College Football: The 50 Best Team Hype Videos for 2011
So, you think there is no possible way you could get more fired up for college football to begin again?
Are you already so jacked, juiced and amped up that every time you watch golf and/or baseball you just sit there with a little smirk on your face?
Well, other than watching the NFL preseason games (yeah…they may be backups for three quarters but it’s still full speed, live-action football) the following slideshow might be one of the only means of getting you more wound up for the 2011 season of college football, which is almost (finally) upon us.
This multimedia extravaganza presents 50 of the best team hype videos for 2011 and ranks them (for your pleasure) from 50 all the way up to No. 1.
These short film tributes to gridiron greatness and football fantasy are readily available in mass via the World Wide Web; some have been painstakingly crafted by fans, others are the products of university media departments and while some schools have 10 to choose from others don’t have a single one posted for 2011.
What they all have in common is the ability to get you suitably jacked-up for college football which makes this a very difficult list to rank (heck, even if you are a hater, it’s hard to hate this bold, thrilling format).
Because, at the end of the day you’ve got a football deprived fanatic watching video after video of highlight reel-worthy clips and photos, carefully edited to perfection with a backdrop of thumping, motivating music.
It’s a lot like letting a person who has just dieted for three months rip into a buffet of chicken wings, fries and desserts. YUM.
And so, my friend, be comfortably seated and enjoy the meal prepared especially for you as you wait for that blessed morn of Sept. 1, 2011.
BRING ON THE FOOTBALL!
50. Troy
1 of 50The Troy Trojans are looking for their sixth straight Sun Belt title in 2011 and may be one of the most underappreciated programs in the FBS.
This is an awesome video tribute to the "other" Trojans.
49. Washington State
2 of 50"We are Wazzu" is Washington State's version of the pump-up video and though the "I Get Knocked Down But Get Up Again" lyrics are a bit dated, you have to give the Cougars credit for having something out there.
There's a bunch of BCS conference teams with nothing on the video table for 2011, Washington State is not one of those teams.
48. Air Force
3 of 50Overall, this is a somewhat eerie presentation with an edge of a dangerous, lurking evil which I suppose is meant to forewarn opponents of the dangers of Air Force football in 2011.
I'm thinking Boise State and TCU should watch this and be duly advised of the Falcons honorable intentions...to beat them soundly.
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47. Tennessee
4 of 50Though the video quality is somewhat poor, this production certainly gives you an appreciation for what the Vols did on the field last season.
The highlights tell of Tennessee's skill and speed, and how can you not like an ending that includes "We'll slash you all!"
46. East Carolina
5 of 50This one has Ruffin McNeill and ECU highlights interlaced with dramatic Pirate outtakes...WOW, that's all I can say.
"This is our house, this is our state, this is our nation, the Pirate Nation!"
Amen, brother.
45. Iowa
6 of 50This is a well-done slideshow with some great still shots, but no video. I like the 2011 schedule with last year's results, and the fact that you also get many of the key players photos.
Overall, it's definitely a "rah rah" affair directed at the fans.
44. Auburn
7 of 50Not surprisingly, it was difficult to find an Auburn video looking forward as most of them (very rightly) solely chronicled last year's amazing events.
This particular presentation is cool, especially the very beginning, but when the video clips start rolling you get the sense that one of the major points of the production is Greg McElroy down on his back (which is featured over and over again).
The quality of the clips could be better as could the transition to the championship game clip with the winning field goal, but overall it's good stuff.
43. Hawaii
8 of 50I like the "Warriors come out and play" intro even though it's a bit freaky, and you have to love the awesome highlight clips chronicling Hawaii's successes in 2010.
I especially enjoyed the ending that features a poster with a Hawaii player looking to the future in the sunset...the Mountain West in 2012.
42. Arizona
9 of 50A classic tribute dedicated to proving "they told us" statements as wholly incorrect, this Arizona pump-up extravaganza draws on some memories of yore to fire up the current troops.
The video quality varies, but the entire affair ends well by stating, "Who will be wrong about us this year?"
Bear down Arizona, bear down....
41. Army
10 of 50This one is fairly simple; some Patton quotes and a slew of good Black Knights highlights from the 2010 campaign.
It's vigorous and bolstered by the obvious desire for the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy, and finishes with a very spirited, "Go Army! Beat Everyone!"
40. SMU
11 of 50The Ponies' hype video runs cool highlights broken up by current players stating the key principles that will underline the 2011 SMU season.
This is a solid production for a team that is primed to finally take its seat back at the table of victory.
Heart.
39. Colorado
12 of 50Though there are no video clips in this masterpiece, "the new era of Colorado football" is a flat-out stirring affair.
The growing intensity of the music in this production really gets you juiced up, and is only temporarily calmed when you attempt to determine the identity of the five guys in front of the "Colorado Football" trailer, who have approximately four cases of beer at their feet.
This is perhaps the best example of an amped-up, still-shot college football hype video in 2011.
38. Michigan State
13 of 50The Spartans' hype video is indeed dynamic, but it seems to lack the edge that some of the other presentations possess.
It's still a high quality affair with lots to like and so we heartily exclaim, "Go Green! Go White!"
37. Baylor
14 of 50Props to Baylor for having such a riveting production to greet the 2011 season! I especially liked the amped-up beginning of this video and the end, which features Coach Briles stating, "We're serious about being a championship football program at Baylor ...."
Well said, coach, well said.
36. Louisville
15 of 50This is a very solid, very amped-up video and features some absolutely stunning shots of Louisville on game day.
Whoever edited the clips did a great job of using effects to highlight the good stuff, and overall (and despite the lack of a concrete ending) it's really difficult not to like this specific multimedia extravaganza.
35. San Diego State
16 of 50This is SDSU's very brief season ticket commercial, but it's very well done and serves as a reminder that though the Aztecs have lost Coach Brady Hoke, they return a steaming heap of offensive firepower for the 2011 season.
34. Arizona State
17 of 50On behalf of ASU we proudly present a stirring rendition of "Fear the Fork," which chronicles the history and impact of the utensil itself and features some very cool old photos of people being chased with forks.
This is one of the best videos on the entire list, but lacks the level of "smack" from a purely football point of view and loses points for the last 57 seconds being a still shot of the ASU logo, etc.
I personally like this video immensely as it promotes school spirit in an entertaining way.
33. Miami FL
18 of 50"Miami Motivation" has one of the best intros of any presentation on this list, but after a lengthy (though very good) clip of new Head Coach Al Golden at his opening press conference, it just goes on and on forever.
Though the clips are almost too numerous, this is a great video that ends interestingly with a postgame interview with Kellen Winslow, Jr. who goes off after the 2003 loss to Tennessee (6-10).
32. UConn
19 of 50This is a very short, university-produced season ticket sales commercial for the 2011 UConn Huskies.
It is a high quality, exciting affair and is highlighted by incoming Head Coach Paul Pasqualoni looking somewhat dazed and confused throughout.
31. Texas
20 of 50It's Rocky highlights, it's Texas highlights and though it's cool it's difficult to buy the inference that the Longhorns are the underdog, yet overachieving Rocky Balboa from the rough side of Philly. Aren't these the same guys who just had lunch at the Barton Creek Spa and Resort? Yes, it's a sickening celebrity tribute to UT, but it's still a very creative mix between the Rocky films and Texas football clips. |
30. Boston College
21 of 50This is another university produced ticket sales vehicle, but it is very cool and features some great training shots, stadium step running and team spirit.
Short but oh so sweet.
29. Notre Dame
22 of 50This Notre Dame "pump up" video features an above average opening and then rolls out the Irish highlights video-a-thon.
I especially like the ending, which features a voice-over by Knute Rockne giving one of his famous speeches.
This production is sure to stir the souls of more than just the Irish faithful, good stuff.
28. Kent State
23 of 50Yes, it's hard to fathom Kent State being so far up this list, but you have to check out this video; it is nothing short of stunning.
It is basically a stirring call for ticket sales, but who else, after viewing this, is ready to watch Kent State hit the field?
Great effects and a huge dose of "wow" factor.
27. Oklahoma
24 of 50This is a hype-up for the Week 3 Oklahoma versus Florida State game, and it is presented from a Sooners' perspective.
The audio package is via NCAA Football 12 and this production will absolutely get you fired up for this blockbuster, huge impact game.
To see Florida State's pump-up video for the same contest, look ahead in the list for the Seminoles who are ranked at No. 18.
26. South Carolina
25 of 50Though the video quality in this hype production varies, the wide shots of the Gamecocks running the stadium steps from afar are among the best clips in the entire list.
The training camp stuff is a bit repetitive, but it is legend, especially with the high resolution.
Overall, this is a rousing presentation of South Carolina football.
25. West Virginia
26 of 50This is a wonderful, short and high quality hype video that was obviously made before Bill Stewart received his pink slip at West Virginia.
What's not to like about Dana Holgorsen's hair and the "amped-up" tone of this little gem?
24. California
27 of 50Cal's "2010, A Year to Forget" is well chronicled and complemented by suitable wailing music and colorless video.
After the gnashing of teeth wraps up, this presentation does the best job of any at actually previewing the season; you get the recruiting wrap-up, a look at the starters, clips of spring ball and then you get a full dose of delicious PUMP UP.
This is a very complete package.
23. Ohio State
28 of 50"Win it for Tress" is a tribute to Jim Tressel and whether you agree with its blaring tones or not, it is a good insight into how OSU fans feel about what has happened to their beloved football program.
Looking ahead, the video presents a good message for 2011, which is "Time to Shock the World" and it wraps up with Luke Fickell speaking, but then can't help but continue to cut back to shots of Tressel.
Hopefully the team can "get over it" more completely than this video can.
22. Michigan
29 of 50The intro on this video Odyssey features a monologue by Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday and does a tremendous job of delving into the "dark era" of Michigan football.
The opening sequence is definitely longish, but this hype production heats up quickly and if you don't get fired up for football at the apex of the "pump up" portion of this clip, then you don't have anything left in your heart.
21. Clemson
30 of 50Clemson's tribute to pumping it up is chock full of masterful scenes of the Tiger's game-day entrance in a traditional though stirring manner.
Though this was put out last year and is purportedly the video shown in the stadium just before Clemson actually runs down its historic hill, this is as "pumped" up as any video on this entire list.
Howard's Rock ... seriously, it's tough to top that.
20. Georgia
31 of 50This video presents an amazing hype-up for the Week 1 clash between Georgia and Boise State; though it's done by a UGA enthusiast it is very, very fair to both teams and captures a load of excitement.
What's even cooler are the video clips of the two teams' only other meeting, which came in Athens in 2005 when the Bulldogs pummeled the Broncos 48-13.
Gird your loins for excitement and anticipation as you watch this awe-inspiring masterpiece.
19. Arkansas
32 of 50This motivational presentation begins with narration provided by an oh so familiar yet soothing voice, and then rolls into an amazing slew of Razorback highlights that will make your head spin.
Even though it runs a little long, this pump-up video is sure to inspire even the most weak-hearted Hog.
18. Florida State
33 of 50This is the Florida State version of the hype video for the Seminoles versus Oklahoma blockbuster game scheduled for Week 3 of the upcoming season.
The intro featuring clips from last year's clash in Norman is colorless and features suitably distressing music taking you slowly towards the transition into the present, which is a Sooner getting whacked by a Seminole; scary yet totally indicative of a new attitude.
The video is fair to both teams and runs a bit longer than the Oklahoma version, which is ranked at No. 27 on this list.
17. Oklahoma State
34 of 50This is a remarkable piece of pump-up art, especially given the fact that it is all still shots and lacks any actual video clips.
I could have done without the "word and name montage" at the midpoint, but overall the combination of the words, photos and music is stellar.
"Win the Big 12."
"Win a BCS bowl game."
"To be National Champions."
16. Virginia Tech
35 of 50If this were Frank Beamer's Facebook status I would hit "Like" as many times as humanly possible.
Really enjoyed the way the editor highlighted key players and coaches in the actual game footage...this is truly rousing stuff!
15. Southern Miss
36 of 50Sadly, this production had fewer views on YouTube than virtually every video on this list, with right at 500 hits a bunch of folks are missing out on a very cool hype-up presentation.
The highlights and the video effects are top tier and we have another appearance by Al Pacino via his monolgue from Any Given Sunday (which is also featured in the Michigan pump-up); overall the result is magnificent.
This may be an overlooked program in 2011 with an overlooked hype video.
14. UCF
37 of 50The Knights' University-produced hype may be the best ticket sales vehicle on the list...it is freaking awesome!
The best quote of the production is, "12 one-game seasons," which is followed by the high definition logos of each 2011 opponent in order of appearance.
This is rock solid.
13. Alabama
38 of 50The Tide's hype-up is chock full of high quality highlights, but leans pretty hard on 2009 clips, which gives it one more reason to be suitably labeled "oozing with national championship aspirations."
Alabama's intentions in 2011 are crystal clear...win it ALL.
12. Florida
39 of 50What's better than great football clips mixed with creepy swamp photos of real alligators?
Well, if you ARE the Gators it might not get any better than that, and this provocative production has those key elements and much, much more.
This one will raise the hair on the back of your neck (oh, the music) and the only knock against it is the varying quality of the actual clips.
Awesome.
11. Penn State
40 of 50Penn State's version of the pump-up may start out a little slow, but it makes up for it in intensity and spirit as it progresses.
The training clips included are inspiring, and this is the only hype video that almost shows a guy throwing up during conditioning (how do you not like that?).
Prepare to feel the "white out" in Happy Valley and get ready to get JACKED UP on college football.
10. Nebraska
41 of 50This is a pump-up video dedicated to Nebraska's "black shirt" defense and it is flat out stellar.
The video editing is amazing and uses slow motion and different angles to really highlight some hard-hitting defensive mastery.
This extravaganza has "bumps up" written all over it...outstanding.
9. Texas A&M
42 of 50Well, I don't even like Texas A&M and I think this video is loaded with WOW factor...yes, I like it.
You can't argue the merit of an intense presentation like this; it's a superb combination of music, video and effects.
I'm not going to get all cheesy and ridiculous, but I will cleanse my sour soul by chanting "Go Tech!" throughout every tick of the 3 minutes and 3 seconds of this video.
8. Iowa State
43 of 50This is Iowa State's season ticket sales commercial and it is, simply put, well done.
I am not sure if it is the colors, the effects or the music, but this one jumps out and grabs you, which I suppose is the real reason for the "pump-up" video.
Consider me suitably PUMPED UP.
7. Georgia Tech
44 of 50The best music in these types of videos is the kind that makes football seem crucial in a historical and almost religious way, and this is exactly what the song does in Georgia Tech's artful masterpiece entitled, "Our Time is Now."
Bonus points are duly awarded for including actual video highlights of the Yellow Jackets facing each opponent on the 2011 schedule, and then for a closing sequence that dramatically shows the sights and sounds that make college football the best team sport in the nation.
If the actual video quality was better this would be the No. 1 production on this list.
6. Pittsburgh
45 of 50This is a very brief, extremely intense video highlighting the new era of Pitt football. Though it might not have the long roll of video clips that others offer, this packs a dramatic punch that hits you square in the face.
High quality and dazzling.
5. Nevada
46 of 50You could assert that this montage is mostly about Nevada's historic 2010 win over Boise State and you would be exactly right, but this is just the kind of production that will give the pure at heart a major case of the goose bumps.
Nevada Football.
We Believed.
And, We Believe.
4. LSU
47 of 50LSU proves that it doesn't take 6 minutes to stir the soul ... what this lacks in length it gains in pure substance.
And seriously, if you did a hype video on LSU and didn't include Les Miles munching on grass you couldn't even consider being labeled as "respectable."
You can love them, hate them or leave them, but LSU football is spectacular.
3. NC State
48 of 50At some point in this video you start to remember what is so great about college football, sports and life in general.
Who would have thought that the Wolfpack could kick it like this? Who would have thought that music timed perfectly with defensive hits could have made you feel this way? Who would have thought that NC State had so much lethal speed?
NC State...astrophysical.
2. Boise State
49 of 50If their blue turf, non-BCS status and desire to be noticed all turn you off, I recommend you check this production out...it's crazy good.
Who knew that in just over a minute you could be ready to take to the blue turf and start whomping on the entire Mountain West?
This presentation is very high quality, it's intense, it's high energy and, at the end of the day, it's among the very best hype videos in the land.
1. Oregon
50 of 50And here it is, the pinnacle of hype videos, the apex of pump-up productions...the Oregon Ducks rockin' it at the top of the charts.
Start with some woeful piano music setting the backdrop for a close loss in last year's national championship, add in Chip Kelly's "we'll be back" speech and then JUICE IT, KICK IT and knock that little ball out of the park with a home run highlight effort.
The clips are of the highest quality, the music makes me want to punch my sister and, friend, if you ain't ready after watching this, you ain't gonna be ready.
BAM! College football 2011...It's here!
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