The 2024 NCAA football season is just around the corner, set to kick off in the next two weeks. When most people think of “college football,” they envision massive stadiums packed with fans and the festive atmosphere of tailgates. People think of enthusiastic fans, who may be too inebriated to make it into the game, enjoy food, and watch on large screens. While this vibrant scene is a staple of the sport, it doesn’t capture the full essence of what college football truly represents.
Small Dots
Photo Cred: NESN
The media often fixates on the grandeur of major football programs, driven by lucrative television contracts and substantial revenue. Yet, this focus obscures the rich, diverse world of college football that extends beyond the spotlight. Many of the sport’s oldest rivalries, steeped in tradition, seldom make it to mainstream television.
Take, for instance, “The Biggest Little Game in America,” a storied rivalry between Williams and Amherst Colleges in Massachusetts. It dates back to 1884. This rivalry predates the admission of twelve states to the Union. It has been a source of intense passion for six generations of alumni. While many players from these smaller schools won’t make it to the NFL, the memories and experiences they gain from competing for their schools are deeply cherished.
The Work of Dozens
Photo Cred: Facebook
Conferences at the Division II and III levels deserve recognition for their remarkable efforts. Unlike major conferences like the Southeastern Conference, which has a large full-time staff, smaller conferences achieve similar results with minimal resources. Conferences such as the Landmark, SCIAC, Midwest, and ODAC operate with teams small enough to fit in a compact car. They manage to market and promote their teams effectively. These conferences maintain a robust presence on social media. And they ensure that their football programs and games receive the attention they deserve throughout the year, without any fuss or complaints about their limited staff.
Success Among Clutter
Photo Cred: Commonwealth Coast Conference
This summer, the Commonwealth Coast Conference underwent a rebranding, emerging as the Conference of New England (CNE). By adopting a name that represents an entire region, the CNE aims to highlight its football programs and elevate their profile. Commissioner Patrick Colbert and his team worked tirelessly to ensure the successful launch of the CNE. They faced challenges from unexpected sources like cosplay journalists. The CNE’s new identity is set to bring a fresh appeal to its football teams and expand its reach in the football-rich New England market. Partnering with the NEWMAC for a football alliance, the CNE hopes to strengthen its presence and enhance its visibility.
Financial Obstruction
To generate additional revenue for their member schools, conferences such as Landmark and NEWMAC have teamed up with FloSports to offer a subscription-based content service. While this approach aims to boost finances amid enrollment challenges, it has faced criticism from those who misunderstand the necessity of revenue in sustaining schools. MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy’s initiative to launch the MIAA Network, which covers conference sports, was met with skepticism.
Photo Cred: Roku
However, early results indicate success, with member schools benefiting from subscription-generated funds. In a sport like football, where travel expenses can quickly deplete an athletic budget, this additional revenue is invaluable. Critics who resist change often do so out of nostalgia. They forget that financial stability is crucial for keeping college football programs viable. The struggles faced by recently shuttered institutions like Alderson Broaddus University underscore the importance of adapting to ensure the survival of college football.
