The big game is over, and the results are in: Saints: 31, Colts: 17. The Who: awesome.

Since this is a music column, I’ll leave the play-by-play to the sports writers. But it still seems necessary to crank out some sort of ode to the pigskin. How about a Super Bowl soundtrack? Or better yet, a rock opera.

You caught me. I took the rock opera idea from The Who. Their 1969 release “Tommy” basically created, or at least revolutionized concept albums by telling a story of a sensory deprived boy with a knack for pinball. Seeing as those legendary rockers lit up the field at halftime (literally), it’s fitting that their genius should spark the inspiration for the Super Bowl list.

Let me get right down to it, “Tommy” style. These songs give the layout of the game in a fraction of the time. No commercials. I’ll let you decide if that’s a pro or con.

I’ll be sure to inject some blues and classic rock, because honestly, the music is about as American as, well, the Super Bowl. Or maybe it’s just what I associate with the day after spending my earliest Super Bowls at my parents’ parties, where CCR and Janis Joplin records were a staple.

Here’s the list, with a slightly more lyrically driven theme than usual. It’s no “Tommy,” but hopefully you got your Who fix at halftime.

“Countdown” – The Black Keys

Remember how great that pregame show was all day before the Bowl? Me neither. Dry commentary and station identification don’t always pack the rousing punch that gets you in the mood for the game. Even the commercials are lame until the game starts. A better countdown to game time should be simple, quick and full of adrenaline, like this Black Keys track, aptly titled “Countdown.”

A Southern rock spirit has possessed the Ohio-based garage duo. How else could they keep up with such a scorcher of a song? Before things go haywire in the game, spirits are high and the mood is anticipatory. That is the feeling present in “Countdown” — rousing without being gaudy. It is the game’s welcomed beginning.

“Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” – Cage the Elephant

Hopefully you were able to watch the first half of the game, or at least as much of it as you wanted. If you were like me, you drew the short stick and spent the entire half waiting for a pizza carryout that was supposed to take twenty minutes. Sorry, I’ll save the rant.

For the patient souls deprived of the Super Bowl, a recap montage should be in order. I’ve got the song, now I just need someone to string together some slow motion replays.

While it’s not your typical ESPN jock jam, Cage the Elephant’s slide riffs and Jack White-esque vocals surely keep the pace moving. If you caught their performance at Freakfest 2009, you know what kind of energy they bring. That’s all I ask for the first half: some fast, attention-grabbing football. And maybe some funny commercials.

“Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” – Janis Joplin

There are two perspectives to halftime: that of the fans and that of the locker room. For the fans waiting for the bathroom, avoid the bustling commotion. Pay attention to Joplin’s band for some funky blues guaranteed to shorten the wait.

For a player perspective, listen to Coach Joplin as she revs up the contenders, albeit with gentle words. Burning with native Texas heat, her style might be too hot for Miami. But you can bet her voice commands attention.

“Break On Through (To the Other Side)” – The Doors

Since Janis took the halftime speech, another past music hero might as well try on the defensive coordinator hat. Listen up, linemen. Jim Morrison is going to tell you how to get a sack.

Maybe his words are a little obvious. Maybe we should have gotten somebody else. But in this case, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Coming from the Doors, it might just be enough to inspire a loss of yards.

“Bubblehouse” – Medeski, Martin & Wood

As every casual sports fan knows, the real game is played in the last few minutes. If you didn’t feel the heavy tension near the end, I don’t know what game you were watching. You must have been listening to “Bubblehouse.”

In it’s first two minutes, the pressure pumps heavy like the bitter finale between two rivals. After that, the melody is scattered into a quick jam improv that can last as long as necessary before a second climax. I suggest you search for a live version. The crowd noise and improvised jams bring out the best of MMW.

“New Orleans Blues” – The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

There are plenty of victory songs out there, and I’m sure you all have your own personal anthem. If not, go ahead and fall back on Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” Or instead, go for the full Saints victory experience. Mosey down Bourbon Street to the sounds of authentic “New Orleans Blues.” You can bet the Dirty Dozen did.

“Farewell Ride” – Beck

I want to be a good sport, so here is a song for the Colts — because second place is almost better than third. From Beck, you were expecting “Loser,” weren’t you? Well, this one carries just the disillusioned tone that Indy must have felt after their upset. Beck drags on the tune to their long march home. Better luck next year.

Now that it’s over, can we bring the spotlight back to Favre?

Joe Nistler ([email protected]) is a sophomore majoring in Italian and journalism.