College Football 2011: Theme Songs for Every Top 25 Team
Every program out there has a fight song that represents the school, program and their beloved area, region or state in classic and positive fashion. It's part of tradition in not just college football or athletics, but for the university as a whole. Fight songs often become famous tunes that go hand-in-hand with the school, and some are actually quite a tune.
Yet, each season brings on new challenges and goals to accomplish, therefore a new theme comes season after season. So for this, we're going to determine a theme song that represents each of the 2011 preseason top 25 teams in the country. Music and college football? Besides food, those have to be two of my utmost favorite things in life.
So, come listen...err...read about your favorite school's theme song for 2011.
25. West Virginia
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This will be the last go for Mountaineers head man Bill Stewart, who will let Dana Holgorsen run the offense in 2011 and then the entire program in 2012. Stewart will be on his farewell tour and saying his final goodbyes around the country, so he will be in a reflective mood in 2011.
A theme song I like for him is "My First Song" by Jay-Z. Like Stewart, "Hov" was creating what many, including him, thought to be his final album, and this was the final track on "The Black Album." Jay-Z reflected on his fondest and not-so-fondest, memories and what led him to pursue a career as an artist.
Stewart will be doing the same in 2011.
24. Mississippi State
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Dan Mullen's squad burst onto the scene in 2010 and had so much of a breakout year that when the Florida job opened up, many Gator fans were hankerin' for Mully to return to Gainesville. Equipped with an extension, Mullen will try to lead the Bulldogs atop the SEC in 2011 after a 9-4 season.
Tine Tempah and Eric Turner feel they are on the verge of something big, which definitely is the feeling around the MSU Bulldog program these days. I think "Written in the Stars" is the perfect theme song for Coach Mully to find his knee brace and neck roll guys and win 10 games this year.
23. Texas
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A bit of a low ranking for constant powerhouse Longhorns, but Texas was just 5-7 last year and are breaking in several new coaches. However, I do think Bryan Harsin will work wonders with Garrett Gilbert, and I expect Malcolm Brown to make an immediate impact in the run game.
Texas will look to restore their power around the Big 12 and the country by donning the mark of their return—T.I.'s "I'm Back" is the perfect song for the Longhorns to constantly use as a rallying cry every Saturday as they run out on the field. Mack Brown and the Longhorns will be looking to tell the world of college football they're back.
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22. Florida
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Florida will begin the 2011 season in year one of the Will Muschamp area. Muschamp is no stranger to Gainesville, as he spent his childhood right down the street from The Swamp as a big Gator fan, and he has recruited in the SEC at both LSU and Georgia. Muschamp has some talent on his roster and will bring in pro-style systems on both sides of the ball with Charlie Weis and Dan Quinn.
With Muschamp being a Gainesville native and saying that this has always been his dream job, the chorus to Dirty Money's "I'm Coming Home" is very, very perfect and fitting as the theme for Florida in 2011. Muschamp is back "home," and the Gators are trying to get back the SEC throne they feel is theirs.
21. Virginia Tech
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VaTech has been one of the most consistent programs over the past 15 to 20 years, as Frank Beamer is one the best head coaches in the country. Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams are both gone, and the Hokies will have to retool the offense in 2011, yet four offensive linemen return to Blacksburg in 2011. Bud Foster always has the Hokie D ready to go and Beamer Ball will be on and poppin' on the special teams units.
I'm sticking to classic Virginia Tech Hokie football fashion and saying that Metallica's "Enter Sandman" is and always will be the team's theme song. Seeing their entrance to this before home games is one of the greatest joys of college football—bar none.
20. Arizona State
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ASU went 6-6 in 2010, but lost a handful of strikingly close games. If it weren't for a few bounces that didn't go their way, the Sun Devils would have been a nine- or perhaps 10-win squad. They will have 10 starters coming back on offense and nine on defense, including Vontaze Burfict, who is the top linebacker in the Pac-12 and one the best defensive players in the country.
Dennis Erickson and the Sun Devils are not just looking to win a few more games in 2011; they want a Pac-12 title. "I Want It All" by Queen seems to suit them best in my opinion. The Sun Devils look to be serious contenders out west.
19. Nebraska
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Big Red makes the move from Big 12 to Big Ten country, as they will switch conference pledges in the 2011 season. But make no mistake, the Cornhuskers come into the conference of Legends and Leaders as one of the flagship favorites, and they fit right in. Bo Pelini has retooled his offensive staff and has Taylor Martinez back as his starting field general. Martinez surely becomes one of the best players in the Big Ten.
Daring the entire conference to challenge them on the field, "Come On, Get It" by Lenny Kravitz is my pick for the Cornhuskers. Bo Pelini will need to get the bad taste out of his team's mouth, as they lost three out of their final four games, including their bowl game to Washington. But Pelini's intensity will raise the level of play for Nebraska in 2011.
18. Auburn
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I've said a few times this offseason that I think Auburn will take a step back this year, but to open the season, the defending champs have to be ranked. While they likely won't win the SEC, their young talent will flash enough to win a handful of games and stay in a couple that Auburn shouldn't be in.
Obviously losing Cam Newton and Nick Fairley will sting, but Gene Chizik is sitting on two back-to-back top-10 recruiting classes.
Rick Ross' updated version of "Push It To The Limit" sounds good for the Auburn Tigers of 2011. The song has a work ethic feel to it that simply motivates any listener to put out their best effort. Chizik will have the young Tigers in this mind-frame this season.
17. Missouri
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Missouri will look to prove that Blaine Gabbert wasn't the end-all, be-all for their squad in 2011. They have some work to do as they were only .500 down the stretch last year and lost their bowl game to Iowa. Word is the Tigers have been pretty stoked about their Big 12 title hopes this offseason and are working very hard.
But when you lose a potential No.1 overall draft pick, who happens to be a QB, you are out to prove that you can still win without him. Lupe Fiasco's "The Show Goes On" is the perfect theme song for the Tigers in 2011. It shows they know they have to prove themselves and move on from Gabbert, but their big dreams remain.
16. TCU
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TCU is in a similar spot to Missouri as they lost a wealth of talent from their roster, including QB Andy Dalton, who has gone from a preseason undrafted free agent NFL prospect to now an expected middle-round pick. Gary Patterson is one of the hardest working coaches in America, and the Horned Frogs are moving into the Big East in 2012.
Still a bit on cloud nine from their big-time Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin, TCU will look to capture their 2010 season and bottle it up to use again in 2011. Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" is my pick for their 2011 theme song.
15. Notre Dame
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The Irish have suffered a big-time set back with stud receiver Micheal Floyd getting himself suspended indefinitely by Brian Kelly. After his second alcohol-related offense in his career, there is a growing consensus that Floyd may leave South Bend and enter the supplemental NFL draft. Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees will go through spring slugging it out for he QB job. The defense is also improving quickly.
"Pump It" by the Black Eyed Peas should apply well to the Irish in 2011. The Irish are one of the most talked-about sports entities in history, and Brian Kelly will look to have them let loose and break through in 2011.
14. Michigan State
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Minus that huge thrashing Alabama gave the Spartans, you easily see that they played well in 2010. They won a share of the Big Ten title and return stud running back Edwin Baker (love the first name), along with sidekick Le'Veon Bell and QB Kirk Cousins. They have to find replacements for Greg Jones and Eric Gordon on the linebacker level but should challenge for Big Ten authority again in 2011.
The Spartans seem ready to make a mark on the bright lights of the national spotlight. I think Mark Dantonio could draw inspiration from Kanye West's "All of the Lights" in 2011.
13. Texas A&M
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Mike Sherman proved in 2010 that he has the Aggies pulling in the right direction, as a 9-4 year was highlighted by wins over Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Jeff Fuller and Cyrus Gray return along with QB Ryan Tannehill and seven other starters on offense.
It seems like the Achilles' heel was the offensive line, but after getting their feet wet in 2010, the big ugly unit should be improved in 2011. The 3-4 scheme on defense will lose Von Miller, but a second season in the scheme will bode well for the program.
I like "Violet Hill" by Coldplay to set the determined mood of Sherman and Aggies in 2011.
12. South Carolina
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The Gamecocks look like the preseason favorite to win the SEC East at this point. Stephen Garcia will look to fend off Conor Shaw in spring ball for the QB job, but Alshon Jeffrey and Marcus Lattimore both return to the offense. Stephen Gilmore and Cliff Mathews will welcome all-world recruit Jadeveon Clowney to the defense, as Steve Spurrier is looking for another SEC title.
South Carolina is seeing much of the country take notice of them after appearing in the SEC title game last year. For 2011, the chorus to "Over" by Drake seems to fit them well.
11. Wisconsin
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The Badger program starts and ends with their offensive line play. They need to replace Gabe Carimi, a certain first-round pick next month, along with John Moffitt, an All-American guard. John Clay is also gone from the backfield and so is Scott Tolzien. Montee Ball, Nick Toon and James Whit return as the offensive playmakers in 2011.
JJ Watt is gone from the defensive line, but former Big Ten Freshman of the Year Chris Borland returns after missing 2010. Wisconsin will be right in the thick of the Big Ten race this fall.
What else than House of Pain's "Jump Around" for the Badgers? Come on now.
10. Ohio State
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This may be a bit high for the Buckeyes after finding out that not only will they not have their starting QB, left tackle, running back and defensive end for the first five games in 2011, but also their head coach. However, one has to think Ohio State has a solid chance to get that cavalry back as a 4-1 squad, as they open with Akron, Toledo, Miami, Colorado and Michigan State.
Nine starters return to Columbus on offense, but the defense will be plenty young in 2011.
I thought of going with "Sorry" by Akon, but I chose "Locked up" instead. Let the Buckeyes out!
9. Arkansas
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Bobby Petrino has the Razorbacks on the rise and is known as one of the best play-callers in college football. Tyler Wilson has a chance to be better than Ryan Mallett, and Greg Childs returns after missing the home stretch of 2010 with a knee injury. Knile Davis balances out the rushing attack and adds another dimension to the offense.
The Hog D improved in 2010 and will look use their strong 2010 showing as a stepping stone to becoming one of the better units in the SEC. They return eight starters from 2010.
"We Takin' Over" by DJ Khaled is my pick for Arkansas' theme song of 2011.
8. Stanford
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Two words that explain why Stanford has a chance to compete for a BCS title: Andrew. Luck.
Luck pulled a Peyton Manning and chose to stick around for another year after being told he'd likely be the No.1 overall pick. David Shaw will be a seamless transition from Jim Harbaugh as he will move from OC to HC and keep the system intact.
The Cardinal will have to replace starters around Luck, including seven on offense and four on defense, but when you have Andrew Luck on your team, you always have a chance to win.
"Power" by Kanye West seems to be a good song for Luck and the Cardinal in 2011.
7. Florida State
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Jimbo Fisher has the Seminoles on the come-up after a 10-4 first season, an ACC Atlantic title and a Chick-Fil-A bowl win over SEC East champ South Carolina. EJ Manuel takes over full-time at the QB position and has world of potential. On defense, Greg Reid, Telvin Smith, Chris Jones and Xavier Rhodes come back, along with even more young talent.
Fisher had two back-to-back elite recruiting classes under his belt, and has done a good job of infusing young talent into the program.
Fisher has gotten the program to begin getting some of its swagger back with hard work and seems to have a magic touch. "Magic" by B.O.B. works just fine.
6. Oklahoma State
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Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon are among the top QB/WR combos in the country and helped the Cowboys win 11 games for the first time ever in 2011. They return, and that spells trouble for Big 12 defenses yet again in 2011. They must find a replacement for Kendall Hunter at running back, but scoring points won't be hard to do for the Stillwater boys.
But they need to replace Justin Gent and Orie Lemon, along with four other starters on defense. The Pokes have the tools to make some noise in 2011.
The Cowboys will be a hot name in 2011 and their offense will be on fire, so "Fire Flame" by Lil' Wayne sounds good for them.
5. Oregon
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Darren Thomas and LaMichael James return, and Lache Seastrunk will only add to the dynamic offensive attack in Eugene. Chip Kelly will have to make some replacements around his key pieces, but the Ducks look like the favorites in the Pac-12 once again. They have to get over the hangover that comes with losing the BCS championship game, but Kelly will not let his program stay down.
The concern for Oregon is the defense. Casey Matthews and Kenny Rowe are gone, along with a slew of starters and key contributors. The game with LSU is a make-or-break type of contest that will shape their season.
Kelly will look to kept the Ducks atop the Pac-12 for as long as possible, which is why "Forever" by Drake, Lil' Wayne, Eminem and Kanye West is perfect for the Ducks in 2011.
4. Boise State
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Chris Petersen is one of the very best coaches in college football, and as long as he is at the helm for BSU, then they will be strong. They have 12 or more wins in the past three years, and 2011 looks to be no different, even though they move over to the Mountain West.
But like Stanford, the Broncos have a top-flight QB in Kellen Moore, and that is plenty. They have to replace Titus Young and Austin Pettis, but Moore and Doug Martin at running back is good enough to win a slew of games on their own. The defense will be ready as well.
"On To The Next One" by Jay-Z is a song I like for BSU, as this season should be another in the constant line of BCS hunts and 12 wins for the Broncos.
3. LSU
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The Mad Hatter spurned his home school of Michigan to stay in the Bayou and coach up one of the more talented squads he's ever had as a head coach. I expect Zach Mettenberger to win the starting QB job in fall camp. Nine starters return to the offense and eight on defense. Anthony Johnson has the potential to win the starting DT job and be the SEC freshman of the year in 2011.
LSU does have to go to Tuscaloosa this year, which will be tough, but also maybe the game that decides the SEC West.
LSU seems poised to make a BCS title run and Les Miles will have his players primed to do so. "We Ready" by Archie is perfect for the Tigers.
2. Alabama
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The Crimson Tide have who I call the best college football coach in the country in Nick Saban. Plus they have a wealth of talent. Usually that mans a national title, and Alabama will be looking for one in 2011. They have to decide on a QB, between AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims, and Saban likely won't name a starter until the summer.
But Mark Barron returns along with Dont'a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw and Dre Kirkpatrick on defense. Trent Richardson is one of the best running backs in the country, and Alabama has two impact JC transfers coming in Jesse Williams and Aaron Douglas.
"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC is my pick for the Tide in 2011.
1. Oklahoma
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Oklahoma opens the year as the No.1 team in college football, and they have all the pieces to run the table and make a title run. Landry Jones is a Heisman candidate and maybe the early favorite, Ryan Broyles returns to catch his touchdowns and there are a couple options to replace DeMarco Murray.
There are 15 players with starting experience returning to the defense, including Big 12 Freshman of the Year Tony Jefferson, who could be the best safety in Norman since Roy Williams. The Florida State game looks to be a daunting one for the Sooners.
All eyes will be on the Boys of Norman in 2011, so naturally Tupac's "All Eyez On Me" should be their theme song for this season.
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