We have all seen those shirts that say things like “Football is Life”. In putting our philosophical hat on, when it comes right down to it, I agree. And another fine rendition of the Music City Bowl tells all of us exactly that…if we choose to listen.
The new age of college football has become one of a playoff system and a payoff system. The playoff has some value of sorts, the payoff will be the end of an honorable game where school spirit once ruled. Nashville’s holiday tradition is still one of those throwbacks in the game where a dinosaur such as I can smile from ear to ear. Let us expound upon those thoughts.
Now in all honesty, we know money has long exchanged hands between booster and player in college football. However, College came before Football and there was honor and commitment involved. Yes, players accepted things in exchange for their services, but it was all under the table and the hush-hush kept people in line. Teams went to bowl games as a reward for having a winning season and the chance to knock heads with another bunch of little familiarity. If healthy, every player went out to compete for pride and bragging rights.
In today’s world it seems as though Football comes before College and the transfer portal and NIL deals have infused chaos in place of honor. Money and people can scuttle anything and this current climate appears to be placing this once sacred entity in the Titanic category.
Enough about that, let’s talk about why the Music City Bowl is of importance. Missouri and Iowa toed the turf at Nissan Stadium with one thing in mind on December 30. Represent my school and put a whipping on them boys from that other state. With pride as their trophy, this throwback atmosphere lends to the enhancement of higher education, which I believe is the reason for college athletics. An old school sports approach teaches life skills and in this 26th rendition, class was in session.
As a boisterous 43,000 plus fans looked on, runners ran, tacklers tackled, kickers kicked and cheerleaders cheered. The apple of everyone’s eye had nothing to do with a playoff game or a paycheck. This one was simply about an opportunity to compete on a neutral field in a destination city. Missouri may have emerged with a thrilling 27-24 win over Iowa, but in the end, the fans and both the Tigers and Hawkeyes left as winners.
“We are really proud of what the Music City Bowl has become”, says Bowl president Scott Ramsey, who has been involved since day 1 back in 1998. “We love what it does for the participants and our community.”
The Music City Bowl is a shining light for a Stegasaurus like myself and hopefully it can continue for many years to come.
