Same Songs

So, for teams that did not win at least six games in 2023, the college football season is over.

The rest will play in bowl games and four will compete in the National Championship Playoffs.

Those four are Michigan, Alabama, Texas and Washington.

Many arguments have already been offered that Florida State and Georgia should be in the playoffs rather than Texas and Alabama.

In other words, the same song we have heard since the four-team playoff format was introduced in 2014.

Speaking of same songs, it is the Christmas season and Reindeer Radio on KCOW is all aglow.

I haven’t programmed music on the radio since 1998.

That was one year after Nebraska won its last national title in football.

1997 was the year and 13-0 was the Big Red’s record.

So, let us rewind to 1997 when I was the KCOW Radio morning show host, and review my favorite 13 Christmas songs that I played on a regular basis.

Oh, and here is a review of Nebraska’s 13-0 season along with one of my favorite songs, the recording artist(s) and the year it was recorded.

1. Nebraska 59, Akron 14. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Andy Williams, 1963.

2. Nebraska 38, Central Florida 24. “Grown Up Christmas List.” Amy Grant, 1992.

3. Nebraska 27, Washington 14. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Bing Crosby, 1963.

4. Nebraska 56, Kansas State 26. “First Snowfall & Let it Snow.” Carpenters, 1978.

5. Nebraska 49, Baylor 21. “The Christmas Song.” Al Jarreau, 1982.

6. Nebraska 29, Texas Tech 0. “Little Drummer Boy.” Richard Clayderman Piano Instrumental, 1982.

7. Nebraska 35, Kansas 0. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Crystal Gayle, 1986.

8. Nebraska 69, Oklahoma 7. “Twelve Days of Christmas.” John Denver and The Muppets, 1979.

9. Nebraska 45, Missouri 38 (OT). “Sleigh Ride.” LeRoy Anderson, 1950.

10. Nebraska 77, Iowa State 14. “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays.” Perry Como. 1954.

11. Nebraska 27, Colorado 24. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Fred Astaire and the Westminster Children’s Choir, 1970.

12. Nebraska 54, Texas A&M 15. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Dean Martin, 1959.

13. Nebraska 42, Tennessee 17. “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians, 1942.

It was so much fun playing those same songs over and over.

Unlike the same song of arguing over who should have qualified for the college football playoffs.

Maybe next year will be better. The playoff field will expand to 12 teams.

And maybe, just maybe, Nebraska will be one of those teams!

Until next time, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!