So, recently me and a couple of my friends decided that we are going to start traveling to one game each year, and we want to try to see the best that college football has to offer. So, we are trying to compile a list of the 25 greatest college football experiences. We'll hit at least 1 each year, and at the end of this epic undertaking, I intend to write a book about the experience.
So, I'm looking for nominations for the top college football experiences, and after reviewing all of the suggestions, I'll try to narrow down the list to 25.
To start, here are the ones that we've come up with so far. I'm trying to put together a list that hits as many of the great stadiums in the game, without going to the same stadium multiple times if possible, so we can get a breadth of experience. Therefore, while a game like Notre Dame vs. Michigan in the Big House or Notre Dame Stadium may be worthy of consideration, it would be trumped by Mich/OSU or ND/USC. Some of the rivalries (like Mich/OSU and ND/USC) are worthy enough to warrant a trip to both stadiums for that rivalry. Also, I'm not including actual bowl games or conference championships in the list - I'm looking for the best of regular season college football.
So, here's the list we've put together so far - it's already at 27 games, and I'm sure it will get bigger yet before I can pare it back down. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
For economy's sake (and my own sanity), if you are reading this syndicated elsewhere (ala Bleacher Report), please comment on my original posting at Domer Law Blog.
If you are a blogger/sportswriter and want in on the annual trip, please e-mail me at nwaechter@hotmail.com, and I'll put together a mailing once each year's destination is announced.
Notre Dame v. USC @ Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend, IN)
Notre Dame v. USC @ The Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
The Game (Michigan v. Ohio State) @ The Big House (Ann Arbor, MI)
The Game (Michigan v. Ohio State) @ The Horseshoe (Columbus, OH)
Army v. Navy @ West Point (West Point, NY)
The Red River Shootout (Oklahoma v. Texas) @ Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX)
World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party (Florida v. Georgia) @ Jacksonville Stadium (Jacksonville, FL)
USC v. UCLA @ Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)
Iron Bowl (Alabama v. Auburn) @ Bryant-Denny Stadium (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Civil War (Oregon v. Oregon State) @ Autzen Stadium (Eugene, OR)
Old Oaken Bucket (Indiana v. Purdue) @ Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, IN)
Magnolia Bowl (LSU v. Ole Miss) OR Battle for the Rag (LSU v. Tulane) @ Death Valley (Baton Rouge, LA)
Magnolia Bowl (LSU v. Ole Miss) @ Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (Oxford, MS) "The Grove"
Battle for Governor's Cup (Florida v. Florida State @ The Swamp (Gainesville, FL)
Battle for Governor's Cup (Florida v. Florida State @ Doak-Campbell Stadium (Tallahassee, FL)
Lone Star Showdown (Texas v. Texas A&M) @ Kyle Field (College Station, TX)
Lone Star Showdown (Texas v. Texas A&M) @ Darrel K. Royal Stadium (Austin, TX)
Oklahoma v. Missouri @ Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (Norman, OK)
Nebraska v. Missouri @ Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, NE)
The Game (Harvard v. Yale) @ Harvard Stadium (Boston, MA)
The Rivalry (Legigh v. Lafayette) @ Fisher Field (Easton, PA)
White Out (Penn State v. TBA) @ "Happy Valley" Beaver Stadium (University Park, PA)
Tennessee v. Alabama @ Neyland Stadium (Knoxville, TN)
Georgia v. Georgia Tech @ "Between the Hedges" Sanford Stadium (Athens, GA)
Battle for the Axe (Wisconsin v. Minnesota) @ Camp Randall (Madison, WI)
Commonwealth Cup (Virginia v. Virginia Tech) @ Lane Stadium (Blacksburg, VA)
Backyard Brawl (West Virginia v. Pittsburgh) @ Mountaineer Field (Morgantown, WV)
