[CTcard]

You were in the band I believe, so I'll ask you (and others) why they don't do more scripts like the 'Lost State of East Carolina.'  That was pretty funny and who would be offended by that? 

I don't really have any inside track on reading the minds of current band members - and of course I am old (was already history by the time of that East Carolina show). But I will do my best to answer.

At least in theme, I thought the "Lost State of East Carolina" show was rather funny. At this point I don't remember if the actual show was particularly funny. 

But, people were offended by that show. If I remember correctly, the good folks associated with ECU thought this was piling on concerning the lack of respect they receive from folks in North Carolina who give all their attention and resources to UNC and NC State - and Duke in a different sense. It can be tough to be a directional school - and in a directional state no less.
I do think their outrage was tempered by their jubilation over upsetting major-conference big-time opponent Stanford in the game itself.

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I am also not sure that the East Carolina script was really qualitatively different from the Iowa show.

I can't say for sure the detailed thought process in coming up with the show, but my guess is it's pretty much something like:
1. What do we think of first when we hear [opponent]?
(which of course usually means most common stereotype)
2. How can we reference that in some way that might be kind of funny?
3. How can we connect it to us - in some way that might be kind of funny?

So, for East Carolina I think the first thing they thought up was, "Wait a minute, I have heard of North Carolina and South Carolina, what is (and where is) East Carolina?"

Iowa is less obscure, so the first thing isn't where or what is it, but  farms. Then "hey, we're at 'The Farm' too". Then, "isn't there some annoying commercial that's always on about a dating site for farmers?"
Not so hard to see how they got there.

Even Friday they could have done something like a salute to Iowan music that is not the Music Man. (Everly Bros, Glenn Miller, Radio Moscow, and speaking of speed metal played too loud, Slipknot.)  That wouldn't generate a million threads on the internet, but it would have been entertaining.

Really ... are you so sure that would have been entertaining?

Who knows what reaction that show would have raised. It seems to me likely to have raised hackles of those claiming the LSJUMB was ridiculing the sacred figures of Iowa cultural history.

I know they've been doing this stuff for 50+ years, but maybe it's time for a change.  I'm still not convinced the Rose Bowl is the right venue for one's inner Jim Gaffigan, particularly when you aren't as good as Jim Gaffigan.

This is a common refrain. Maybe true. I certainly get annoyed at them sometimes, particularly when the band sounds particularly bad - and when I am completely confused about what the show is supposed to be.

Of course most bands have been doing the same stuff for about 100+ years and don't seem to have many calls for a change. True, they don't seem to annoy people so much, but also don't seem to entertain people very much either - really how many people make a point to watch halftime shows?

As a one time semi-serious musician, I am generically appalled by the idea of trying to play music while moving and outside in a group spread out over 6000 square yards trying to get 50,000+ people to hear you. No large marching band sounds very good - and being in one is generally terrible for your playing skills. I know I would never have joined one that took itself seriously.

[CTcard]

You were in the band I believe, so I'll ask you (and others) why they don't do more scripts like the 'Lost State of East Carolina.'  That was pretty funny and who would be offended by that? 

I don't really have any inside track on reading the minds of current band members - and of course I am old (was already history by the time of that East Carolina show). But I will do my best to answer.

At least in theme, I thought the "Lost State of East Carolina" show was rather funny. At this point I don't remember if the actual show was particularly funny. 

But, people were offended by that show. If I remember correctly, the good folks associated with ECU thought this was piling on concerning the lack of respect they receive from folks in North Carolina who give all their attention and resources to UNC and NC State - and Duke in a different sense. It can be tough to be a directional school - and in a directional state no less.
I do think their outrage was tempered by their jubilation over upsetting major-conference big-time opponent Stanford in the game itself.

---------------
I am also not sure that the East Carolina script was really qualitatively different from the Iowa show.

I can't say for sure the detailed thought process in coming up with the show, but my guess is it's pretty much something like:
1. What do we think of first when we hear [opponent]?
(which of course usually means most common stereotype)
2. How can we reference that in some way that might be kind of funny?
3. How can we connect it to us - in some way that might be kind of funny?

So, for East Carolina I think the first thing they thought up was, "Wait a minute, I have heard of North Carolina and South Carolina, what is (and where is) East Carolina?"

Iowa is less obscure, so the first thing isn't where or what is it, but  farms. Then "hey, we're at 'The Farm' too". Then, "isn't there some annoying commercial that's always on about a dating site for farmers?"
Not so hard to see how they got there.

Even Friday they could have done something like a salute to Iowan music that is not the Music Man. (Everly Bros, Glenn Miller, Radio Moscow, and speaking of speed metal played too loud, Slipknot.)  That wouldn't generate a million threads on the internet, but it would have been entertaining.

Really ... are you so sure that would have been entertaining?

Who knows what reaction that show would have raised. It seems to me likely to have raised hackles of those claiming the LSJUMB was ridiculing the sacred figures of Iowa cultural history.

I know they've been doing this stuff for 50+ years, but maybe it's time for a change.  I'm still not convinced the Rose Bowl is the right venue for one's inner Jim Gaffigan, particularly when you aren't as good as Jim Gaffigan.

This is a common refrain. Maybe true. I certainly get annoyed at them sometimes, particularly when the band sounds particularly bad - and when I am completely confused about what the show is supposed to be.

Of course most bands have been doing the same stuff for about 100+ years and don't seem to have many calls for a change. True, they don't seem to annoy people so much, but also don't seem to entertain people very much either - really how many people make a point to watch halftime shows?

As a one time semi-serious musician, I am generically appalled by the idea of trying to play music while moving and outside in a group spread out over 6000 square yards trying to get 50,000+ people to hear you. No large marching band sounds very good - and being in one is generally terrible for your playing skills. I know I would never have joined one that took itself seriously.