College football is all about tradition, tradition, tradition

The soul of college football summed up in one word? Veteran ABC announcer Keith Jackson knows exactly what it is: Tradition. "[Traditions] not only give continuity to the sport but to an entire school,'' Jackson said. "It keeps the school in contact with alumni. Football helps bring alums back to campus -- which by the way helps fund-raising quite a bit. It's always good to keep the bookstore open. "... Every school has its own traditions, a festival-like atmosphere for game day. But remember, it only works in good weather.'' Traditions are what separate the beauty of the college game from the cash hungry NFL.
"I'm not the biggest fan of the NFL, but it's got to be more fun to be an alum of a school and to sit there and watch a game,'' Jackson said. "The feelings just can't be the same [at an NFL game] compared to your old-time alma mater. I also think the NFL has a rough edge to its crowds. With the luxury suites and all, money simply doesn't create allegiance the way college football does. "... Take the Big Ten, for example.
All the stadiums are large and they are located on campus. That helps bring the alums back.'' Along with the game, there are the pre-game, halftime and sideline rituals that fuel the pageantry. We can hardly wait for those traditions to resume.

National Post.