Top 10 College Football Traditions - Part 1

With the College football season getting more and more intense every week, we figured that we’d pump you up a little bit more with the top 10 College Football traditions in the nation. Our enormous panel looked at tons of college info and searched for colleges with the richest and deepest history - here is what we’ve come up with:

10. Running through the T - At the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, there is very little that excites students more than the pregame festivities. As kickoff approaches, the Volunteers gather in the tunnel and wait for the marching band to form the famous “T”. Then, all of a sudden, the team floods out of the locker room, through the “T” and onto their sideline - an intimidating site for any visiting squad.

9. The Tiger Walk - Keeping things in the SEC, Auburn University boasts the ninth best tradition in College Football. Roughly two hours prior to kickoff, the Auburn players walk between thousands of screaming fans trying to shake a hand or merely catch a glimpse of their favorite players. As the team makes their way to the stadium, players get emotional and excited as the big match-up approaches. While other teams may try and replicate this tradition, it started here and will die here.

8. The Ramblin’ Wreck — A restored 1930 Model A Ford Sport Coupe leads the team onto the field and has done so at every home game since September 30th, 1961. The vintage car is decked out in GT colors and whenever the engine is fired up, so is the crowd.

7. Midnight Yell - At Texas A&M, the anticipation is too much. Rather than waiting until right before kickoff to get rowdy, Aggie fans, also known as “The Twelfth Man”, gather at Midnight the day before the game to practice their cheering. Thousands of fans pack into the Kyle Field stands and, led by the “Yell Leaders”, they can be heard screaming the War Hymn and mocking their opponent. This tradition doesn’t end at home games either. When on the road, the “Yell Leaders” choose a location to gather and the yelling occurs there.

6. Running of Ralphie - At the University of Colorado at Boulder, they have a pretty intimidating tradition. Imagine being a player on the visitors sideline and seeing a 1,300 pound buffalo running straight at you. It’s not the most pleasant or comforting feeling in the world, I’m sure. It’s a real spectacle to watch - unless the animal runs you over…just ask that guy at the beginning of the clip!

Stay tuned for more! That’s just Part 1 of our 2 part series examining the best traditions in College Football. If athletics are critical in your college search, then this post will help you find colleges that meet your criteria.

5)  Do NOT drink until you do something stupid.

College football games should be a place for family fun and entertainment.  But, thanks to this guy, you might want to re-think your plans before the next time you take the kids to see your alma mater play. 

4)  Do NOT try to calm down Kevin Borseth.

The coach of the University of Michigan’s women’s Basketball team is not the happy-go-lucky guy that he looks like.  Sometimes, when the Wolverines lose (usually), he tends to get a little upset about the team’s performance.  I cannot stress it enough – do NOT ask this guy for an autograph.  Check out him use encouragement to pump up his players.

3)  Do NOT forget to dunk the ball.

It’s very important that kids learn from their favorite athletes and players.  However in this case, it’s learning what not to do – showboat.  Check out Billy White of San Diego State and his cocky reverse jam…attempt.

2)  Do NOT believe the stereotypes about college athletes

Of course, lots of people out there think that the college athlete has little to no intelligence whatsoever.  Don’t believe them.  Watch as the articulate and long-winded Darren Sproles of Kansas State explains the key and critical moments of the game.

1)  Do NOT try this at home.

For many, tailgating is what it’s all about.  Waking up early, cracking those eggs and beers, and getting out to the parking lot seven hours before kick-off.  For a lot of people, it’s the tradition, while for others, it’s a religion.  Check out this amazing feat on Super Saturday before the Notre Dame vs. USC game.  And remember, do NOT try this at home…

It’s all well and good to get riled up while cheering on the sidelines for your favorite college team, but it’s another thing entirely to make yourself look like a dang fool in front of thousands of fans. Here are a few tips to keep you calm, cool, and collected at the next big matchup:

10)  Do NOT show up to a game representing a team that’s not even playing.

Far too often, fans utilize the wrong platform to spread their school spirit and pride.  Never, under any circumstances should a college sports fan wear anything other than apparel related to the participants in that game.  So, in case the above wasn’t proof enough of what can happen, check out this fool.

9)  Do NOT assume that your school TV station’s sportscaster is sober.

Most major universities have school television stations complete with their own news shows.  These people are students, too, though; don’t think that just because they’re going to be on the air later that they won’t be as intoxicated as the frat boy that puked in the hallway last night.  Now, either this guy was completely trashed or he needs to take another Public Speaking class.

8)  Do NOT Ring the Bell at Texas Tech.

It is considered one of the greatest honors to “Ring the Bell” at the Texas Tech football games.  Students endlessly fight for the opportunity to show that Red Raider pride by ringing the bell loud and proud on the sideline.  It’s just not worth it, however, in case you end up looking like this guy.

7)  Do NOT mock the opposing team if you’re a mascot…or, maybe, just don’t become a mascot.

Bucky Badger decides to poke fun at Michigan State by running around the field carrying an MSU banner.  Then, two mascots (Oregon and Washington State) have some words and decide enough is enough as it comes to fisticuffs.

6)  Do NOT get naked and streak across the field.

Only one of two things can happen if you try and streak through a sporting event.  First, you will be humiliated and arrested in front of thousands and thousands of people.  Secondly, you will get absolutely lit up on your blind side by a linebacker.  .  .

Think that’s some funny stuff? Check back with this blog tomorrow to see the rest of the list!