If after reading this, you think what a waste of a column, and I sincerely hope you don't, but if you do, blame my good friend Will Young. At church this morning he told me he really liked my blog (and I thanked him), and I could I write another today. Sure Will, nothing like a little pressure, just like Tuesday nights back at the old Star Herald.
So what I have decided to do, is pick out the college football teams I like and don't like and tell you why. Seems simple enough. Remember these are just my feelings, so feel free to disagree. It's not my problem if you're misguided. Just kidding.
I started following the Big 8 growing up, and since my parents, grandparents, cousins, preacher, milkman, pizza delivery guy were all from Arkansas, I followed the Southwest Conference as well. As time passed, the Big 8 became the Big XII, and the Southwest Conference ceased to exist, so I followed Arkansas to the SEC. Now, fully one-third of the teams from the old Big XII are now in the SEC, well, let's just say the SEC is pretty much all I follow. Though we will touch on a few from other conferences I like or despise.
SEC
These will be in alphabetical order by like or dislike.
Like
Alabama - Seriously, you have to ask? Bear Bryant is the greatest, Gene Stallings is as fine a man as there is, and Nick Saban? Not bad for a guy from West Virginia. Roll Tide.
Florida - I lived in Naples, Florida for three years back in the mid-90's and loved the Gators. If God had answered my prayer I would still be living there. He said know, and said "I have something else in mind for you. Hint, it starts with an M
Georgia - Ok, I know this will cause some concern among the rank-and-file, but both of my boys grew up in Georgia and one still lives there, as do my grandkids. Plus I always liked Mark Richt and Kirby Smart.
LSU - If Georgia didnt cause you to choke on your Cheerios, this one will. Why do I love the LSU Tigers? One reason, well maybe three or four reasons, but one really important reason. I was born in Louisiana. Really don't need any other reason. I do like they wear white at home, and have goalposts that have two posts, not one like the rest of the world
Mississippi State - The perennial underdog. (no pun intended). I like the Bulldogs for several reasons. 1. They are not Ole Miss. 2. I really liked Mike Leach 3. They have a great baseball program. 4. Cowbells. 5. I love the Weather Channel and nearly half their on-camera people went to school there.
Missouri - Ok, you knew this was coming. I lived in Missouri from the time I was two until 18, then periodically thereafter. Did I tell you about having a front row seat when the Mini-Mizzou band and the Golden Girls came to my high school? It was, as my son Barclay would say, glorious.
South Carolina - M and I travel a lot. Most of the time we go to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. On average we spend a month there every year. I love South Carolina. A lot. I like the people and the food. Plus, that is where Hootie and the Blowfish got their start and where my brother Barry forst went to grad school
Vanderbilt - Seriously, is there anyone who doesn't like Vanderbilt? As added reasons, my brother-in-law Don got his Master's there, and my nephew Titus works in the pediatric ICU at Vanderbilt Hospital.
Dislike
Arkansas - I have spent 21 years of my life in Arkansas, so why do I dislike the Razorbacks. I don't per se, i like their coach, plus Frank Broyles was a good man, I've had relatives graduate from there, it's so many of their fans I can do without. Most of them think Arkansas gets no respect, if there is a penalty, it was a bad call because the refs are out to get them. One time I had a friend tell me when we were talking about recruiting, "why would anyone want to go to Alabama, Florida or LSU when they can come to Arkansas." I just looked at him and "Seriously?" Seriously, a lot of Arkansas fans have a huge chip on their shoulder, which is why they are in this category
Oklahoma - This goes back to the Big 8 days. Grrrrrrrr
Ole Miss - I just don't care for schools who think they are better than everyone else
Tennessee - If I hear Rocky Top one more time......
Don't Care
The following SEC schools I neither like nor dislike. Auburn, Kentucky, Texas and Texas A&M
Other Division One Programs and one Division II
Like
Arizona State - The Sun Devils, isn't that cool name, the Sun Devils have the sharpest, coolest mascot on the planet. Did you see their orange helpnets in the first round of the playoffs. "Sparky" looked like he was running and was holding a pitchfork. He also has this ultra-cool Salvadore Dali moustache. Yes I like a team for their mascot
Cal-Berkeley - My son Clayton works there. Do I need another reason?
Harding - Mine and M's alma mater and the 2023 NCAA Div. II Football Champions. Go Bison!
Iowa State - Again we harken back to the Big 8 days. Every year it seemed, the Cyclones would beat either Oklahoma or Nebraska and honestly have no business beating them. But the rest of the Big 8 was grateful
Miami (FL) - See Florida
Michigan - This comes with a caveat. Only when they are playing Notre Dame or Ohio State
Military - If you are not rooting for Air Force, Army or Navy, well, there is just something wrong with you
Dislike
Kansas - If you grew up in Missouri, you would know why. Wars, well a war, was fought between these two states
Notre Dame - ugh, I hate typing the name. The king of thinking they are better than everybody else. Their own television contract, too good to commit full-time to a conference, and touchdown Jesus. I am a firm believer and have faith in Jesus Christ, but I am pretty sure he didn't play football or care if the Irish win or lose
Ohio State - If Notre Dame is number one, Ohio State is 1-A. Back when the SEC was winning 20 or so national championships in aa row did you ever, ever hear such griping coming from a school. One other thing, they insist on being called "The" Ohio State University. I'm sorry, I roll my eyes on that one
Ok Will, there is your blog for this Sunday evening 12 January 2025. Goodnight America, and all the ships at sea
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