Granddaddy of Them All

Pretty much every year from about 2000, my dad and I have gone to the Rose Bowl game on New Year's Day.  It's probably my favorite tradition.  We witnessed the best Rose Bowl of all time, Texas vs. USC in 2005.  Or should I say, Vince Young vs. USC.  He dominated the game in a way no one else could.  A lot better than Cam Newton in the National Championship game.  We also saw the multiple beatings USC put on the likes of Michigan, Illinois and Penn State.  Basically, aside from Ohio State beating Oregon on 1/1/10, the Big 10 has been awful.  Which won't change any time soon.

Back to the present...

1/1/11.  Wisconsin vs. TCU.  Big, Midwest boys vs. Smaller, Texas boys.  Last time I checked, people from Texas know how to play football.  And TCU showed up, with a chip on their shoulder, and showed the nation what a Non-AQ team could do to the "big boys."

Hands down one of the best parts of going to the Rose Bowl is seeing the Navy SEALs parachute into the stadium.  I love every part of the U.S. Military, but SEALs are my favorite.  Here they are parachuting onto the stadium grass:

 

So amazing.  Go America!  Back to the game...We were sitting right in front of Wisconsin's tunnel.  Probably the most fun I've had waiting for a game to start.  Lots of action happening in front: players running in and out, coaches walking by, cheerleaders practicing, band members walking around, and hearing all they players interact with each other was the best part. 

 

Then, maybe the 2nd best part of the game came.  The flyover!  In the past they have had the B2 Stealth Bomber, but this year we had 4 F-16s.  Another reason why America is the best.  

After all the pregame excitement was over, the teams actually ended up playing a game.  I was rooting for TCU.  I love Andy Dalton (QB) and their whole defense.  Under-sized but fast and not afraid to hit you in the mouth.  Their uniforms were great, as usual, and featured the horned frog with a rose in its mouth on their helmets...great touch to honor the Rose Bowl.  After the most exciting 4 possessions I've witnessed at a Rose Bowl (4 possessions, 4 scores), the defenses finally settled in.  And the 2nd half was exciting on the first drive (TCU TD), and Wisconsin's last drive (TD with failed 2-pt conversion to tie).  Go Horned Frogs!

Another year, another great Rose Bowl.  Thanks, Dad.