Review of “Bama Profiles in Courage: Laykin”: (Capers) Barr flexes through an emotional range that most writers would never dare attempt … Humor and Bama sorrow are fused together like twined tree trunks that keep each other standing…..It’s part satire, part character study, with a wry lens on fame, fandom, and the modern South. Well done, Capers, well done.”– Ian Allen, The Times Literary Supplement.


The Ultimate Herbstreit & Fowler Texas vs. Texas A&M Drinking Game

Let’s celebrate the return of the Lone Star Showdown with the finest Herbstreit-Fowler bingo card disguised as a drinking game. Bonus points for Tennessee fans brave enough to endure the potshots!


Take a Sip When:

  • Herbstreit shoehorns in a reference to the playoff race, implying Tennessee “might not belong” if chaos unfolds. Sure, Kirk, let’s act like they didn’t earn it. To be fair, the Vols are not electrifying to watch.
  • Fowler uses the word “pageantry” while gazing into the distance, as if he’s narrating a National Geographic Serengeti Water Hole live feeding special.
  • Herbstreit compares Texas QB Quinn Ewers to any all-time great QB (but casually avoids mentioning Peyton Manning because you know).
  • Fowler drops a stat about Jimbo Fisher’s contract buyout…as if we haven’t heard it 500 times already this season.
  • Herbstreit grins while referencing “SEC superiority” in a way that definitely isn’t sarcastic. (Spoiler: It is.)

Take Two Sips When:

  • Fowler laments Tennessee fans’ “overreaction” to that time he picked Charles Woodson over Peyton Manning for the Heisman. (Yes, Fowler, we still remember.)
  • Fowler casually suggests Travis Hunter deserves the Heisman, comparing him to Woodson—then pauses awkwardly when he realizes he’s opened an old wound.
  • Herbstreit mentions Tennessee’s lack of playoff experience while hyping Texas as “one of the best four teams” despite their résumé being flimsier than a wet paper towel.
  • Fowler awkwardly calls Tennessee fans “vocal” but it’s clear he means trailer trash without actually saying it. (Take an extra sip if Herbstreit smirks).

Take a Shot When:

Torpedoes at Tennessee
  • Herbstreit references “backing into the playoffs” when talking about Tennessee, even if the discussion is about literally any other team.
  • Fowler overhypes Travis Hunter by saying something like, “The best two-way player since Charles Woodson,” throwing shade directly at Vol Nation for not being able to handle it.
  • They awkwardly transition from talking about A&M’s booster money to the “passion” of Texas football, conveniently ignoring any Tennessee parallels.
  • Herbstreit uses a phrase like “physicality”, only to follow it with a side comment about Tennessee’s soft defense. (Pot, meet kettle.)

Finish Your Drink If:

  • Fowler tries to relitigate the Woodson-Manning Heisman debate but acts like he’s totally over it. (He’s not. We’re not. No one is.)
  • Fowler calls out Tennessee fans directly, referencing Twitter beef or any viral clip of Vol Nation losing their mustard.
  • Herbstreit laughs at the idea of Tennessee’s playoff legitimacy, comparing them unfavorably to a one-loss Texas or A&M team, despite all evidence to the contrary.
  • Fowler actually says the words “trailer park frenzy” on air while describing SEC fanbases (and immediately regrets it when Herbstreit starts giggling).

Bonus Rule: Tennessee-Specific Bingo

  • Herbstreit mentions any playoff scenario that leaves Tennessee out, even if the Vols control their own destiny.
  • Fowler finds a way to compare Neyland Stadium to Kyle Field, suggesting it’s “not quite as electric.”
  • Herbstreit or Fowler praises Texas fans as “some of the most passionate in the country,” with a tone suggesting they’d never say the same about Vols fans.
  • A random Peyton Manning commercial airs during the broadcast. (Take a double shot if it’s the one with Eli.)

Stay strong, Tennessee fans. As always, drink responsibly, because Herbstreit and Fowler certainly won’t spare your pride tonight! Cheers to a wild Lone Star Showdown! 🏈

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