College football

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College football is a form of American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian universities. It was through college football play that American football rules first gained popularity in the United States.

History

College football has its origins in the late 19th century. The first game is often cited as the match between Rutgers University and Princeton University on November 6, 1869. This game was played with a round ball and used rules that were a combination of soccer and rugby football.

Organization

College football is organized by various governing bodies. In the United States, the primary governing body is the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA is divided into three divisions: NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division III. Division I is further subdivided into the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Major Conferences

In Division I FBS, there are several major conferences, including:

• Southeastern Conference (SEC)
• Big Ten Conference
• Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
• Big 12 Conference
• Pac-12 Conference

Bowl Games and Playoffs

The college football season culminates in a series of bowl games, which are post-season games that often feature matchups between top teams. The most prestigious of these is the College Football Playoff (CFP), which determines the national champion. The CFP consists of two semifinal games and a championship game.

Rivalries

College football is known for its intense rivalries. Some of the most famous rivalries include:

• Army–Navy Game
• Iron Bowl (Auburn vs. Alabama)
• The Game (Harvard–Yale)
• Red River Showdown (Texas vs. Oklahoma)
• Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry

Impact on Culture

College football has a significant impact on American culture, particularly in the Southern United States and the Midwestern United States. It is a major source of pride for many universities and their alumni. The sport also has a substantial economic impact, generating significant revenue for schools and local economies.

Related Pages

• American football
• National Football League
• High school football
• College Football Playoff
• Heisman Trophy
• Bowl Championship Series
• NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision
• NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision

See Also

• List of college football rivalry games
• List of NCAA Division I FBS football programs
• College football on television