#20 Falcon Stadium, US Air Force Academy

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Capacity: 46,692

Unique Facts:

• Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains is the gameday backdrop
• The mascot is a peregrine falcon named “Mach 1,” which means the speed of sound – the peregrine can fly at a speed of 200 miles per hour and dives over the heads of Air Force fans
• 2nd highest elevation in Division I-A football – over 6,620 feet above sea level

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#19 Folsom Field, University of Colorado

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Capacity: 53,613

Unique Facts: 

• Another high elevation – 3rd highest elevation in NCAA football – 5,360 feet above sea level
• Flatiron mountain range is the background setting
• A massive recycling effort in 2008 made it the first “zero-waste” stadium in the NCAA 

Shop Colorado Buffaloes Gear

#18 LaVell Edwards Stadium, Brigham Young University

Location: Provo, Utah

Capacity: 63,725

Unique Facts:

• Mt. Timpanogos and Wasatch Mountain Range are the background views
• Part of the largest collection of North American fossils were stored under the bleachers until 2005 – now displayed in the university’s museum
• Previously known as Cougar Stadium, head coach LaVell Edwards retired in 2000 when the stadium was renamed 

Shop BYU Cougars Gear

#17 Ohio Stadium, Ohio State University

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Capacity: 102,329

Unique Facts:

• 4th largest football stadium in the US
• No field lights are installed. Special lighting is used during night games
• The stadium is a concert venue to some of the biggest names in music like U2 and The Rolling Stones 

Shop Ohio State Buckeyes Gear

#16 Husky Stadium, University of Washington

Location: Seattle, Washington

Capacity: 72,500

Unique Facts:

• Open side of the stadium looks out on Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains
• 70% of the seats are covered by metal roofs between the end zones
• Noise level has measured 135 decibels…loudest recorded ever 

Shop Washington Huskies Gear

#15 Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium “Death Valley”, Clemson University

Location: Clemson, South Carolina

Capacity: 80,301

Unique Facts:

• 2nd largest stadium in the ACC
• Hosted concerts to popular music artists like Pink Floyd and Rage Against the Machine
• “Howard’s Rock” is a rock given to Frank Howard by a friend claiming to originally be from Death Valley, California. The rock was eventually placed in an encasement and the Clemson Army ROTC protects the rock 24 hours prior to the Clemson/SC game every year

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#14 Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn University

Location: Auburn, Alabama

Capacity: 87,451

Unique Facts:

• Stadium is named for the winningest coach in Auburn football, Ralph “Shug” Jordan, and Cliff Hare a member of the 1st football team and president of the Southern Conference
• 1st SEC school to install an HD video display and 2nd in the NCAA
• Known for great gameday atmospheres and one of the more intimidating places for any opponent

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#13 Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State University

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Capacity: 82,300

Unique Facts:

• Largest continuous structure made of brick in the US
• Field named for head coach Bobby Bowden and stadium named for former president at time of construction
• Bronze sculpture resembling Chief Osceola and Renegade, FSU’s mascots, stands 19′ tall outside stadium. At sunset before home games, the Marching Chiefs play as Osceola’s spear is lit on fire

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#12 Camp Randall Stadium, University of Wisconsin

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Capacity: 80,321

Unique Facts:

• Oldest college football stadium – first formed in 1895 and completed in 1917
• 5th largest stadium in the Big Ten Conference
• Built on the Camp Randall grounds, former training camp of the Union Army during the Civil War

Shop Wisconsin Badgers Gear

#11 Tiger Stadium, Louisiana State University

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Capacity: 92,542

Unique Facts:

• Home of the most intimidating mascot in college football, Mike The Tiger (a real tiger)
• One of the worst places for visiting teams because of the loudest atmosphere in stadium history
• New 27×80 HD Video Board

Shop LSU Tigers Gear

#10 Michigan Stadium “The Big House”, University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Capacity: 109,901

Unique Facts:

• Largest stadium in the US and 3rd largest in the world
• First night football game in Michigan Stadium history will occur Sept 10, 2011, against Notre Dame
• Size of gameday crowds almost matches Ann Arbor’s population 

Shop Michigan Wolverines Gear

#9 Beaver Stadium, Penn State University

Location: University Park, Pennsylvania

Capacity: 107,282

Unique Facts:

• 2nd largest stadium in the US and 4th largest in the world
• The WhiteOut occurs when students wear all white during night games and the same for the WhiteHouse during day games
• First stadium to be included in Google Street View

Shop Penn State Nittany Lions Gear 

#8 Sanford Stadium, University of Georgia

Location: Athens, Georgia

Capacity: 92,746

Unique Facts:

• Privet hedges surround the field for not only cosmetic reasons, but also crowd control – originally planted in 1929, removed and restored in 1996
• One of the best mascots, Uga, descends from the original white bulldog and has an air-conditioned doghouse with bags of ice inside
• Field has only been rushed one time in history in 2000 when the Bulldogs beat their rival, the Tennessee Vols, for the first time since 1988 – the goal posts were also torn down

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#7 Kyle Field, Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, Texas

Capacity: 83,002

Unique Facts:

• Kyle Field press box has won many honors with accomodations for hundreds of press members
• The entire press box sways during the Aggie War Hymn
• The Zone contains a sports museum, multiple seating levels, and a graveyard right outside for the Aggie mascot

Shop Texas A&M Aggies Gear

#6 Autzen Stadium, University of Oregon

Location: Eugene, Oregon

Capacity: 54,000

Unique Facts:

• One of the loudest stadiums in college football with steep stands, seats close to the field, and a roof that overhangs
• Located near Willamette River and next to Alton Baker Park
• 74 consecutive sellouts dating back to 1999 

Shop Oregon Ducks Gear

#5 Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Capacity: 81,067

Unique Facts:

• Continuous NCAA record of consecutive sellouts…now at 311
• ‘Huskers fans are some of the most loyal in college football and the stands are always filled with a “Sea of Red”
• The stadium name honors Nebraska natives who served during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars, as well as 751 who died in World War I

Shop Nebraska Cornhuskers Gear

#4 Bryant-Denny Stadium, University of Alabama

Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Capacity: 101,821

Unique Facts:

• Originally named Denny Stadium after George Denny, former president – changed in 1975 to honor famous past head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant
• 2nd largest stadium in the SEC and 5th largest in the US
• In 2010, South End Zone expanded and the new seats sold out quickly prior to the 2010 season

Shop Alabama Crimson Tide Gear

#3 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium “The Swamp”, University of Florida

 Location: Gainesville, Florida

Capacity: 88,548

Unique Facts:

• Can we say Home Field Advantage? The Swamp is below ground level with enclosed playing areas on every side, which makes humid climate temperatures exceed 100 degrees and screaming fans even louder
• Large bronze statues of the three Heisman Trophy winners placed outside the stadium in April 2011: Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow
• The Gator Chomp symbolizes an alligator’s mouth and fans use this as a gesture to support the team, occuring when the Pride of the Sunshine plays a two-note music sequence from the film Jaws

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#2 Notre Dame Stadium, University of Notre Dame

Location: Notre Dame, Indiana

Capacity: 80,795

Unique Facts: 

• Known as “The House That Rockne Built”, Knute Rockne was a coach who popularized the forward pass and helped the stadium’s construction project get off the ground 
• The playing surface has always consisted of natural grass
• “Rudy”, a biographical film about Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger who dreamt of playing Notre Dame football, was the first movie shot on campus since “Knute Rockne, All American”
• First night game since 1991 will be held on October 22, 2011, against USC

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#1 Neyland Stadium, University of Tennessee

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

Capacity: 102,455

Unique Facts:

• General Robert Neyland made the Vols a football powerhouse from 1926-1952
• One of 70 stadiums in the US bid for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup
• The largest SEC stadium, 3rd largest in the US and 6th largest in the world
• Unique endzone paint with an orange and white checkerboard
• Located on the Tennessee River, The Volunteer Navy tailgates (or sailgates) outside of Neyland each gameday
• “Rocky Top” is one of the most well-known, repetitively played songs during any college football game

Shop Tennessee Volunteers Gear

#10 Brutus Buckeye – Ohio State Buckeyes

Brutus is a nut, literally. Ohio’s state tree and buckeye nut is represented by the mascot, who might I add was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame just a few years ago.

#9 Osceola & Renegade – Florida State Seminoles

Chief Osceola and his horse Renegade have been with FSU since 1978. The actual Seminole tribe has a great relationship with FSU and Seminole women are selected to design Osceola and Renegade’s mascot attire.

#8 Mike the Tiger – Louisiana State Tigers

There have been six tigers for LSU since 1936, all of which lived 17 years if not longer. The interesting fact is that tigers generally live between eight and ten years. LSU must take great care of their tigers!

#7 Puddles – Oregon Ducks

Not only is Puddles a reminder of Donald Duck – a favorite Disney character, the mascot has also been in a SportsCenter commercial. No wonder Oregon had a successful year in 2010.

#6 Ralphie the Buffalo – Colorado Buffaloes

Did you know Ralphie is a female? Although female buffaloes are smaller in stature, I wouldn’t get too close to this wildly fierce animal.

#5 Traveler – Southern California Trojans

Debuting in 1961, Traveler is a beautiful Trojan horse with a warrior accompanying the striking creature. Although Traveler looks snow white, he is actually a gray horse with hair that turned completely white.

#4 Sebastian the Ibis - Miami Hurricanes

Miami gets an “A” for effort in creative mascots. The Ibis is a native bird that is the last to seek shelter prior to a hurricane.

#3 Bucky Badger – Wisconsin Badgers

Although Bucky is as cute as a mascot can get, don’t let that deceive you. Badgers are known for their fighting nature, so beware of Wisconsin.

#2 Bevo – Texas Longhorns

One of the most popular mascots in sports history, Bevo is celebrated throughout the university and the Longhorn Steer has even influenced the uniform’s color scheme.

#1 Uga – Georgia Bulldogs

Unfortunately, Uga VIII passed away in February of this year, so now we wait for the next UGA Bulldog to occupy a pimped-out red and black dog house with air-conditioning and bags of ice at his beck-and-call.

#1 Spirit Fingerz Gloves

Show everyone you’re the ultimate fan from your head to your fingertips!

#2 Light-Up Bouncy Ball

Light up your life with a team-spirited, entertaining bouncy ball!

#3 Nail Polish Kit

Reveal your fashion flare with a 2-Pack nail polish kit with mini decals!

#4 Windup Mascot Cup

Watch your mascot of choice spin round and round with this fun cup with twist lid and straw!

#5 Wine Tote

Check out this fully insulated tote. Perfect for transporting your wine/spirits!

#6 ARMagnet

Let everyone know how big your “guns” are with this car magnet!

#7 Extension Hair Clips

Amp up your fan spirit and hair with this color extension clip!

#8 Cake Decorating Kit

Reveal your baking skills and impress everyone with this team-themed decorating kit!

#9 Ball Toss Dog Toy

No matter what team your dog roots for, this is a great way to play with your four-legged fan!

#10 Hot Dog Brander

Sear your team’s logo on a hot dog and make it a tailgating favorite!

With the arrival of the new 2011 Nike Coaches Sideline Polos, we thought it was fitting to list some of the best all-time coaches of college football. If you’re wondering what it takes to be on top, consider the amount of effort and commitment demonstrated by these college coaches. (They’re listed in no specific order.)

1. Bear Bryant
2. Knute Rockne
3. Joe Paterno
4. Eddie Robinson
5. Bobby Bowden
6. Woody Hayes
7. Bud Wilkinson
8. Tom Osbourne
9. Bo Schembechler
10. Amos Alonzo Stagg
11. Pete Carroll
12. Urban Meyer
13. Bob Stoops
14. Jim Tressel
15. Nick Saban
16. Barry Switzer

Let’s take a look at

Illinois vs. No. 5 Cincinnati
Cincinnati is a dark horse candidate to make it to the BCS Championship game. They must beat Ron Zook’s Illinois Fighting Illini team by a sizable margin if they want to impress the voters. Cincinnati is playing at home so I think they’re going to win. They will need a lot of help though to make the Championship game. They will likely need Alabama, Florida and Texas to all lose a game.

No. 2 Alabama vs. Auburn
This game is one of the best rivalries in the Southeastern Conference, if not the entire country. It’s called the Iron Bowl and goes back decades. These two teams hate each other. Alabama got the best of Auburn last year and though they are favored again this year (by 10 points) I’m not so sure they game will get out of hand. Alabama has played a lot of close games and is susceptible to a loss on the road.

No. 8 Pittsburg vs. West Virginia
I’m not sure Pittsburg has a chance to make the National Championship game, but they certainly can get a big for a BCS game. I have a feeling this is going to be a great game though – one of those games where there are 15 highlights. Both teams play football the right way and both teams dispise each other. That’s the formula for great football.

So what games are you looking forward to on this Friday? There are a ton to choose from.

We’ll start off with college:
No. 25 WVU vs. No. 5 Cincinnati
Cincinnati is undefeated and one of the best teams in college football this year. They have a great quarterback and a speedy offense. However, I think they’ve benefited from an easy schedule. There’s no way they would be undefeated in a conference like the SEC or Big 12. I like West Virginia to come in and win this game by 3 points.

No. 16 Utah vs. No 4. TCU
This game is similar to the one above. You have a very good school playing against a Top 5 team. TCU has only played one ranked opponent so far this season. Utah probably won’t win, but I’m a fan of upsets so I’m picking them.

Now onto the NFL:
New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts
This game has become the premier non-divisional rivalry game in the NFL. It seems like they are playing each other every season… and why not? The two best quarterbacks and the two winningest  teams in the last decade pitted against each other in a game that could have home-field advantage implications for the playoffs. I like the Colts to move to 9-0.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This is a great NFC North rivalry game. Cincinnati has had Pittsburgh number in recent years. Both teams come into this game 6-2 and atop the AFC North. The winner will have sole possession of first place. Can the Steelers stop Palmer, Ochocinco, and Benson? I think they can. I like the Steelers to come out on top.

What games are you looking forward to this weekend? Post a comment and let me know.

A lot of “experts” think the LSU Tigers aren’t really worthy of the No. 9 ranking. They beat a bad Georgia team and lost to the only other ranked opponent they’ve faced – Florida. LSU will have a chance to prove themselves this weekend. If they can manage a win on the road against Alabama they will have everyone in the nation believing in them. This game will also likely determine who wins the SEC West and gets a shot at Florida in the SEC Championship Game.

Other big games this weekend I’m looking forward to include:

No. 16 OSU at No. 11 Penn State
Two of the most passionate and historic schools face off in a great Big Ten rivalry game.

Navy at No. 22 Notre Dame
Navy plays some tough football and can score points. Don’t be surprised if they go into South Bend and win this game.

Vanderbilt at No. 1 Florida
This game should be a blowout – I just love watching the No. 1 team play.

Are there any games this weekend you’re looking forward to?