I've contemplated my reasons for opening the Mission, how they've changed, and the like. Stealing language from my first post, I've decided I want to concentrate on:
1. the cultural/historical importance of football
2. variations of fandom throughout the regions
3. common factors of success in program building
4. constitutent factors of "college football"
5. profiles of those who embody the spirit of college football
To that end, I am not focusing on the off-season dramas, and I am focusing on quality over quantity. My plan is to post twice a week. On Saturdays I'll be updating the Program Profiles, based off the analysis I did of each FBS program circa 2004. Though some of those profiles served as filler posts last off season, in this endeavor I'll post the original profile, then reevaluate as needed. About eight more programs have also joined the FBS since my original work. Sundays will be a day of reflection on one of the five concentrations.
So get ready for a fantastic year of football; 2011 will no doubt be a doozy.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Prelude to a Manifesto
Right now, I’m supposed to be writing a one thousand word essay about how I learned to write, the kind of writer I am, and the kind of writer I want to be. All I can think about is my shameful abandonment of the Mission.
In the whirl of holiday traveling, I got out of the blogging habit. I had lingering emotions from the Music City Bowl, and bubbling over emotions about Ohio State’s non-suspension and the upcoming national championship, all of which I decided would be easier to ignore than express. And anyway, I started the Mission as an escape from my day job. ‘I might do X by day,’ I could think to myself, ‘but really I blog about college football.’ Since then, I’ve changed jobs, gotten myself all centered and healthy. In time blogging is something I did out of inertia rather than enthusiasm, a chore rather than a pleasure. Did I really need to continue?
I meant to put a sign up, officially closing the Mission down; I couldn’t bring myself to do it. A part of me still needs a dedicated space to write about my favorite subject.
After all, I had goals and objectives when I started. Much of my dissatisfaction stemmed from the unrelenting feeling I’d been failing to meet them. Failure is a strong disincentive to do anything.
But in writing this essay interrogating my writing practices, I realize I can’t help but write. I shouldn’t ignore the compulsion or pretend it’s only okay to indulge in when I hate my day job. I may not have five hundred pounds a year, but in this space I do have a room of my own. I owe it to all who came before me to celebrate this circumstance.
In the coming while I’ll be thoughtfully and purposefully laying out my plans for the 2011 Mission. In the meantime, perk up—it’s the off season and we have much to discuss...
In the whirl of holiday traveling, I got out of the blogging habit. I had lingering emotions from the Music City Bowl, and bubbling over emotions about Ohio State’s non-suspension and the upcoming national championship, all of which I decided would be easier to ignore than express. And anyway, I started the Mission as an escape from my day job. ‘I might do X by day,’ I could think to myself, ‘but really I blog about college football.’ Since then, I’ve changed jobs, gotten myself all centered and healthy. In time blogging is something I did out of inertia rather than enthusiasm, a chore rather than a pleasure. Did I really need to continue?
I meant to put a sign up, officially closing the Mission down; I couldn’t bring myself to do it. A part of me still needs a dedicated space to write about my favorite subject.
After all, I had goals and objectives when I started. Much of my dissatisfaction stemmed from the unrelenting feeling I’d been failing to meet them. Failure is a strong disincentive to do anything.
But in writing this essay interrogating my writing practices, I realize I can’t help but write. I shouldn’t ignore the compulsion or pretend it’s only okay to indulge in when I hate my day job. I may not have five hundred pounds a year, but in this space I do have a room of my own. I owe it to all who came before me to celebrate this circumstance.
In the coming while I’ll be thoughtfully and purposefully laying out my plans for the 2011 Mission. In the meantime, perk up—it’s the off season and we have much to discuss...
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sing It Sinatra, For Music City
The referees can take a lot away from the Vols. They can take away downs, yards, and, in the end, victories. But there are so many things they can never take away.
They can't take away our entirely freshman o-line stout enough to defend our true freshman, passing quarterback. They can't take away the cherished bend but never break UT defense that's one of the youngest in the league. They can't take away the invaluable experience of surviving one of the most adversity-laden season in Vol history. As Stocker said after the game, "We'll be stronger because of this..."
They can't take away our resilience. We could have given up in October, after a 2-6 start. We didn't. We could have given up with a minute and a half left in UNC's hands. We didn't. We could have given up in overtime. We didn't. We played with all our hearts, young and underdeveloped they may be.
They can't take away our passion. In Bray's celebration of the game winning touchdown to the tears that brought him to his knees when the refs called the game,for real this time, he mirrored the reaction of all Vol fans. The stadium rocked all night with our unwavering support and enthusiasm for our team. Like Dooley said when asked if, because twice in one season a victory has been recalled after the coach's handshake, he said, "No. I'm lucky to be at Tennessee." Indeed, Vol fans know how fortunate we are to support one of the best programs in the country.
And that is what no one can ever, ever take away from us. The base, visceral thrill of watching the Orange stream through the Power T, singing "Rocky Top" all game long, whooting it up for our beloved Pride of the Southland Marching Band and their Circle Drill, letting our powerhouse past lead us into our powerhouse future, cheering and chanting along with 103,000+ in the best stadium in the country, and living by the Game Maxims. Rocky Top won't be on bottom much longer, but even if they were, I'd proudly wear my orange. Football supports our tradition, not the other way around.
I will never believe we didn't win this game. Mistakes were made, we should have played better. But with no time left on the clock, we did exactly what we needed to in order to win the game by the official NCAA rulebook: we had more points than the other team when the head official declared, "The game is over." I have a thousand words regarding the ensuing shenanigans, but none of them are positive, and you know what? I may have spent the past eighteen hours crying bitter tears of disappointment and frustration, but I have nothing but positive feelings about our future. Go Vols!
They can't take away our entirely freshman o-line stout enough to defend our true freshman, passing quarterback. They can't take away the cherished bend but never break UT defense that's one of the youngest in the league. They can't take away the invaluable experience of surviving one of the most adversity-laden season in Vol history. As Stocker said after the game, "We'll be stronger because of this..."
They can't take away our resilience. We could have given up in October, after a 2-6 start. We didn't. We could have given up with a minute and a half left in UNC's hands. We didn't. We could have given up in overtime. We didn't. We played with all our hearts, young and underdeveloped they may be.
They can't take away our passion. In Bray's celebration of the game winning touchdown to the tears that brought him to his knees when the refs called the game,for real this time, he mirrored the reaction of all Vol fans. The stadium rocked all night with our unwavering support and enthusiasm for our team. Like Dooley said when asked if, because twice in one season a victory has been recalled after the coach's handshake, he said, "No. I'm lucky to be at Tennessee." Indeed, Vol fans know how fortunate we are to support one of the best programs in the country.
And that is what no one can ever, ever take away from us. The base, visceral thrill of watching the Orange stream through the Power T, singing "Rocky Top" all game long, whooting it up for our beloved Pride of the Southland Marching Band and their Circle Drill, letting our powerhouse past lead us into our powerhouse future, cheering and chanting along with 103,000+ in the best stadium in the country, and living by the Game Maxims. Rocky Top won't be on bottom much longer, but even if they were, I'd proudly wear my orange. Football supports our tradition, not the other way around.
I will never believe we didn't win this game. Mistakes were made, we should have played better. But with no time left on the clock, we did exactly what we needed to in order to win the game by the official NCAA rulebook: we had more points than the other team when the head official declared, "The game is over." I have a thousand words regarding the ensuing shenanigans, but none of them are positive, and you know what? I may have spent the past eighteen hours crying bitter tears of disappointment and frustration, but I have nothing but positive feelings about our future. Go Vols!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Holiday Check In
Between the last week of classes and a mountain getaway with the family, I nearly lost sight of my true purpose here: getting folks interested in college football. In my absence, one coach has been fired and half a dozen bowl games have been played. And yet, I don't feel like I've missed much.
I was, however, reminded why college football matters. Saturday night, my family and I atteneded a dinner show. Packed uncomfortably close in an auditorium more barn like than theatre after a long day of sightseeing and shopping, I felt cranky, to make an understatement. I began questioning my every decision from why I agreed to come to this hillbilly show in the first place to why I thought spinning my wheels in grad school would be a good idea.
Then the band played Rocky Top. My mood elevated instantly. I couldn't stop smiling, sang along, and shook my invisible shaker in time with the added in 'Woo!' I felt centered and absolutely blessed to be able to spend the holidays with my family. The performance may have lasted two minutes, but the effect lasted all weekend.
I was, however, reminded why college football matters. Saturday night, my family and I atteneded a dinner show. Packed uncomfortably close in an auditorium more barn like than theatre after a long day of sightseeing and shopping, I felt cranky, to make an understatement. I began questioning my every decision from why I agreed to come to this hillbilly show in the first place to why I thought spinning my wheels in grad school would be a good idea.
Then the band played Rocky Top. My mood elevated instantly. I couldn't stop smiling, sang along, and shook my invisible shaker in time with the added in 'Woo!' I felt centered and absolutely blessed to be able to spend the holidays with my family. The performance may have lasted two minutes, but the effect lasted all weekend.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Will-come Wagon
I'll admit, when Will Muschamp announced he'd take on the Florida coaching job, it hurt my feelings. Never had anyone turned down the Vols, and it hurt. I don't know I'm ready for him to be so close to us.
Of course, nothing could be better for Orange Nation. Dooley is a committed class act who has done wonders with this season and appears primed to become one of the most beloved figures in UT sports. He's represented us with integrity, but had some fun on the way. Once we get over these growing pains, we'll be right back where we should be.
Florida on the other hand...here's what I know about Muschamp: he shrinks from a challenge, allows cash to speak louder than his promises, and can make a losing season out of National Championship talent. That's to say nothing of the havoc changing systems could wreak on the program and recruiting.
After this year's Florida game, I marked next year's as a win. After Urban retired for real, I had to white that out. After the Muschamp hire, I feel confident again.
So welcome to the SEC, Will. Maybe you think you know what big time football college is like, coming from Texas. We'll see if the pressure blossoms you into a Spurrier, or crushes you into a Zook.
Of course, nothing could be better for Orange Nation. Dooley is a committed class act who has done wonders with this season and appears primed to become one of the most beloved figures in UT sports. He's represented us with integrity, but had some fun on the way. Once we get over these growing pains, we'll be right back where we should be.
Florida on the other hand...here's what I know about Muschamp: he shrinks from a challenge, allows cash to speak louder than his promises, and can make a losing season out of National Championship talent. That's to say nothing of the havoc changing systems could wreak on the program and recruiting.
After this year's Florida game, I marked next year's as a win. After Urban retired for real, I had to white that out. After the Muschamp hire, I feel confident again.
So welcome to the SEC, Will. Maybe you think you know what big time football college is like, coming from Texas. We'll see if the pressure blossoms you into a Spurrier, or crushes you into a Zook.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Coaching Graveyard Update
Oh, it's been busy weeks for the undertakers. I think with this list, I'll have covered all of our recent internments:
1. Steve Roberts, formerly of Arkansas State.
2. Stan Parrish, formerly of Ball State.
3. Dan Hawkins, formerly of Colorado
4. Urban Meyer, formerly of Flordia
5. Doug Martin, formerly of Kent State
6. Rickey Bustle, formerly of ULL
7. Bill Lynch, formerly of Indiana
8. Todd Dodge, formerly of North Texas
9. Jerry Kill, formerly of Northern Illinois
10. Dave Wannstedt, formerly of Pittsburgh
1. Steve Roberts, formerly of Arkansas State.
2. Stan Parrish, formerly of Ball State.
3. Dan Hawkins, formerly of Colorado
4. Urban Meyer, formerly of Flordia
5. Doug Martin, formerly of Kent State
6. Rickey Bustle, formerly of ULL
7. Bill Lynch, formerly of Indiana
8. Todd Dodge, formerly of North Texas
9. Jerry Kill, formerly of Northern Illinois
10. Dave Wannstedt, formerly of Pittsburgh
Friday, December 10, 2010
Shakespearean Confessions
I have to admit this: left to my natural state, I'm a chicken fan. I've considered not attending games because I was afraid we'd lose, and I wasn't sure my heart could take it, having to be there, sitting through the whole debacle without a coloring book to ease your nerves when things get to intense, having to bear the burden of the other team's victory. It's just too much.
But I want to be supportive and never back down from a challenge. So when I get those doubting feelings, I recite Shakespeare's St. Crispan's Day speech from Henry V. That always pumps me up.
I've never been at our equivalent of Agincourt, never experienced being at a bona fide upset, though I have attended some amazing games. But on the flip side, there's something to be said for surviving our worst home loss in history (Florida 2008).
But I want to be supportive and never back down from a challenge. So when I get those doubting feelings, I recite Shakespeare's St. Crispan's Day speech from Henry V. That always pumps me up.
I've never been at our equivalent of Agincourt, never experienced being at a bona fide upset, though I have attended some amazing games. But on the flip side, there's something to be said for surviving our worst home loss in history (Florida 2008).
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