Fall on college campuses is by far the most exciting time of the year for one major reason: College Football. Everyday brings something new and newsworthy. However when the season comes to an end and the stadiums empty out for the last time, fans enter College Football purgatory: the offseason.
1. The Final Game
The final game of the season could be a team's highest high or lowest low. For some, it's a rivalry victory, bowl game or for the luckiest a National Championship. For others, it's a coach's final game, a shocking upset or an embarrassing defeat (see Florida State). The season officially comes to an end.
2. First Saturday of the Offseason
This is a time of rest and the exciting realization: what will you do with this first free Saturday in more than 12 weeks? No more early morning tailgates for Noon kickoffs or late nights spent in triple overtime. No more hot days spent in stadium bleachers packed like sardines or hours spent under ponchos during a lighting delay. College football Saturdays can be exhausting, and the first week of the offseason is a welcome reminder that there are other things in life besides college football.
3. National Signing Day
Not long into the offseason, fans are gifted with National Signing Day, a bright look into their team's future. Coaches are hot on the recruiting trail of the nation's most sought-after players. ESPN and others set up camera's outside players' houses and high schools eagerly awaiting their decisions. Hats are tossed, ego's are fueled, and even a few puppies are handed out. But most importantly, fans are given a reason to talk about football.
4. Distractions
Oooh look Basketball!
5. Spring Games
In early April fans are rabid to see their teams take the field. Spring games are the first real glimpse at the team's next season. This is a time to check in on coaching changes as well as quarterback and position battles. These games are often nothing more than glorified scrimmages, but fans welcome this football oasis in the desert known as the offseason.
6. The Summer Drought
What many consider the most painful and desolate part of the college football offseason. Spring camp is over, coaches are quiet and news outlets struggle to find anything newsworthy to talk about. Fans are forced to *gasp* watch other sports, like baseball, to pass the time. Saturdays are empty and boring and many begin counting down days to fall camp…
7. The Long-awaited Return
Fans, students and the media line the gates of practice fields as Fall Camp begins and many get their first look at a new team and a new season. Players return from injury and incoming freshman get their first taste of the spotlight. Analysts are already arguing their picks for the Playoff, who will crack under pressure and which teams will rise from underdog status. How coaches in their first season will fare and how others will be gone by Week 6. Most importantly however, for fans, the season is less than a few weeks away, and a bright future full of victories, record-breaking performances and championships lies ahead.
Until they lose to an FCS team in Week 1.
