College Football is Back Soon and Here’s What to Look Forward To
The 2022 college football schedule is fast approaching as Week 0 in less than two weeks away. This means college football fans all around the nation are gearing up for the season’s return on August 27th and are clearing their Saturdays to watch games.
College football is a serious and somewhat magical time of the year for most of the country. Every game is crucial, and the fans are known for being incredibly loud and rowdy.
The sport is also known for its great historic traditions and pageantry. Mascots, cheerleaders, marching bands, historic rivalries, and school chants are some of the reasons the games are so special to so many people.
For example, Oklahoma State fans know the lyrics to the team’s fight song, “Waving Song,” by heart and it is played at every single game during the pregame, after touchdowns and following a victory.
Other traditions include hearing the Bruins fans performing the 8-clap cheer at every UCLA game, while passionate Texas A&M fans show their support for the Aggies on the night before every home game during a rally at the stadium known as Midnight Yell Practice. The Texas A&M Aggies brought in the 247 Sports’ top recruiting class in 2022, so they are a team to monitor this year.
Following every Notre Dame home game, win or lose, players, coaches and cheerleaders all gather in the end zone as the band plays the school’s alma mater “Notre Dame, Our Mother.” And every Monday of a game week, the team’s helmets also receive a fresh coat of gold paint, which includes actual gold flakes.
For fans who can make it to the stadium games or to the rallies, the experience can undoubtedly elicit chills.
The college football season starting back up again also means a triumphant return to parking lot tailgates. Tailgate fan bases will soon be able to convoy together as they celebrate their favorite teams, along with beer and yummy grilled food.
Each college has its own signature way of doing it, some more unique than the others. One of the biggest tailgates to look forward to this year includes Notre Dame, where fans pitch green tents and gather to cheer outside the stadium. Former linebacker Marcus Freeman is now the head coach at the University and expectations are sky high in 2022 to see how he fares.
Another big tailgate that is expected to be enormous this year is the Cockaboose Railroad, one of the unique tailgating experiences you may ever find in college football. The South Carolina railroad comprises 22 cabooses lined up on the tracks just outside of Williams-Brice Stadium. Inside the cars, fans have a pleasant tailgating experience that includes televisions, air conditioners, running water and a full living room for relaxation.
LSU has been one of the top tailgating scenes in the country for years, where thousands of fans gather to support the Tigers. Head coach Brian Kelly is now entering his second year and there could be playoff and national championship expectations.
Michigan tailgating fans like to show up in strong numbers in Ann Arbor. Crowds line up on the way to the stadium and most lots open at either 6:00am or 7:00am only to fill up fast. The defending Big Ten champions could be in for another exciting season this year.
Alabama is entering the 2022 season as the No. 1 team in the Associated Press poll and a clear favorite to win another championship. The Crimson Tide lost to Georgia in the national title game last season, but a strong lineup of players makes Alabama the root for once again. Tailgating at the University of Alabama takes place in virtually all the parking lots around the stadium. The University is behind tailgating so much that they have even set up reserved tailgating.
Even with Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson off to the NFL, the Ohio State Buckeyes will have one of the best offenses in college football as they ranked at No. 2. Player C.J. Stroud is now a top candidate in the 2022 Heisman Watch and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the best receiver in college football. All-American running back TreVeyon Henderson could also help the Buckeyes snag a college football title this season.
The Georgia Bulldogs, who are ranked No 3., also said goodbye to many players who went off to the NFL. Still standing are defensive lineman Jalen Carter, who might be the best player in the program.
Most major college football games are going to be airing on local networks or major cable channels. Some smaller conference and games will air on the college sports networks or Internet sports channels.
For those who want to stream the games, there are many good options, including fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV. Each offer Big Ten Network, SEC Network, CBS Sports Network, and ESPNU.
For those tuning in on the radio, NCAA Football Radio delivers up-to-date scores, schedules, and standings, and allows you to listen to local radio stations for games live.
The heartbeat of college football is the fan bases across the nation. Whether they make it to the parking lots and stadiums, watch the games on TV, or listen on the radio, we expect the 2022 season to be an intriguing one for millions across the U.S.
Sources:
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1334063-the-100-best-traditions-in-college-football