Jacksonville State University (JSU) certainly turned some heads with the release of their football program’s hype video this week.
The video, which features “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” playing throughout, opens a little, well, differently, than most.
In conjunction with the religious music, the opening image of red paint dripping down a dangling arm immediately brings blood to the viewer’s mind.
The video then doubles down, not-so-subtly evoking imagery of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
Watch:
❓❓❓ARE YOU READY❓❓❓ pic.twitter.com/hjuQiJEJdD
— JSU Football (@JSUGamecocksFB) August 28, 2019
The theme seems to be the rebirth — or resurrection — of the football program for its new season.
The video has certainly drawn its detractors on social media.
Some were seemingly offended for religious reasons.
Really distasteful use of Christian imagery (and set to a hymn announcing the coming of Jesus) juxtaposed with pomposity and arrogance. Not a good look.
— FUpaladin (@fupaladin) August 28, 2019
Others appeared to just be weirded out.
— El Entrenador (@CoachSelf2000) August 28, 2019
However, one thing is for sure: JSU went viral, drawing hundreds of thousands of new sets of eyes to its football program ahead of their game at Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday night.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
