NCAA FB

The winning tune down in Tucson

Mar 18, 2011, 3:37 PM | Updated: 3:50 pm

In an unprecedented turn of events, the players are not having the most impact on the games played in the NCAA Tournament in Tucson. Sure they are the ones who put on the uniforms, lace up their sneakers and fill up the box scores; but they had little to do with the outcome.

Another group of people who put on similar uniforms and play the entire game just like the players were felt even more than Juan Fernandez of Temple; The Bands.

Did he just say the bands?

Yes I did and for good reason. Throughout the entire game possession after possession, the bands tuned up some good trash talk and fake shot-clock count downs that disrupted the games rhythm. Watching on TV that is hard to see or hear I am sure. You have distractions like commentators talking, commercials, camera angles dedicated to the ball-handlers and funneled audio letting you hear what they need you to hear. In doing so you miss some of the greatest trash talk never heard.

All game – for 40 minutes – these guys (and gals) were under the skin of their opponents and actually influenced bad shots. It is easy to blame referees and credit coaches for victories on the hardwood, but in this instance we need to look to the band for the melody of this game.

This game was a tale of two bands, one that wanted it and the other just showed up. In these difficult circumstances – win or go home – you cannot afford to have a band give less than 100%. Take Temple into consideration school bands everywhere, you have a voice and an opportunity to do something special. So put on your face paint, practice your screaming in the mirror at home and be prepared to wear your throat out; the team is relying on you.

NCAA FB

Head coach Jedd Fisch of the Arizona Wildcats walks the sidelines during the second half of the NCA...

Arizona Sports

Arizona football coach Jedd Fisch accepts Washington Huskies job

Arizona football head coach Jedd Fisch is the new man in charge of the Washington Huskies, the university confirmed Sunday.

2 months ago

Salpointe Catholic defensive end Keona Wilhite announced he is decommitting from Washington and reo...

David Veenstra

Salpointe Catholic defensive end Keona Wilhite decommits from Washington

Salpointe Catholic defensive end Keona Wilhite announced he has decommitted from Washington and reopened his commitment on Sunday.

2 months ago

Centennial edge rusher Noah Carter, a four-star recruit, announced he is decommitting from Washingt...

David Veenstra

Centennial High School 4-star recruit Noah Carter decommits from Washington

Centennial High School's Noah Carter, a four-star recruit and the No. 5 player from Arizona, decommitted from Washington on Saturday.

2 months ago

Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer watches during the first half of the national championship NCAA ...

Associated Press

Alabama set to hire Washington’s Kalen DeBoer to replace Nick Saban as its next football coach

Alabama is expected to hire Kalen DeBoer to replace Nick Saban as its next head coach. DeBoer led Washington to an undefeated regular season.

3 months ago

Head coach Nick Saban...

Associated Press

Alabama’s Nick Saban retiring after winning 7 national championships

Alabama coach Nick Saban is retiring after winning more national championships than any other major college football coach.

3 months ago

J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum spearheaded Michigan's attack which beat Alabama in the Rose Bowl. (P...

Associated Press

Michigan tops Alabama in overtime of Rose Bowl, clinches CFP Final appearance

Behind a Blake Corum touchdown in overtime, Michigan clinched its first appearance in the CFP championship game with a victory over Alabama.

3 months ago

The winning tune down in Tucson