride of the Buckeyes". And those of you that don't like Stoops' opinion, too bad: He's "from O-HI-O ... O-H!"These comments have reminded me that college football is filled with great traditions, and trying to make a definitive top 5 is impossible.The "WHITE OUT" in the Penn State student section. Looks amazing on TV.You have to include the march of the brigade at any home Naval Academy game, not to mention the annual Navy vs Army game. The march on and the plebes doing pushups after every Navy score are a tradition that must be included.The Ohio thing is truly blown out of proportion.
When the T opens in Knoxville the place goes crazy.
THat is to name just a couple of things a lot cooler in CF than the dotting of an i.david,
regarding ur negative comments directed at lsu, i can only guess that you are
an elephant
an au plainsman/tiger/war eagle
a bulldog - msu or uga
a confederate
a volunteer
a commodore
a gator
hope to see you soon in tiger stadiumOh Please... the best college football tradition out there HAS to be Lloyd Carr losing to Jim Tressel.What about the BIG HOUSE - +107,000 doing the largest wave in all of sports. GO BLUE!!!What about the BIG HOUSE - +107,000 doing the largest wave in all of sports. GO BLUE!!!The best place to be for a college football is LSU because its the biggest tailgate party in the country.I-OThe Fightin' Texas Aggie Bonfire. What could be greater than thousands of students spending thousands of hours to build a seven+ story bonfire to show their burning desire to beat the hell outta t.u?Concur on Army-Navy as #1. But I would also put the most spine-tingling cheer in college fottball on the list: "Woooooo! Pig! Sooiieee!" Calling the Hogs at Razorback Stadium or War Memorial must be heard to be believed.OK, Carr losing to Tressel is the best comment here... LOL! Well done!DRUNK FRESHMAN GIRLS!!!!the Notre Dame-USC battle for the jeweled shilleglagh is the best tradition in college sports"It's been said Madison knows how to party... take a look for yourself. Opposing players STARE at the student section in amazement while the Badger players get jacked up. Nothing like it. (please watch entire video to appreciate the student section)"
Uh-huh.
Opposing players do state at the student section in amazement. They're amazed that (1)so many people can have so little rhythm, (2) a group of northwoods bumpkins is hopping about to a rap song and (3) so many people can have a family tree with so few branchesArmy/Navy, UW's 5th Quarter & Jump Around.The Expansion and rotation of the "M" at the Minnesota pre-games. Hardest 22min pregame of ANY college marching band.I-O!!
Lots of talk from the big schools, but they don't have a monopoly on tradition.
Wabash vs. Deepaw playing for the Monon Bell in the last game of the regular season. After 110+ years, Wabash is up in the all time series by a game or maybe two. You CANNOT find two schools that hate each other more, bar none. You just don't hear about it because the combined total student population is about 3,000.
WABASH ALWAYS FIGHTS!Texas A&M's 12th Man has to be at the top. No other school's tradition has been copied as often or with as much enthusiasm.Ruben got it right. There are many a great tradition in the other schools, but none of them come close to the richness of ones from Texas A&M. A football weekend at A&M is an experience for all the senses. Only the Army-Navy game, where the players have no expectations of professional football, but instead are preparing for the distinction of serving our great country, compares."Oh Please... the best college football tradition out there HAS to be Lloyd Carr losing to Jim Tressel."
Haha, clearly the best post so far...I-O!the nebraska tunnel walk and musicJump Around is a joke. The fact that the Badgers' proudest "tradition" is based on a song from 1992 shows just how far back their sorry history goes.The high stepping drum major flip(s) at PSU...one of the few traditions that takes talent...A word recommendation--"unique" means "one of a kind." Something either is or isn't. It can't be "kind of unique" or "more unique" any more than a person can be "kind of dead" or "more dead."
But, on a more serious note, I'd list the cadets and midshipmen at the Army-Navy game #1.the greatest traditions in college football are not limited to big time Division I teams. Everyone in New York knows that the "Biggest Little Football game in the Country" belongs to the Cortaca Jug - the annual Ithaca - Cortland season finale, played every november since 1948. Then the seniors go on to graduate with a real education and get jobs without the help of powerful alumni.Iowa State has a pretty decent tradition of losing.it definitely has to be Jump Around at Camp Randall. No matter where you are in the stadium you can feel the whole place move. It is intense plus the Badgers are the best team ever...Go Big RedFSU! Chief Osceola with the flaming spear has got to be in the top 5with all due respect to better modern-day football teams, how can the Harvard-Yale game be forgotten? The Original "The Game" has been played 123 times starting in 1875. With all its tradition, pranks, and place in the history of football (the first game was played to a 4-0 Harvard win because scoring was merely based on the field goal made after the touchdown) it is truly a top college football tradition.I have a few:
1) my heart swells with patriotic pride at the thought of the Army/Navy game.
2)Chief Osceola is not only incredibly impressive to watch, it ie REAL tradition: approved by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
3)The Battle Hymn of The Republic at Sanford Stadium before all UGA football games. A trumpeter begins the song with a solo from the bottom row of the upper deck in the south stands and the rest of the band joins in as Larry Munson's gravelly voice fills the air.."Heroes have graced the field before you..." No better place to watch football than "Between the Hedges!"
4) The UT Navy is pretty neat, too.I'm pretty sure Mike Stoops has been to College Station. He won there in 2000 and lost there in 2002. Apparently he wasn't impressed.Williams-Amherst No pay for these guys, just pure love of the game!yeah sorry wisconsin tradition, only 3 rosebowls, back to back capital one bowls, and ranked in top 15 every year since mid 90's. Your an idiot, study up your college football palThe University of Florida used to have a tradition of the band coming out to (somberly) play Westminster Chimes and tolling the hour, followed immediately by the very upbeat playing of the school's fight song as the team ran out onto the field. Cried like a baby the first time I heard and saw that. It was like I had waited my entire life to hear those notes and the screaming of the crowd, and to see team run through the band's UF formation.The West Virginia band forming the outline of their state of the field. Then once a whistle is blown they run like mad into new positions and recreate the outline of West Virginia facing the other set of bleachers. Get out a map this ain't Colorado.Chief Osceloa throwing the flaming torch at midfield for FSU home games. That absolutley jacks up the entire stadium!!Purdue vs. Indiana for the "Old Broken (Oaken) Bucket"Camp Randall... The 5th Quarter. Even years back when the team sucked, 30,000+ people would stay for a half hour after the game just to party with the band.yea, go aggies. i love traditions that kill their students.
GIG EM!Wisconsin has the best tradition, but it's not Jump Around. It's the Fifth Quarter. Win or lose, the band plays, the crowd dances, and the game doesn't end for another half-hour at least."We are the Boys" and Mr. 2-Bits are amazing traditions. Even though I'm a Gator, I'll concede that the split "T" at Neyland is pertty cool. With all honesty, though, LSU's fan base needs to prove themselves. I've never seen a crowd so easily taken out of a game. And FSU just sucks in general.the Vol Walk at UTThe University Of Michigan ‘Hal To The Victors is the only fight sound that’s worst listing toThe University Of Michigan ‘Hal To The Victors is the only fight sound that’s worst listing toIf you want original or one of a kind, how about ASU's marching band doing their Explosion Block?How 'bout the WVY Mountaineer marching band forming the flying WV? That's pretty awesome!!!To get the home fans fired up--none better than the Nebraska "Tunnel Walk" for the Huskers coming onto the field.Calling the Hogs in Fayetteville or any place we play. The other teams look at us like we're crazy, but the deafening roar and the bizarre call really freaks 'em out. Also, the Hogs thrive on it.How about "The Walk" at Ole Miss?
It adds a little dignity to what's becoming a really vulgar sports culture.I too like the Ohio I.Can the networks be persuaded to show more half time shows, as they used to?5. Wisc "Jump Around"
4. VT "Enter Sandman
3. Minn v Mich "The Little Brown Jug"
2. Clemson's "Touching the ROCK"
1. Army/Navy "start to finish"There are far better traditions at Wisconsin than Jump Around. Before each game, the singing of Varsity. The REAL school song. Everyone in the stadium, one hand raised, waving back and forth in unison. 80,000+ people united and singing together. THAT shows what UW football is about. That and the 5th quarter. Jump Around is a silly thing. Fun, yes. Crazy, yes. Great, yes. But a great tradition? Not compared to Varsity.Also, Enter Sandman playing as the Virginia Tech players enter the field amidst the wildest cheers in college football. Lunchbox in hand, etc. A beautiful thing to watch.If Michigan began playing App St on a yearly basis in the Big House then in just a few years I'd have to say that one of the greatest traditions would be seeing App St players celebrate in the Big House after each yearly victory! ...but since that can't happen I have to vote for Carr losing to Tressel. O-H...Burning couches in Morgantown after a big WVU win!Recent Posts
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