Submitted by Admin
For some people, football is such a quintessential part of the college experience that they would not even consider enrolling in a college without a football team. Yet, some students who do not have a huge interest in sport do not understand what the fuss is all about. What makes college football so special, and why should every college student go to the football game?
Group Identity
College life can sometimes be alienating. With so many different interests and backgrounds, college students can find it difficult to relate to their classmates. Having a college football team allows them to build a common bond. While wearing the team colors, sitting shoulder to shoulder, and cheering for their teams, students find camaraderie and a sense of belonging in their university.
Socialize and Unwind
Very few occasions in college can match the pre-game party. Tailgating is a big feature of campus games. Loud music, hot grills, and cold drinks are a great way to take a break from the stress of studying. College tailgate parties are far more elaborate than NFL tailgates and there are often more people outside the stadium than inside. Hence students should make the most of game day celebrations and enjoy the summer while they can.
Electric Experience
There is no denying that watching a thrilling football game is an electrifying experience. College football reminds you that you are young and alive. With adrenaline pumping, feet stomping, hands clapping, and the crowd roaring, you can feel the blood coursing through your cold, coursework-laden body. When the Virginia Tech football team entered the field in September 2021, the energy released was so strong that it registered on seismographs.
Important Traditions
From school songs to fight songs, college football music can become part of the identity of college students and endure for decades after graduation. These spirited songs can buoy them up in times of trouble and remind them of key values as they go through life. Each college has its own game traditions, some of which are hundreds of years old. Some traditions, such as the flaming spear of Florida State, have meaningful historical significance.
Witness Excellence
There will be few chances in life where students get to witness excellence firsthand. When students watch college football, they get to see the diamonds in the rough. They can follow the journeys of their classmates and college team players and see them evolve from fresh competitors to NFL-grade professionals. Because most of these players are in the game for school pride, they play with raw passion—a delight to watch.
High Stakes
Because of its championship selection system, the stakes are higher in college football than in the NFL. In the NFL, you could lose a few games and still have a shot at the championship. In college football, you are probably only allowed one loss before your dreams of a championship evaporate. Teams are already ranked and NCAAF odds are published before the season begins. During the season, teams can swiftly fall down the ranks following a poor performance and lose their shot at the championship.
Source of Inspiration
Any sport comes with its share of success and failure. The best football games are dramatic stories of triumph over adversity and winning at the last moment. Football is a great avenue for college students to learn about goal-setting and perseverance in the face of hardship. It inspires fans to aim for the stars, never give up, and fight for the results that they want. Outside of the sport, this is an essential lesson for life.
Learn Teamwork
Another important life lesson that students can learn from watching college football is teamwork. Although some teams do have star players, their success is still the cumulation of the entire team’s effort. Some may say that even the cheerleaders, water boys, and fans are part of the winning formula. Learning how to work towards a common goal can help students become less self-centered, more altruistic, and better team players.
Become Disciplined
If you want something, you have to work for it. Athletes training to be at the top of their game must be disciplined and focused. They are excellent role models for college students who can often find it hard to stay on track with their studies and career aspirations. When students see their peers showing dedication in their pursuits, they are more likely to adopt good habits and follow in their footsteps.
Foster Connections
The love for college football lasts long after graduation. Alumni and parents of students return for campus games year after year and generation after generation. You may meet a future colleague or employer who is a supporter of your team or a fellow fan of college football. Or they may be a former player from an opposing team! Whatever the case, college football makes for good conversation and can be a great ice breaker when meeting new people.
By now you should have realized that college football is much more than just a sporting event. It is fun, enjoyable, and exhilarating to watch. It helps cement the bonds between college students and teaches important life skills through positive role models. This is why football is an essential part of the college experience.