Mellophones

It's GAME DAY!

Down here in the South, football is a religion. You think that is an exaggeration until you actually experience football in the South. During football season, church service ends half an hour early so that we can get home for the "big" game. All of the games are big games. Imagine this: 85,000 people in one stadium. And that's just college ball. I never watched a Sooners football game before this semester. And I haven't even watched that many. I attended my first college football game in November. I sat in that stadium and all I could think was "If only these people could see themselves". But then I realized that somehow it just ropes you in. It's weird. And you don't even realize it at first. You think that you are just watching the game because your boyfriend plays in the band. And of course, its true. The most exciting part is seeing the band. But then you start singing along with the band, and doing the chants. Then you start to know which chants are supposed to happen at what times. Then you start learning the names of the players. Then one night you are sitting in your living room chanting, doing the hand motions, talking to the coaches and the players on TV as if they can hear you and it all hits you. You're a true Sooners fan. Not because you have to but because you love the team and the game. There is no one in the history of the world who hasn't liked football. Think back to the gladiator games during the times of the Romans. It's true. A football game in the South is reminiscent of the gladiators in ancient times. People have always gotten pleasure out of watching other people knock each other down. At least now we have rules and a little bit of class. And some really cool uniforms, cheerleaders, a band, and t-shirts. Of course, there are t-shirts.

I suppose the most amazing part is how football becomes people's identity. Some schools are defined by their academics, some schools are defined by their grad programs. OU is great because their football team is great. The people of Oklahoma are defined by the greatness of the college football team. And they have plenty of paraphernalia to let you know that. One shirt we saw as we were walking around Norman said "We not arrogant we are just better than yOU." I'm not kidding. And this was in one of the 1,000s of shops that contains millions of different types of OU regalia. Get this. You, yes you, can own your own OU toothbrush. Amazing? I don't know. True? Absolutely.

How much money do you think is spent on football every season. Think about it. 85,000 people for one game in on stadium. How much are tickets? Let's say on average they are $50. Some are a lot more, some a lot less. Do the math. Here I will for you. $4,250,000 on one college football game. Now let's say that 75,000 of those people are wearing an OU shirt or some sort of OU something. And let me tell you, 75,000 is low-balling it. That entire stadium is crimson and cream. So, at $10 (everything is more expensive than this but let's just say) that would be $750,000 spent on paraphernalia. I, myself, own three items of OU clothing. One sweatshirt: $50, Sweatpants: $25, T-shirt: $20. I'm not sure how I feel contributing almost $100 to the OU bandwagon. However, it is a lot of fun. Like I said before- somehow it just ropes you in.

OU is a program that brings out the best in every athlete. What is good about football? It gives people something to get behind. How much does it inspire a young player to do well when there is that many people that believe in you? How much pressure when you are a freshman quarterback and that many people are counting on you? What exactly is it about OU football that brings out the best in every athlete? What exactly does that mean? Does that mean that they have the best team spirit and work the best together as the team? Or is that it brings out individually the best in each athlete and since they have the best individuals it makes them look good as a team? The problem with OU people would claim is their pride. They are so proud of their school, its sometimes a little ridiculous. When your entire family goes to OU, all your shirts are red, you watch every football game...let's just say there is such thing as being excessive. Argumentatively, the best thing about OU is their pride. With that kind of pride, they can't help but be good at what they do. Their quarterback is a freshman who led his team to be Big 12 champions and also maintains a 4.0 GPA. Really? It makes you sit back and look at what you are doing with your life. But, the school should feel good that they can boast something like that. Not only do they encourage good athletics but also good academics. So maybe that's what really defines them as a great school.

Side Comment: This game is ridiculously vicious. They are knocking each other down left and right. I don't even think that either teams is really playing football. They are all so nervous. West Virginia wants to beat one of the best teams in college ball and Oklahoma needs to prove themselves from the loss to Boise State at the same bowl last year. I can feel the tension and I'm only watching on TV. And they are not catching the ball at all, either team. Only twice, and it was two Virigina interceptions. Come on guys, you beat Missouri twice. This should be a piece of cake. It's only the first quarter and they've lost the ball twice already. Virginia is ready, no doubt. But my boys will overcome. They just need to relax. Deep breaths boys. You can do it.
One more thing? WHY IS NO ONE CATCHING THE BALL?? Isn't that one of the first things that you practice in little league football camp? CATCH THE FREAKIN' BALL and this will be a much more interesting game. Next comment: Why the hell are people just running down the field with no one stopping them? This is a little ridiculous. Maybe we should start playing some football.