In The News

Chaos. That’s one of the words that can be used to describe the coaching changes taking place before the end of the season. Let’s look at why these coaches are changing teams so early, as well as some of the biggest names that will sport new colors next year. 

Why are so many college coaches leaving before the season’s end? Read on to find out our take and make sure to tell us which coaching change will be the best gift their program this holiday season by voting in the poll on our latest @TexasBowl Twitter post.  

It’s no secret that many of the top college football programs have elected to switch coaches before their season has ended this year. 

Why, you ask? One reason for this is a new set of recruiting rules implemented by the NCAA. Under these new guidelines, high school seniors are eligible to sign their letter of intent from December 20-22, in addition to the signing period that starts in February. This gives programs looking for new coaches an incentive to find new candidates as quickly as possible to begin working on recruiting their next wave of talent. These changes are all about the programs trying to save their recruiting classes and their future.

Let’s look at some of the top college football programs that have changed coaches:  

USC: One of the most significant coaching changes this year was USC hiring Lincoln Riley after parting ways with Clay Helton just two games into the 2021 season. Of course, no one knows if Riley will find success coaching the Spartans, but it’s safe to say that Trojan fans hope he leads USC back to being the powerhouse it was years ago. 

Oklahoma: After the shocking exit of Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma found themselves looking for someone to head their premier football program. The Sooners acted quickly, naming defensive coordinator Brent Venables as their next head coach. Venables has worked his way up the ranks in college football and now gets the chance to carve his own legacy in America’s most adored sport. 

LSU: Another signing that sent shockwaves across the college football universe was the Tigers stealing Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame after Ed Orgeron departed during the season. Kelly had been one of the most decorated coaches in college football the last 10 years as head of the Fighting Irish. Now he gets to step into the ring with some of the best programs in the SEC. 

Notre Dame: After Brian Kelly left Notre Dame after more than 10 seasons, Notre Dame stayed in-house, hiring defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman as their next head coach. Freeman has a lot of work to do to fill the shoes left by Kelly, but he has worked his way up through the ranks and has a shot to keep Notre Dame among the best in college football. 

Miami: Miami joined the chaos of the coaching carousel by hiring Mario Cristabol after the team parted ways from Manny Diaz. Cristabol, the former Oregon coach, spent 3 seasons leading the Ducks before making the move to Miami. Cristabol will be tasked with leading the Hurricanes out of mediocrity and back to the potency that once exuded from the program. 

Oregon: After Cristobal left for Miami, Oregon found itself as one of the premier programs without a head coach. That changed when they announced that they had hired Dan Lanning, the defensive coordinator from Georgia. Lanning was the leader of one of the best defenses in recent memory and now will try to bring that experience to the Ducks. 

Texas Tech: The Red Raiders moved on from Matt Wells after 3 years and hired Baylor’s associate head coach Joey McGuire as their new head coach. McGuire had success in his 5 years at Baylor, along with a pretty incredible high school coaching resume, and now gets his shot to make it at the next level. Integral to Baylor Football’s familial culture, Joey McGuire was highly valued and respected by the older players and was essential to the transition phase under Dave Aranda after Matt Rhule left for the Carolina Panthers. Many football fans speculate that McGuire could bring some interesting changes to the Texas Tech football program, and possibly bring it to a place of stronger contention with teams such as Baylor. 

In addition to thrilling games, exciting new prospects, and spectacular upsets, this season has also brought exciting developments in coaching changes. Time will tell how these new coaches mold with their new teams, in some cases as soon as bowl season. 

HOUSTON, TEXAS (August 24, 2021):  The 2021 Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar kicks off this weekend with exciting events and free community activities designed to provide visitors and the Houston community with opportunities to safely connect, celebrate, and create impactful memories over the entire weekend experience. 

Official Ticketed Events 
The NBOTB HBCU Greek Stroll Off presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar takes place on Friday, August 27, at NRG Center (1 NRG Park). Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. The event will feature performances from Greek fraternities and sororities who will be competing for cash prizes. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by visiting: www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/strolloff. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the NBOTB Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Band Together scholarship initiative. 

On Sunday, August 29, at 4 p.m. the NBOTB weekend will conclude with show-stopping performances from members of the eight HBCU bands that will fill the NRG Stadium with unique styles and sounds created to celebrate, support, and recognize the excellence of black college marching bands. 

This year’s band line-up includes Bethune Cookman University, Marching Wildcats; Langston University, “Marching Pride” Band; North Carolina A&T State University, The Blue and Gold Marching Machine; Norfolk State University, The Spartan “Legion” Marching Band; Southern University, Human Jukebox; Jackson State University, The Sonic Boom of the South; Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands; and Texas Southern University, “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band.

Tickets can still be purchased at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/tickets. 

Free Community Events 
Friday, August 27, The NBOTB Esports Masterclass powered by HTX Sports Tech will be held at Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (701 Avenida de las Americas, Suite 450) from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This specialized Esports and Gaming masterclass prepares high school students to be successful as tomorrow’s leaders of the emerging, multibillion-dollar Esports and Gaming industry. Registration is free for all students currently enrolled in high school. For more information and to register for the Esports Masterclass visit: www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/esports. 

Friday, August 27, the NBOTB Esports Tournament presented by Rockstar Energy Drink will be held at NRG Center (1 NRG Park) from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and feature some of the top collegiate gamers who will be competing for $3,000 in scholarships and more. The event is free and open to the public to attend. Collegiate gamers interested in participating can register at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/esports.

Saturday, August 28, Houston-area Entrepreneurs, Minority Business Owners, Startups, College Students, and Creatives will have the opportunity to network and collaborate with a dynamic group of industry experts during the Pepsi Zero Sugar Emerge Experience Entrepreneur Conference presented by PNC at the University of Houston - Student Center South Theater (4455 University Drive). Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the conference begins at 9:30 a.m. The theme for the event is ‘The Business of Tech, Sports, and Culture’ and will include a series of panel discussions designed to provide attendees with strategies, practical steps, and resources to grow their businesses and brands. Registration is free at www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/emerge.

Sunday, August 29, high school students and their parents can enjoy the HBCU S.T.E.M. College Fair from 1 - 3 p.m. at NRG Center (1 NRG Park). Admission is FREE. Attendees will gain access to top HBCUs from around the country who are recruiting for both undergrad and graduate admissions for S.T.E.M. and Non-S.T.E.M. programs. Students are encouraged to bring their transcripts for on-site college admissions. For more details visit, www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/collegefair. 

Know Before You Go
NRG Stadium’s Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for Sunday’s event. Approved bags consist of clear plastic bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”; (1) gallon clear plastic Ziploc bag or similar; and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”.  Be prepared to attend the show with clear bags. 

Face coverings/masks are encouraged while attending any of our NBOTB events. If you have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, please stay home and self-monitor for symptoms and follow CDC guidelines if symptoms develop. High-risk individuals should follow the advice of their medical provider and/or CDC about attending any of our events. Any individual who does not comply with the COVID-19 rules, and the NRG Park Health & Safety Guidelines will not be permitted to enter or remain on NRG Park premises. *Disclaimer: COVID-19 guidelines and bag policies for media will be sent directly to approved media receiving credentials to cover the NBOTB.

To purchase tickets and for more information about the NBOTB visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/events and stay updated on social media at @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram) / @NationalBOTB (Twitter).

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Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar
The event’s mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $500,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. www.nationalbattleofthebands.com  

Webber Marketing and Consulting
Webber Marketing & Consulting (WMC), LLC is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and is the largest marketing agency of record for HBCUs specializing in strategic outreach program development, on-site event execution, experiential marketing, and media. WMC provides their clients with focused programs that deliver measurable results, improve market position, and build for future successes. www.webbermarketing.net 

Harris County - Houston Sports Authority
The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority maintains the facilities and services the debt of the world-class, professional sports venues it was created to build. To support this primary mission, Houston Sports serves as a leading proponent for attracting sporting events to Houston and for promoting the city as a home for sports-related activities, to ultimately enhance Houston’s economic development and bring better quality of life for its residents. Houston Sports also created the annual Houston Sports Awards to honor the area’s outstanding athletes. www.houstonsports.org  

Lone Star Sports & Entertainment
Lone Star Sports & Entertainment is an event management company founded in 2003 that is closely affiliated with the NFL’s Houston Texans. Since its founding, LSSE has established itself as the leading sports event promoter in Houston. In addition to the Texas Bowl and the Texas Kickoff, LSSE has emerged as a premier promoter for international soccer matches, including Copa America Centenario, the 2010 MLS All-Star Game featuring Manchester United, the 2006 FC Barcelona U.S. tour, 2003 and 2008 matches between the United States and Mexico, and the 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cups. LSSE has also reinvigorated the “Battle of the Piney Woods” rivalry between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State and has promoted major concerts featuring country superstars including George Strait, Taylor Swift and Kenny Chesney.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Derek Ross, Webber Marketing/National Battle of the Bands, derek@thed2g.com 

Amber Malague, Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, amalague@houstonsports.org 

Omar Majzoub, Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, omar.majzoub@houstontexans.com

#NBOTB
#WeAreHoustonSports

HOUSTON, Texas -- In an effort to prioritize health and safety during the pandemic, event partners Webber Marketing & Consulting, LLC and the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority, with the support of local and NRG Stadium officials, have rescheduled the 2020 Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands for the last weekend in August, 2021.

“Safety is our No. 1 priority. Over the last few months, we have been closely monitoring the ongoing developments of the coronavirus and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, as well as state and local governments, and we are confident this decision is the best course of action,” said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing & Consulting, LLC and Creator of the National Battle of the Bands. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding of the measures we are taking to protect our students, fans and the greater community.”

With the backing of its partners, NBOTB will support Historically Black Colleges and Universities during these challenging times with the launch of a scholarship program -- HBCUs Band Together. The evergreen, scholarship initiative is designed to bring together those who love and seek to support HBCUs, HBCU marching bands and their band members during the COVID-19 crisis, while celebrating the talent, contribution and impact of HBCU marching bands on the culture, and the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders.

“Due to safety and health concerns, we understand and wholeheartedly support the decision to reschedule the National Battle of the Bands for the fall of 2021,” said Jeff Sigel, Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “As the continued title sponsor of NBOTB, we remain committed to participating HBCUs and are excited to provide support to the HBCUs Band Together initiative.”

With COVID-19 changing the landscape of sporting events and other public gatherings where HBCU bands would be invited to perform and showcase their talents – HBCUs Band Together will focus on raising aid for 250,000 COVID-19 test kits for all HBCU students and creating another source of funding to assist HBCU bands with scholarships for its students and programs. To donate, go to www.HBCUsBandTogether.org.

“During the pandemic, we have been focused on creating opportunities and making an impact, which calls for most initiatives to be virtual at this point,” said Sports Authority Vice President Chris Massey.

“After seeing Houston and the HBCU community embrace NBOTB last year, we want to keep that positive momentum, which is arguably more important now than ever before. HBCUs Band Together does just that.”

The NBOTB has secured a three-year partnership with The AEA Education Foundation, Inc., which will serve as a presenting sponsor of the NBOTB and support its commitment to providing scholarships for HBCUs.

In addition, the U.S. Air Force is now an official sponsor of the NBOTB and will serve as the new title partner for the HBCU College Recruitment Fair that helps students learn more about HBCUs which are recruiting for both undergrad and graduate students for S.T.E.M. and non S.T.E.M. programs.

Both partners will also support HBCUs Band Together.

In 2019, the support of fans and partners helped make the inaugural year in Houston one of great memories and of lasting impact. The event raised $100,000 in scholarships, which supported the participating HBCU bands, two local Black Greek letter organizations and supplied band instruments to five local Houston-area high school bands.

For more information about the NBOTB visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com and stay updated on social media:

NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram)

@NationalBOTB (Twitter)

For more information about HBCUs Band Together visit www.hbcusbandtogether.org and stay updated on social media:

HBCUsBandTogether (Facebook/Instagram)

@HBCUsBand (Twitter)

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About the Cracker Barrel National Battle of the Bands
The event’s mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $500,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities.

www.nationalbattleofthebands.com 

About HBCUs Band Together
HBCUs Band Together is a scholarship initiative designed to bring together those who love and seek to support HBCU’s, HBCU Bands and their band members during the COVID-19 crisis; while celebrating the talent, contribution and impact of HBCU marching bands on the culture, and the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders.

www.hbcusbandtogether.org 

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Contact: Melanie Hauser, Harris County - Houston Sports Authority
mhauser@houstonsports.org
Derek Ross, National Battle of the Bands
Derek@thed2g.com 

#WeAreHoustonSports

The AP Top 25 Poll has been officially released but things feel different this year. With nine of the top teams listed in this year’s poll not even planning on playing a fall schedule and very limited non-conference play, we are poised for the most unique college football season we’ve ever been a part of.

Overall, we’re excited to get college football safely rolling, no matter what it looks like. The countdown to kickoff can finally begin! Read on to see which matchups we get to look forward to from the Big 12 and the SEC in Week 1.

The general uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought to this season along with an unusual off season, essentially non-existent preseason coupled with all of the normal uncertainties that come with the start of a new season—we are surely in for a wild ride in 2020. It almost sounds crazy to say that we are officially one month out from Week 1 of college football, and we can’t wait.

WEEK 1 – Saturday, September 26

BIG 12

Kansas at Baylor

(23) Iowa State at TCU

Kansas State at (5) Oklahoma

West Virginia at Oklahoma State (15)

Texas (14) at Texas Tech

SEC

(3) Alabama at Missouri

(8) Florida at Ole Miss

(4) Georgia at Arkansas

Kentucky at (11) Auburn

Mississippi State at (6) LSU

(25) Tennessee at South Carolina

Vanderbilt at (13) Texas A&M

At first glance, Week 1 seem fairly tame and easily predictable. But it’s 2020. Anything can happen.

Which matchups are you looking forward to? Let us know on Twitter @LSSETexans.