After FSU’s battle with Auburn at the BCS National Championship Game on Monday, Her Campus FSU has decided to compile a list of 10 interesting college football traditions across the country (in no particular order). From stunning to strange, all traditions inspire pride within football fans all throughout America.
10. University of Iowa’s Pink Visitor’s Locker Room
Former University of Iowa head coach Hayden Fry thought that painting the entire visiting team’s locker room pink would create a psychological effect on visiting opponents. Though nobody has analyzed the effectiveness of the strategy, the locker room has remained pink for over 30 years.
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9. Auburn University’s Flying War Eagle
Before the start of every Auburn home game, the Tigers mascot known as the War Eagle boldly swoops into the stadium while fans shout the war eagle chant.
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8. University of Oregon’s Uniforms
Though Oregon has had a very successful streak in recent years, many people would prefer to discuss the players’ outfits instead of their performance. Nike specially designs a new and unique uniform for the Ducks every season.
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/mul…
7. University of Pennsylvania’s Toast Throwing
At the end of every third quarter of every home game, visitors will be treated to the sight of Quakers fans throwing toast onto the field. This tradition stems from a stadium alcohol ban in the 1970’s. Now, fans use the tradition as a way to “toast” the team.
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6. Florida State University’s Chief Osceola and His Flaming Spear
What would a college football tradition countdown be without a Florida State ritual? One of the most iconic images in college football is when Chief Osceola rides out on his horse, Renegade, and plants the flaming spear into the football field.
http://media.scout.com/media/i…
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5. The Ohio State Band’s Script Ohio Formation
During Ohio State’s pregame performance, Buckeyes fans get a glimpse of an iconic tradition in OSU’s history. The marching band comes together to create the script “Ohio” formation, complete with a sousaphone player dotting the “I.”
http://www.womansday.com/cm/wo…
4. Texas A&M’s Midnight Yell
Since 1932, Aggies fans have congregated at the stadium on the night before every home game to perform the famous Midnight Yell. There are usually five yell leaders directing around 20,000 fans in singing school songs like the “Aggie War Hymn.” Once the stadium lights are turned off, it becomes a signal for fans to kiss their dates!
http://yell.tamu.edu/sites/def…
3. University of Tennessee’s Sailgating
The University of Tennessee’s stadium is located right next to the Tennessee River, which makes it perfect for students to “sailgate,” or tailgate on a boat! The lack of traffic makes it a top tailgating activity choice for Volunteers fans and students on game days.
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2. Boise State’s Blue Football Field
Boise State sets itself apart with its iconic blue field. Known as the “Smurf Turf,” it was installed in 1986 and helped put the Broncos on the map.
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1. The Sod Cemetery at Florida State
We love FSU so much that we had to list it twice! Most students are familiar with the sod cemetery. When Florida State is considered to be the underdog for a game, is playing at UF, or is playing in the ACC Championship game or bowl game, the Seminoles take a piece of their opponent’s turf and bury it in the sod cemetery in Tallahassee. It even has its own grave marker! More than 85 pieces of turf have been buried so far – here’s hoping we create another plot soon!