The emotion. Walk a college campus the week before a huge game. It's what everybody is talking about. There is a certain tension in the air - as each fan knows they are about to pour so much of their own energy into Saturday's festivities and will support their team no matter what.
The rankings. Let's face it. When your team is returning 17 starters and last year you finished up at 10-2 coming off a big bowl win - you are scouring the internet in early April for some obscure preseason rankings just to find out what website or magazine has your squad ranked the highest.
The tradition. Tradition is littered across the college football landscape. It loiters on the street corners, in pre-game festivities, in half-time marching band performances, in post-game rituals, each big rivalry game brings countless traditions.
The loyalty. Loyalty to a certain team may run for generations in a family. I will forever have a place in my heart for the University of Dayton - where I spent 4 great years of my life. Whether you move far away or stay in your hometown - you have deep-rooted passion and care for your team. Absolute loyalty to your Alma Matter or that team that your family has rooted on for generations is not subject to change and becomes a part of your lifestyle every fall.
The college atmosphere. It's freaking outstanding. Let's do some quick phrase association - crisp fall tailgating on over 110,000 fans, marching band traditions and many more. This could go on for hours - I'll spare you.
Live mascots. Unfortunately, Michigan doesn't boast a live wolverine on gameday. However, back in 1927 Fielding Yost had brought in 10 wolverines from Alaska and would bring out two of them in cages on big gamedays. But we all know that it is harmful, therefore, the practice of bringing wolverines into the stadium had to be discontinued after only one year. The practice continues on for many schools around the country though - some notable gameday mascots are Uga - the Georgia Bulldog; Ralphie - the Colorado Buffalo; Bevo - the Texas Longhorn; Tiger - Auburn's golden eagle; and lastly the buckeye - it's a scary nut Ohio State fans wear around their neck that imposes fear at anyone who makes eye-contact with the ferocious nut. I hear that if you see a stray buckeye lying there on the ground - the safest thing to do is run in the opposite direction screaming obscenities.
Walk-ons. One of the best stories of the 2008 college football season was when Matt Williams, an average college student, came out of the stands during halftime and put home a 30 yard field goal in a kicking contest. In desperate need of a kicker, the Texas Tech coaching staff set their eyes on the halftime star. Matt Williams ended up kicking nine extra points in his debut.
The Heisman Trophy. Perhaps the most revered award in all of sports. Each year, the best player in the game gets this award - there is no money involved, no free cars, nothing but a name etched in history.
Money money money! Not here! No 23 year old millionaires with bling bling on these teams. These players aren't making a dime out there. So it's only natural for us fans to have more of an emotional connection with these youngsters laying it on the line each week for the love of the sport and their school.
These are just some of the reasons why I think college football can kick those other sports anytime. I can go on and on for days because I just love college football and will forever be cheering on my favorite team.
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