In a previous thread a poster commented on it's all about the experience so let's go with that line of thinking. Having both bands there was exciting. You could feel the excitement and tension in the atmosphere - two groups of kids who put their hearts and souls into what they do auditioning in front of 20K fans. Even though their styles are different, both bands distinguished themselves with both their performance and their sportsmanship. It was neat watching the Marshall band members react to the 110's gyrations. That 20 minute halftime was as good as it gets and I would respectfully ask the OU administration to consider inviting all visiting bands (can't do it at Homecoming but other than that).

The tv timeouts were brutal. I kept praying that after a change of possession, the man in red wouldn't walk out on the field. 3:31 minutes is just too long for a college football game.

I never saw so many smiling and welcoming faces from the ticket takers and security folks as I did yesterday. Someone must have shared Danny Meyer's book, Setting the Table with them. The crowd was very late arriving thus creating a massive jam of fans at the entry gate nearest the Convo. Going forward additional points of entry may need to be considered if the crowds remain this large.

Playing anything over our Kenner Close And Play sound system other than our PA announcer has to go. With two bands in the house, there was absolutely no need for any "music" to be interjected into the game and festivities. And that God awful cat roar, time to go too.

OU - O Yeah! That was pretty darn good too. The middle sections of students were really into the game and stayed till the end. Sure folks on the north end particularly and the sound end to some degree split early, but the hard core students were very supportive of the team.

And of course, the win in what will be forever remembered as "Penaltyfest" sets us up for a 3 and 0 start. Here's hoping for a beautiful sunny day next Saturday.

The past few games in Athens there were people on the Marshall board that claimed that they had half the crowd. If you are there then you can see that this is clearly not the case. It has been 5-6K to 20K or so in 2011, 2013, & yesterday. But their 5K had been as loud as OUr 20K a lot of the time in 2013. This was not the case at all yesterday.

What's "high school" is a percussion section that DOESN'T have a pit.


Look, I love the 110 as much as the next guy but there is a lot to be desired about their marching style. They use a high, jarring step that negatively affects the tone of the wind instruments. Plus, because they don't twist at the waist they can't keep their instruments pointed at the stands when they move left, right or backwards so the sound is constantly being pushed in different directions which affects the volume, balance and tone of the ensemble. Its one of the reasons why they stand and blow so much. Also, their drill is based on 4 person squads for simplification and all of their forms are basically straight lines and follow the leader. Its exactly what high school band directors use when they don't have the kids to make more complex formations.

Comparing a show style band to a corp style band is like a parent trying to compare their children- no point in declaring which one is better and why, just love them both for the way they are and leave it at that.

My first time seeing the Marshall Band was at the Little C's Pizza Pizza Bowl and did not enjoy their show that evening. I was not expecting much this time but was pleasantly surprised.

I enjoyed the dude singing and thought he did a fine job cutting the rug--it was different so it interested me. Then watching a few really good twirlers added to the attraction to the good sound being put out. I was happy they didn't march around sideways and backwards and stood an entertained me!

I moved to the student side for the half show and was surprised, in a close game, how many of our students hit the road without watching a bit of the third period.

This surprised you? It's a sad and decades-long tradition.

I agree that the Marshall band sounded solid. Overall a very nice night, particularly given the result.

The biggest reason I go to so many more basketball games than football is the excruciating length and amount of downtime of the football games. My kids eyes stay peeled on the action and I get home by 10:30 in basketball...they usually forget there is a game in front of them for football and I get home at nearly 1:00 am.

The 110 has the more entertaining style, that's all there is to it. Unless you've been in the 110, you really don't have a right to bash anything they put on the field.

Actually anyone has the right to bash anything they want. We may not like it but people do have the right. That being said I pretty much love everything the 110 does.

I completely agree. This isn't just an issue for folks with young kids. It's an issue for adults as well. This is something that keeps me from making the trek on weeknight games to Athens. The game isn't gonna end until nearly midnight. Conversely, I can come for a Wednesday basketball game and be in bed by 11ish.

I'm not sure there's a solution, but the length of games is an absolute problem.

I think it's a football issue in general as the NFL is also grappling with this. It remains a hugely popular sport because of how good the TV experience is. The in-stadium experience, not so much.

Game experience was great! Being directed uptown as we left our parking lot was a little weird. Really did not want to head uptown on a Saturday evening when I could of gone the new S. Green Drive. I tried and was denied.

How about another roundabout at South Green Drive and Richland? Wouldn't that be fun?

Anytime I approach a roundabout, I say in my head, "Fortune favors the bold," because that is exactly how you are supposed to handle one. Don't wait for traffic to clear, because it won't. Just go, and it'll be fine.