Our 5 Favorite College Football Traditions

Photo: Instagram/cubuffsralphie

When it comes to college football, it's not just about the game; it's about the traditions that make each school's experience unique. From pregame boatgating to postgame celebrations, here are the top five college football traditions that showcase the heart and soul of sports fandom.

1. Boatgating at Washington Huskies Games

Washington Huskies fans have been arriving at football games via boats for nearly a century, setting the stage for an unforgettable pregame tradition. Known as "boatgating," fans take to the water to relive their spring break memories, complete with ping pong tables, grills, TVs, and plenty to drink. It's a unique way to kick off the football festivities in style.

2. Script Ohio and the Dotting of the 'i' at Ohio State

The Ohio State Marching Band has been dazzling audiences since 1936 with its performance of Script Ohio. This iconic tradition involves band members spelling out the letters of "Ohio" through intricate formations. The highlight? "Dotting the i," where a senior sousaphone player is honored to be the dot atop the 'i.' Even celebrities like Bob Hope and Jack Nicklaus have graced this tradition.

3. In-Game Traditions: The Iowa Wave at Iowa Hawkeyes Games

The Iowa Wave is a heartwarming tradition that shows the power of sports to bring people together. At the end of the first quarter, fans at Iowa Hawkeyes games turn their attention to the nearby Stead Family Children's Hospital, waving to the young patients who watch from its windows. It's a poignant reminder of football's impact beyond the field.

4. In-Game Traditions: Ralphie the Buffalo at the University of Colorado

While many schools have student mascots, the University of Colorado stands out with Ralphie, a live bison. Handled by talented caretakers (who are quite athletic to keep up with Ralphie), Ralphie runs around Folsom Field before each half of Buffalo home games. It's a spectacle that adds extra excitement to the game-day experience.

5. Music During the Game: Enter Sandman at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech fans know how to create seismic energy. As the Hokies take the field, Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blares through the stadium, registering as seismic activity. It's a spine-tingling moment that sets the tone for an electrifying game.

Bonus Tradition: "Jump Around" at the University of Wisconsin

When the third quarter ends at the University of Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium, fans get a workout. The entire stadium jumps in unison to the beat of "Jump Around" by House of Pain. It's a display of Badgers pride that's hard to match.

From boatgating to bison runs and heartfelt waves, these college football traditions define the essence of sports fandom. They showcase the passion, unity, and excitement that make college football games more than just contests; they're experiences filled with rich traditions and cherished memories.

The Top 5 Most Ridiculous and Hilarious Traditions in College Football

Skip the customary annual ‘political debate over dinner’ holiday tradition in favor of these fun-filled favorites.

A much safer option,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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1. Remember when toilet papering a house was something you did to your worse enemy? Not at Auburn University. After a win, fans toilet paper the oaks on Toomer's Corner on campus. This tradition, that started in 1972, was stopped for three years after an Alabama fan poisoned the trees, but now it’s back. Do you think desperate college students clean it up afterward to stock their bathrooms? TWO-PLY PARTY

2. A tradition at Murray State since the late 70s, a horse nicknamed Racer One runs a lap around the field at home games after a touchdown. This tradition also comes to you from the school where after couples DTR, they hang their shoes on the Shoe Tree for luck. SOLE MATES

3. After their rival Georgia Tech discontinued their annual game, Clemson Tigers fans hit back with their wallets. They spent $2 bills stamped with the team’s signature orange tiger paw logo all over Atlanta. This 40-year tradition still remains, with Clemson fans paying with said $2 bills when traveling to away games. WAIT, SOMEONE CARRIES CASH? 

4. Florida State University began a “sod cemetery” back in 1962. The team would bring back grass from their opponent’s field after a win. But now there are new rules in place. The Seminoles must be underdogs or the victory must be in a championship or bowl game to warrant a sod funeral.  REST IN PEACE

5. A tradition nearly 100 years in the making is arriving via boat for a Washington Huskies football game. Then fans relive their spring break by boatgating. They party on boats and like any other tailgate there are ping pong tables, grills, TVs and of course plenty to drink. BUT WILL THERE BE SKINNY DIPPING?

Go Forth And Conquer

Unlike a good Cyber Monday deal, there are no statistics and jargon in here. We’re simply covering today’s sports in a conversational way so you can conquer the world.

Easy as pie,

The Last Night’s Game

PS – Surprise your sports fan with a gift from Last Night’s Game. Check out our gift worthy goods and use code CYBERMONDAY to save big. Hurry because the deals are good for today only. SHOP

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NFL (National Football League)

Not a chance. Break out the participation trophies because after yesterday’s games, the dreams of making the playoffs died for the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants. At this point the Browns would probably be happy with winning one game this season, something they still haven’t done yet.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner. The winner of this weekend’s celebration dance goes to (drumroll please), the best team in the NFL - the Philadelphia Eagles. Even the players on the sideline took a break from playing tic-tac-toe to get in on this Electric Slide action.  

 

Overtime

After making their official debut during the 2017 Invictus Games, Prince Harry and his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle announced they are engaged. The Invictus Games are the mastermind of Prince Harry and honor wounded soldiers as they compete in athletic, Olympic-style events. More on the engagement.

Sideline stat

There were big upsets in college football this weekend including number one ranked Alabama losing to Auburn (#6). The Tiger fans were so excited they rushed the field to celebrate. Someone is always the party pooper and the school was fined $250,000 for allowing “access to competition area.” We’d say that’s money well spent. Don’t worry, the fans still carried on the tradition of toilet papering the trees on campus too.

Coaches’ corner

Things got weird in the recent college basketball game between Alabama (#25) vs. Minnesota (#14). The entire Alabama team, minus five players, were ejected from the game for their role in a bench clearing brawl. Then two of those players weren’t able to play, so Alabama finished the game with three players against Minnesota’s five (the number of players on the court according to the rule book) and they almost won.