• Navy vs Cincinnati 1/2/26 3:30 Memphis, TN (67th Liberty Bowl)

As a Hometown Memphis Tigers fan that has attended many games between these two foes, I can say that very few Hometown fans appreciate either of these teams. However, I think this will be a great game and expect a huge turnout.

I saw Cincinnati play in the Liberty Bowl against Vandy back in 2011, and the Bearcat fans showed up in full force with great numbers represented. I was sitting with another massive fan of the Hometown team amongst those in black and red. They were a fun, rambunctious bunch, and I expect more of the same for this 67th playing of this game.

Navy has nationwide support and could bring a sizable crowd, and while Memphis Tiger fans don’t prefer either team, there may be a strong local show of support from the Navy base in Millington.

Either way, the ball game should be a fun one. Sorsby vs Horvath. Give me 41-40 at the end.

–If you are in need of a ticket package, Kevin Alexander is the guy.

Speaking of ‘fun ones,’ I’ve been to more than a few fun Liberty Bowls, but before I get to those, let’s talk about the Real Stuff. “More than a game.”

In more than 60 years of this “treasured tradition,” the Liberty Bowl has donated some impressive funds to a number of worthy causes. “Six million dollars to St. Jude, one hundred and twenty-seven million to universities, and 1.1 billion in Economic Impact for Memphis. This is “more than a game;” this is a game that gives back.

As someone who has attended or worked as a part of this event many times, I love to see the game I love giving back to the community.

My favorite Liberty Bowls include: 2006, 2007, 2011, and two in 2016. Let’s take a look back at those fond memories.

• Liberty Bowl December 29th, 2006. South Carolina 44 – Houston 36.
  • 56,103 in attendance

What do I remember? Well for starters, Leanne Rimes was the halftime show. I was at the 50 yard line sitting front row somehow, someway and she was chilling in a cocktail dress leaning against the wall just below me. Yikes! What teenager watches football when the “West Bound Train” queen was in such close proximity? Yessir, “More than a game.”

Truth be told, I remember the entire game, and I remember both fan bases being in it until the end. I sat amongst the Gamecock faithful and chanted proudly, “SEC, SEC, SEC” anytime Carolina did something well. It was one of my first crowds that I loved, and in case you are wondering, there are plenty that do not have my appreciation. At least, based on the small sample size of fans within earshot of me at this one game.

I won’t name the team that had the most unsportsmanlike fans I’ve ever seen, but just know that when I say, ‘I loved a team’s crowd,’ I mean it.

The South Carolina fans were a tremendous bunch, and I was ready to drop my Mississippi State fandom for the Gamecocks on the spot because of it. Of course, I didn’t and the Maroon and White faithful remain my favorite college football fan base to this day.

• Liberty Bowl December 29th, 2007. Mississippi State 10 – UCF 3
  • 63,816 in attendance. The largest crowd in Liberty Bowl history

The Bulldogs won! That was the good part. Unfortunately for me, I was on the opposite side of the Maroon and White faithful and had to endure one of the slowest and coldest Liberty Bowls of my life amongst some of the most unsavory football fans you could imagine.

I sat with two husky Nebraska Cornhusker fans, perhaps the only two in the mid-south at that time, a Vols fan decked out in all orange, and my four years younger sister. We took the bus in from small town, USA, which was just an hour ride. It made more sense to do that than everyone driving all the way to Memphis and back in separate cars, especially since it was a night game.

It was a sweet Bulldog victory that saw Free Safety Derek Peagues earn the MVP due to his two Interceptions, and I’ll never forget my little sister being tough as nails in the cold. “More than a game.”

Someone needs to whisper that to the fans of UCF that berated us constantly during the game for sitting on the wrong side. Trust me when I tell you that we sat over there out of necessity as this was a tough ticket to nab. We overpaid for near top row tickets on the five yard line, but that bus ride home was sweet after a well-earned win.

• Liberty Bowl December 31, 2011. Cincinnati vs Vanderbilt
  • 57, 603 in attendance

I’ve mentioned that this was the last time that Cincinnati played in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, however, Bearcat fans know Memphis well having played many regular season games against the Hometown squad over the years.

In the game against the Commodores, the Bearcats came out on top 31-24. Butch Jones led the Bearcats and James Franklin led Vanderbilt.

I had the privilege of hearing Coach Franklin speak at an event leading up to the game, and I’ll be quite honest when I say that it was more than impactful on my life and a few of his words still linger to this day. Jocko Willink and James Franklin both have powerful takes on Ownership. A regular reader of this site knows that I like to quote EXTREME OWNERSHIP periodically, which was a book I read back in 2016.

But before I read the words from Jocko, I had the pleasure of hearing a similar message from Coach Franklin. “Change your circumstances!” Take ownership of your situation as a whole and change it to what it needs to be. In lieu of whining, complaining, or sulking due to something not being as one thinks it should–take ownership and change it.

It’s a powerful message that has helped me many times, and it’s all because of the Liberty Bowl, which is “More than a game.”

As far as the game on the field, it was fun with chaos on both sides. Very sloppy play by both as I recall, but it was a fun game for a neutral fan to watch. However, my pacing mind distracted me from the game.

I remember being quite distracted by a thought that I could not relinquish, a feeling I could not overcome, and a terrifying reality that I was truly in love. The massive fan next to me asked me questions throughout the game about the feeling and tried to help me find the courage to do what I needed to do.

Long story short, I asked her to be my girlfriend after a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game three weeks later, and we are still married to this day. Yessir! The Liberty Bowl is “More than a game.”

• Liberty Bowl January 2nd, 2016. Arkansas 45 – Kansas St 23
  • 61,136 in attendance

This was a game that saw Bret Bielema coach against the legend, Bill Snyder. Alex Collins scored three touchdowns and those in Razorback Red were treated to a show.

Amongst those in Razorback Red were me and my in-laws who were visiting from the hills of North Central Arkansas. They were all dressed properly and I spent the game trying not to freeze.

–Liberty Bowl Tip: Don’t dress for the tailgate. Dress for the second half when the sun sinks below the delta horizon and the cold, humid Memphis air begins to gnaw on the skin.

That was me underdressed like a fool. I had every clothing item needed in the closet at home, but decided to wear a crewneck sweatshirt, jeans, and ball cap, which was a little too warm for the tailgate and far too little for the game. My damp t-shirt underneath spelled my doom.

Burgers, sweet potato fries, and turnip greens was what we ate to celebrate the victory. Belly Acres on Overton Square is the place. I could eat a gallon of those greens. It would be nice to not have the consequences of doing so, but on taste and soul quenching flavor alone on a cold winter night, I could eat a gallon.

The game was amazing, but it was the fun with the family that won the day. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis–It’s “More than a Game.”

• Liberty Bowl December 30th, 2016. Georgia 31 – TCU 23
  • 51,087 in attendance

This was one that I did not attend but had the pleasure to contribute in another way.

Along with a few other talented people, we cooked and served food to the teams. I would shoutout each and every one of those talented people, and trust me that I remember each one, but if they read this, they know who they are and that’s what matters.

We fed both teams breakfast mid-week and fed them twice on Gameday. I remember it being an incredible challenge to produce the order and keep up with the high standards of serving hot food with lightning quick service to the everyday guests, but we accomplished the goal together. It was quite satisfying to rest at the end of such a busy day, and it truly took each and every person.

My days, I’m getting chills remembering that special group of people. Each and every unique personality and set of hands were needed.

Georgia may have won the football game, but my team won the day. My back still aches from days like that one, but each and every twinge is worth it. Only up TEAM!

If it hasn’t been clear just yet, I’ll say it one more time that the AutoZone Liberty Bowl is truly “More than a game.” I hope you have the pleasure of attending or contributing in some way.

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So, Navy vs Cincinnati in this 67th edition of the game being played. What moments or memories will define this one?

Will there be an older brother looking after a younger sister in a hostile environment, while their team heroically wins in the 4th quarter as was the case in 2007? Will there be a budding man in his mid-20’s laboring over the thought of loving another with all of his being as was the case in 2011? Will there be a gathering of family fun as was the case in early 2016? Will there be a coming together of a work team to accomplish something truly great in serving the event as was the case in late 2016?

Most likely, yes to all of these because while time does pass, the circle of life remains the same. Football may be the most fun to watch, but we should all remember that it’s “More than a game.” The AutoZone Liberty Bowl has 67 years of proof.

–Famous Liberty Bowl MVP’s include: Doug Flutie in 1983, Bo Jackson in 1984, and Dak Prescott in 2013.

If you’ve never visited the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, there is no time like the present.

Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’

Whit W.