The American Game

College football is more than just a sport -- it's a cultural phenomenon. To understand the game, you have to understand how much everything around it matters, too -- from the team colors to the uniforms to the bands, the mascots and more.

Innovations in the game of college football include better equipment, evolving offensive strategies, defenses trying to keep step with the offensive mindset, strategies of physical conditioning, nutrition and injury recovery.

Integration in college football, though slow in its infusion through the '60s and '70s, not only changed the game itself in many ways, more importantly, it allowed many of the game's biggest stars to emerge.

As far back as the 1880's coaches figured out they needed the best players in order to win games. From the "ringers" of the early days to the 24/7, day to day grind of the 21st century, recruiting is essential to the college game.

The role of television in the growth of college football cannot be underestimated. From hand-held cameras to instant replay to ESPN and voices like Keith Jackson, all played a role in taking the game from a regional to a national game.

Love them or hate them, Notre Dame set the gold standard for college football in the 1920's, and they remain relevant today because college football fans want them either to win or lose, there's no in between with the Fighting Irish.

Some of the greatest rivalries in college football are highlighted: Harvard-Yale, Lehigh-Lafayette, Auburn-Alabama, Ohio State-Michigan, USC-UCLA, Florida-Florida State, Iowa-Iowa State, Army-Navy, Texas-Oklahoma, Southern-Grambling

What defines a "Game of the Century"? What are the necessary criteria? Some of the games highlighted are 1935 Notre Dame-Ohio State, 1966 Notre Dame-Michigan State, and 2006 USC-Texas.

Determining the best college football team each season has always been a controversial discussion. Bowl games and the various polls have played major roles over the decades, and today it has evolved into the College Football Playoff.

College football and professional football have not always co-existed peacefully. The college game was the country's introduction to the game, so when pro football came along, it was first viewed as not only inferior but as intrusive.

The Heisman Trophy, named for famed college football coach, John Heisman, was first awarded in 1935. The coveted award, revered in the world of sports, is given to the most "outstanding player in college football" annually.