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The Herald Scotland
11-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
SEC football stadiums rankings: Swamp at Florida bests Tiger Stadium
Amen. Come holy day, tens of thousands of believers gather at SEC cathedrals far and wide - a hundred-thousand strong at some venues - and they'll scream bloody murder when the opposing quarterback goes behind center. They'll scream other things, too, that aren't fit to print. Some of those stadiums will even tremble amid the roar and the vigor. If an official's call goes against the home team, boos will rain down, and maybe some water bottles and beer cans, too. Just after the dawn of the 20th century, a record-breaking crowd at a Tennessee-Alabama game turned so rowdy that police halted the game prematurely, and a Birmingham city official predicted college football wouldn't last in the South. If he could only see what it's become. I've covered games at every SEC stadium, and I've been to nearly all of them more than once. With one exception, each is worth visiting. Pack your drinkin' shoes - and your ear plugs. Here's how I rank the SEC's toughest stadiums: 1. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida Combine gator chomps with the din of noise and Gainesville's humidity, and Steve Spurrier aptly said "only Gators get out alive" from The Swamp. Florida fans belt Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" before the fourth quarter to create one of college football's most memorable scenes. Florida boasts a .714 home winning percentage against SEC opponents the past 10 years, compared to .486 on the road in conference games. That's the definition of home-field advantage. 2. Tiger Stadium, LSU Former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden once said of Death Valley: "The fans are relentless." That's especially true for night games. After LSU fans spend the day sucking down hooch, they're in no mood to take prisoners. QUARTERBACK RANKINGS: Big Ten | SEC | ACC | Big 12 UNDER RADAR: Five sleeper candidates for Heisman Trophy 3. Neyland Stadium, Tennessee Tennessee fans are ruthless. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield described experiencing "a different type of loud" while playing as an opponent in Neyland. And when "Rocky Top" plays on a loop, it's psychological torture. 4. Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama Alabama fans, spoiled by the Nick Saban era, don't always roar as fiercely as others listed above, but last season's game against Georgia served a reminder that Tide fans can bring the noise when they feel they must. Alabama is nearly unbeatable at home the past 20 years. 5. Sanford Stadium, Georgia Kirby Smart almost never loses at home. That's partially a credit to the environment "Between the Hedges." Georgia fans literally bark their way into the stadium. Sometimes, the stadium noise isn't quite elite, but, when challenged, this venue can rumble. 6. Williams-Brice Stadium, South Carolina The Gamecocks peck above their weight at home, playing in one of the SEC's most underrated venues. The stadium comes alive when Darude's "Sandstorm" plays, and fans wave white towels chanting "U-S-C! U-S-C!" 7. Kyle Field, Texas A&M Kyle Field towers like no other, and it literally shakes when the noise swells. Love or mock the Aggie Yell Leaders, you can't deny they create a unique scene, and the Aggies entering to "POWER" is one of college football's best intros. 8. Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn Some say Jordan-Hare uncorks a strange voodoo magic on opponents. Or, perhaps Auburn fans just create a tough environment. Find someone who loves you the way Auburn fans love to "Swag Surf." 9. Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Oklahoma Oklahoma's stadium fits neatly into the SEC tapestry, and the Sooner Schooner cruising the field paints a scene fit for the nation's premier football conference. With a capacity of 80,126, the "Palace on the Prairie" doesn't match the SEC's top colossuses, but it holds its own. 10. Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Texas Texas earns its reputation for having a bit of a "wine and cheese crowd" amid its 100,119 capacity, but Longhorns fans still can turn it up for big games. Texas has won 14 of its last 15 at home, resulting in triumphant renditions of "The Eyes of Texas." 11. Faurot Field, Missouri Several years ago, then-Missouri coach Barry Odom bought thousands of tickets and gave them away free to coax fans into the stadium. Fans will buy their own tickets, and Faurot perks up - if the Tigers are good. Missouri has won nearly 60% of its home conference games since joining the SEC. 12. Davis Wade Stadium, Mississippi State When Mississippi State fans get their cowbells clanging at full force, it sounds like a swarm of locusts has descended upon the stadium, allowing a venue with a capacity of 60,311 to buzz beyond its size. 13. Razorback Stadium, Arkansas No school ever embraced being the "Pigs" quite like Arkansas, and the "Calling of the Hogs" ranks among the SEC's neater traditions. Fans consistently turn out, and yet Arkansas' SEC home record remains too bleak. 14. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Mississippi No SEC tour can be deemed complete without sipping a tailgate drink in The Grove. As for the stadium environment, coach Lane Kiffin once compared it to a high school venue. As the Rebels climbed these past few years, though, the vibe in the stadium improved, too. 15. Kroger Field, Kentucky Kentucky became a tricky road trip at the height of the Mark Stoops era, and a basketball-leaning fan base would show up. Although it lacks the viciousness of many SEC venues, the conference's most modern stadium is a decent place to take in a game. 16. FirstBank Stadium, Vanderbilt Vanderbilt sprints away with the cellar spot. No other SEC school would play a season with a scoreboard held up by a crane. If you want to know which SEC foe Vanderbilt is hosting, peep the stands. They'll be tinted with the opponents' colors, as road fans visit Nashville to get a taste of the honky-tonks and take over Vanderbilt's small stadium. Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@ and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Josh Pate Didn't Hesitate When Naming the Toughest Place To Play in College Football
Josh Pate Didn't Hesitate When Naming the Toughest Place To Play in College Football originally appeared on Athlon Sports. One of the most impressive and intimidating parts of college football is the intensity brought by fans to create a special stadium atmosphere. From Virginia Tech's "Enter Sandman" entrance to the deafening intensity of LSU's Tiger Stadium and the massive fan capacity at Penn State's Beaver Stadium, the sport has numerous examples of fan bases that challenge the fortitude of visiting teams. Advertisement On Friday, Tennessee football shared a quote from college football analyst Josh Pate, who explained why Neyland Stadium, home of the Volunteers, is the toughest place to play in college football. "Neyland Stadium is the toughest place to play in college football ... I've never been in an avalanche before, but I would imagine Tennessee taking the lead on you in the fourth quarter and Rocky Top blaring, that's what an avalanche of orange feels like." In EA Sports' College Football 26 video game, Tennessee is slotted at 12th in the toughest places to play rankings. So, Neyland Stadium is in the mix regarding the loudest or most challenging stadiums for opposing teams to play in. Advertisement During Pate's latest episode of the "College Football Show," he waxed poetic about Tennessee's stadium. Tennessee Volunteers fans tear down the goal posts after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Sartin-USA TODAY Sports 'I got all the respect in the world for the folks at EA, but to have Tennessee outside the top 10 of toughest places to play in college football is evidence of drug use. Not only is Tennessee in the top 10, but Neyland Stadium is the toughest place to play in college football. Don't start with me. You can argue with this wall over here. I've been there for the best of it,' said Pate. The Volunteers begin the season in Week 1 with a home matchup against the Syracuse Orange on Aug. 30 at noon ET. Advertisement Related: Elite 2027 QB Sets Commitment Date After Naming Final 5 Programs Related: Julian Lewis' Father Sends Clear Message to Deion Sanders After Colorado's Jersey Reveal This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking all 18 Big Ten fight songs from worst to first
Nothing captures the environment of a college football Saturday quite like the school band playing the fight song. Whether it's heard pregame at a pep rally, in-game at a stadium, or through the television set, the tones of the winning team's fight song become synonymous with the game itself. For a successful team, the song initiates a celebration after each scoring play. On the other side, fans of the losing team quickly grow tired of the opponent's mic'd-up band performing the same tones after every score. As we've outlined over the last few weeks, the 18-program Big Ten Conference boasts some of college football's oldest and most famous venues, its best uniforms and some of its classic helmets. The conference's fight songs are no exception. Other than Tennessee's "Rocky Top," Notre Dame's "Notre Dame Victory March" and Texas A&M's "Aggie War Hymn," there's an argument that the Big Ten boasts nearly all of the sport's top tunes. For specifics, here is a full ranking of the Big Ten's 18 fight songs, ordered worst to best. 18. Northwestern Wildcats: "Go U, Northwestern" Northwestern begins our ranking with a strong fight song, displaying the conference's depth in this regard. Since the lyrics are mostly similar throughout, this ranking only focuses on the tune. Does it fulfill the criteria of classic and catchy? This one at least does okay with the latter. 17. Indiana Hoosiers: "Indiana, Our Indiana" Indiana's fight song isn't memorable. The football program might be to blame for that reality. While the song has a strong tune, it hasn't been correlated with much success over the last three decades, or ever. 16. Nebraska Cornhuskers: "Hail Varsity" Nebraska's fight song leaves a lot to be desired. It blends in with many others in the conference and across the sport. That doesn't make it a 'bad' song. The song just isn't differentiated from the Big Ten's best. Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire 15. Maryland Terrapins: "Maryland Fight Song" As noted previously, this slot does not argue that Maryland has a 'bad' fight song. It just doesn't compare favorably to others across the conference. It is downgraded for not having a real name, which is an important data point. 14. Iowa Hawkeyes: "Iowa Fight Song" Iowa's fight song is also downgraded due to the lack of a unique name. It is a bit more catchy than Maryland's song, though it isn't as exciting as other top songs in the conference. Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire 13. Washington Huskies: "Bow Down To Washington" Washington's song is unique -- its pacing differs from the large group of songs in this ranking that all sound similar. The Huskies deserve credit in that regard. Still, it has a ways to go before it becomes a Big Ten classic. Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire 12. Rutgers Scarlet Knights: "The Bells Must Ring" Rutgers has one of the slower fight songs in the Big Ten. That works well for those trying to learn the words, although it doesn't generate the post-score excitement that some of the conference's other top songs do. 11. Illinois Fighting Illini: "Oskee-Wow-Wow" The song name is certainly unique. While this ranking works to ignore the specific lyrics, these must be mentioned. The song takes jabs at the others throughout the conference, noting that every other fight song uses the same cliché sayings. 10. Oregon Ducks: "Mighty Oregon" Oregon has a solid fight song. However, it faces an uphill battle as a new Big Ten member. A three-syllable 'Oregon' fits well into the song's pacing and tone. Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire 9. Penn State Nittany Lions: "Fight On, State" Penn State's song is fast-paced and great for a post-touchdown celebration, which the program is familiar with. The slowed middle and quick finish are both big positives. This is a really strong fight song. Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire 8. Minnesota Golden Gophers: "Minnesota Rouser" Minnesota's song fits its name. The tune is quick, catchy and upbeat. It's a song that fans can easily sing along to, even if they don't know every word. 7. UCLA Bruins: "Sons of Westwood" UCLA's fight song has a simple and catchy tune that is easy to catch on to. All the song is missing is placement on a national stage, where a College Football Playoff or big-game broadcast ensures the band is mic'd up for every score. Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire 6. Purdue Boilermakers: "Hail Purdue" Purdue has a fantastic fight song. The problem is that the program hasn't been able to play it much over the last few seasons. The slower middle section gives the song a strong pace, complementing a rousing chorus. 5. Michigan State Spartans: "Victory For MSU" Michigan State starts the Big Ten's elite tier of fight songs. The song's unique start blends well into the steady tune, giving fans a second or two before joining along. Like with some other top songs, a slow middle verse is a strong complement to the fast-paced chorus. Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire 4. Ohio State Buckeyes: "Buckeye Battle Cry" Ohio State's fight song is hard to forget, due to the program's annual place atop both the conference and the entire sport. The song itself falls far behind the conference's top three. It doesn't pick up until the chorus starts at the 0:40 mark. Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire 3. USC Trojans: "Fight On" Some others may put USC's fight song at the top of this list, partially due to its placement with some of the sport's biggest moments. The song itself is a classic. Its unique statement-and-response form is what leads it to this top-tier ranking. However, it still feels more like a Pac-12 song than a Big Ten staple. Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire 2. Wisconsin Badgers: "On, Wisconsin!" Wisconsin's fight song is only No. 2 due to the top-end success of the top program on this list, which makes its fight song one of the sport's classics. 'On, Wisconsin!' is not far behind, however. The song is unique, catchy and upbeat. It represents what a great college fight song should sound like. 1. Michigan Wolverines: "The Victors" Michigan's fight song will likely hold the No. 1 spot on any sport-wide ranking. It's unique, catchy and, due to the program's success, an absolute classic. Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Tennessee golf hires PGA TOUR winner
Tennessee golf hires PGA TOUR winner Tennessee men's golf announced the hiring of Derek Ernst as the Vols' associate head coach. He played on the PGA TOUR from 2012-24. "I am very excited for Derek to begin his time here on Rocky Top," Tennessee head coach Brennan Webb said. "His experience playing and winning at the highest levels of professional golf, with the best players in the world, will be an incredible asset for the players in our program. "Derek's contagious enthusiasm to pass on all he has learned to the players in our program struck me from our very first conversation. There really is no substitute for Derek's experience in our game and I can't wait for him to get started with the Vols." Ernst (-8) won the 2013 Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina. He defeated David Lynn in a playoff, while Phil Mickelson finished third (-7). Ernst made 134 PGA TOUR starts and recorded five top 25 finishes. Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Don't hire him' Customers out thousands after contractor leaves jobs unfinished
ATHENS, Tenn. (WATE) — More complaints have been filed in Monroe County against a home improvement contractor from Meigs County. Records show Jerry Gardner was taken to court last year, lost the case, but never paid up. Two women in Monroe County found out about him because he places ads on and responds to social media sites for those looking for a contractor. Libby Robinson hired Gardner to install flooring one year ago. The agreed-upon cost was $8,000, although Robinson paid more. 'All total, I have paid $9,572. But the bad thing is I didn't have the three bedrooms and the two baths done. They were included in that $8,400,' said Robinson, who questions Gardner's workmanship. 'Oh, it just squeaks when you walk on it. You can hear it. He didn't put it down. You can hear the sounds. I think he just wedged it in there, beat it down, and left it.' NCAA responds to Zakai Zeigler lawsuit seeking to play another season on Rocky Top Gardner was supposed to install jacks under the home to add support, but visual evidence shows no jacks or any type of support were added. Robinson said Gardner told her the job would take two weeks. Katharyn Ahart hired Gardner two years ago. 'He was supposed to do a complete remodel, new floor, new cabinets,' said Ahart. Gardner quit before finishing the kitchen and never painted the walls inside her home. Hardwood flooring was laid, but the workmanship is questionable. 'He put in the floors and they're uneven. I can feel stuff underneath the floor. It kind of ripples,' said Ahart. Her initial contract was $23,000, but costs kept on adding up. 'I had to pay more money for tile. I had to pay more money for the flooring, my own countertop,' said Ahart. 'He ghosted me when I told him I was not going to pay him another dime until he was done.' She paid him a total of $39,500. 'What I'm left with [is] a house I could not live in,' said Ahart. Sweetwater Police: Bear spotted near North Main Steet Because Gardner left so many things undone in the home when he quit, Ahart recently moved back into her home after living with her mother for quite a while. 'Three months shy of two years… long time. A long time to pay my mortgage without being able to live in my own house,' said Ahart. Ahart sent a four-page demand letter to Gardner, but it went unanswered. Robinson became so frustrated with Gardner, she filed a civil lawsuit charging him with breach of contract and won the case. But Robinson hasn't collected a dime. We tried to reach Gardner at the number he gave to his customers, but received the following message: 'We're sorry the number you dialed has calling restrictions that prevent the completion of your call.' Athens couple out $9,000 after contractor never finishes job Amy Guillot and her husband were the first to tell us about Gardner early last month. 'We just wanted someone to come in to put some flooring in for us and have the job done,' said Johnny Guillot. 'We paid him everything upfront,' Amy Guillot added. The contract with the couple was signed in February. They paid Gardner more than $9,000 for work left undone. 'Don't hire him. Do not hire him,' said Ahart. $5 million in funding available for Tennessee senior centers: What to know The people we talked with had to hire a second contractor to complete the work that Gardner never finished. There is a law in Tennessee that says contractors may be charged with a felony when they start work, quit, don't respond to a demand letter, and if law enforcement believes there is enough evidence to press a theft charge. The people we've met with in Athens, Sweetwater, and Tellico Plains said they are considering filing theft charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
